Firewall Alert Error Code 2V7HGTVB Pop-Up Scam: How to Stay Safe

Have you seen a warning on your computer saying “Firewall Alert” with a message about spyware and a weird error code like 2V7HGTVB? And does it tell you to call Windows Support at “+1-888-260-3178” because it says your computer access is blocked? Don’t be fooled, this message is a fake alert. It’s not from Microsoft, even though it looks serious. These fake warnings usually pop up on websites that aren’t safe or when you get sent to a different site than you expected.

To safeguard yourself from falling victim to this scam and others like it, it’s crucial to understand the red flags and take preventive measures. Read on to learn more about the “Microsoft Windows Error Code 2V7HGTVB” scam and how to protect yourself from its deceptive grip.

How the Scam Works 🚫

The “Error Code 2V7HGTVB” scam is a sophisticated scheme that preys on users’ fears of malware infections and illegal activities. Scammers employ various tactics to redirect users to their fraudulent websites, often through malicious ads, compromised websites, or email phishing campaigns. Once you land on one of these deceptive pages, a pop-up message appears, claiming to be from a reputable company like Microsoft.

Highlighted below is the text that appears in the ‘Error Code 2V7HGTVB’ topmost pop-up:

Windows-Defender Security Warning
Activate the license
Windows Defender Security Center
Microsoft Windows Firewall Alert!
PC infected with Trojan-type spyware
(Error Code: 2V7HGTVB)
Access to this PC has been blocked for security reasons.
Call Windows Support: +1-888-260-3178
Cancel OK

The “Official” Warning 🚨

The message claims to be from the “Windows Defender Security Center” and asserts that your PC has been infected by the “Trojan-type spyware (Error_Code: 2V7HGTVB)” malware. The aim is to make you panic and act without thinking.

The Call to Action ☎️

To create a sense of urgency, the scam insists that your personal and financial information is in grave danger. They urge you to call a specific number, “+1 888-260-3178”, immediately for help.

The Endgame 💸

If you call, the scammers might try various tactics:

• Remote Access: They’ll ask to remotely access your computer, supposedly to “fix” the issue, but in reality, they might steal your data or install real malware.
• Phony Fees: They could claim you need to pay a fee to remove the nonexistent “Trojan”, exploiting you financially.
• Sell Useless Software: They might persuade you to purchase unnecessary and often fake software to “protect” your device.

Your Real Risk 🛑

While the pop-up’s threats are bogus, the real danger is in engaging with the scammers, which can lead to loss of money or personal data.

Source 🔍

The “Microsoft Windows Error Code 2V7HGTVB” scam pop-ups can come from various sources, including malicious websites, spam emails, or pop-up advertisements. One of the most common methods is through the use of adware, which is a type of software that displays unwanted ads or redirects users to unwanted websites. Adware can be bundled with legitimate software or downloaded unintentionally from the internet.

Another source of these scams is malicious push notifications, which are notifications that appear on your desktop or mobile device without your consent. These push notifications can be triggered by visiting a malicious website or by downloading a malicious app.

In some cases, scammers use fraudulent ad networks to display fake ads that look like legitimate security warnings, tricking users into clicking on them and installing malware on their computers.

Examples of such scams

Hard Drive Damage Pop-Up Scam

In this scam, users receive a pop-up warning claiming that their hard drive is damaged or corrupted due to a virus or malware. It often includes technical jargon and error codes to appear authentic. The pop-up typically advises the user to download a ‘repair tool’ or contact a ‘support number’. However, the tool is usually malware, and the support number connects to scammers who try to gain remote access to the user’s computer or sell unnecessary services.

Virus Found (3) Pop-Up Scam

This particular scam involves a pop-up alert claiming that three viruses have been detected on the user’s device. It’s designed to mimic the look and feel of legitimate antivirus software alerts to convince users of its authenticity. The pop-up often includes a timer, adding a sense of urgency to the warning. Users are prompted to click on a button to remove the viruses, which either leads to the download of actual malware or redirects to a site asking for personal information or payment to ‘clean’ the computer.

Your Card Payment Has Failed – Renew Subscription Scam

This scam targets users with a false notification that their credit card payment for a subscription service (like antivirus or streaming) has failed. The message prompts immediate action, urging the user to click on a link to ‘renew’ or ‘update’ their payment information. Once clicked, it leads to a fake website where personal and financial details are requested, putting the user at risk of identity theft and financial fraud.

All these scams share a common strategy: they create a sense of urgency and fear to compel the user to take immediate action, which often leads to compromising personal security or financial loss. It’s vital to approach such alerts with skepticism and verify their authenticity before taking any action.

How to Identify Such Scams 🔍🚫

By recognizing these red flags, you can confidently steer clear of such scams and protect both your device and personal information. Always prioritize your online safety! 🛡️🔒

🖥️ Unexpected Pop-Ups

Genuine software or operating system messages will never just pop up from a web browser. If you see sudden warnings or alerts while browsing, especially on streaming, downloading, or redirected sites, be wary.

⏳ Urgent Language

Scammers use phrases like “immediate action required” or “your data is at major risk” to pressure you into acting quickly without thinking.

🤳 Request for Personal Info

Official support teams, especially those from big names like Microsoft, won’t ask for personal or financial details through a browser pop-up.

📞 Suspicious Phone Numbers

The pop-up urges you to call a specific number, such as “+1 (833) 487-4381”. Always double-check any helpline numbers on the company’s official website before calling.

🛡️ Generic Titles and Logos

Scams often use generic terms like “PC Support” or display blurry or stretched logos. Authentic messages will have clear, high-quality branding and specific company names.

💰 Offers to “Fix” for a Fee

If the alert quickly leads to demands for payment, especially for services or software you’ve never heard of, it’s likely a scam.

📝 Poor Grammar and Spelling

Many scams have errors in their messages. If the wording seems off, or there are blatant spelling mistakes, be suspicious.

Threat Summary

Name	Microsoft Windows Firewall Alert Error Code: 2V7HGTVB Scam
Type	Tech Support Scam
Fake claims	Claims device is infected with Trojan-type spyware
Fake err	Error Code: 2V7HGTVB
Scammers websites	gentle-sand-0f4e7d910.4.azurestaticapps.net
Scammers contacts	+1-888-260-3178
Distribution	Adware, malicious websites, push notifications, social engineering
Damage	Financial loss, data compromise, installation of malicious software
Indicators of the Scam	Alarming pop-up messages with urgent warnings; Fake security warning with error codes; Claims of illegal activities leading to device blockage; Urgent call to action to contact the provided phone number; Poorly designed websites with spelling errors and unprofessional elements
Prevention Tips	Be cautious of unsolicited pop-ups and calls; Do not provide remote access to your device to unknown individuals; Use reliable security software and keep it updated; Educate yourself about common scams and their indicators

How to remove Error Code 2V7HGTVB pop-ups

If you have encountered “Error Code 2V7HGTVB” pop-ups, you should not trust the message and refrain from clicking any buttons or links that appear on the page. Instead, follow the steps below to remove the pop-up and any potential malware from your computer:

To remove “Error Code 2V7HGTVB” pop ups, complete the steps below:

1. Close the pop-up
2. Clear your browsing history
3. Disable push notifications
4. Scan your computer for malware
5. Reset your browser settings

Close the pop-up

Closing the pop-up is the first step you should take when dealing with the “Error Code 2V7HGTVB” scam. Although it may seem like a simple task, some users may find it challenging, especially if the pop-up is designed to be persistent and difficult to close. This step is crucial because it prevents the user from falling into the trap set by the scammers and clicking on any of the buttons or links that can lead to further harm. In this section, we will provide a detailed guide on how to close the “Error Code 2V7HGTVB” pop-up safely and effectively.

1. Don’t click on anything within the pop-up as it could lead to further harm.
2. Look for a small “X” or “Close” button within the pop-up window. Click on it to close the window.
3. If there is no “X” or “Close” button, try pressing the “Esc” key on your keyboard to close the pop-up.
4. If the pop-up still won’t close, try opening your computer’s Task Manager by pressing “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” on your keyboard (or “Ctrl + Alt + Delete” and then select “Task Manager”). Find the browser window that the pop-up is in, right-click on it, and select “End Task” to force close the window.

Clear your browsing history

Clearing your browsing history is an important step in removing “Error Code 2V7HGTVB” pop-ups. These pop-ups often come from malicious websites that can be stored in your browsing history.

By clearing your browsing history, you can get rid of any traces of these websites and prevent the pop-ups from reappearing. In this step, we will walk you through how to clear your browsing history on different browsers.

1. Open your browser’s settings or options menu. This can usually be accessed by clicking on the three dots or lines in the top right or left corner of the browser window.
2. Scroll down to the “Privacy & Security” or “History” section of the settings menu.
3. Click on “Clear Browsing Data” or “Clear History” (the wording may vary depending on the browser you are using).
4. In the pop-up window that appears, choose the time range for which you want to clear your browsing history (e.g. “Last hour”, “Last 24 hours”, “All time”, etc.).
5. Make sure that “Browsing history” or “History” is selected as one of the types of data to be cleared.
6. Click on the “Clear Data” or “Clear History” button (the wording may vary depending on the browser you are using).
7. Wait for the browser to finish clearing your browsing history. This may take a few moments, especially if you have a lot of browsing data stored on your computer.
8. Close and restart your browser to ensure that the changes take effect.

Disable push notifications

If you’re experiencing persistent push notifications from websites that are showing “Error Code 2V7HGTVB” scams, the best course of action is to disable push notifications altogether. Disabling push notifications prevents malicious websites from showing you unwanted pop-ups and alerts, which can help protect your computer from further harm. In this step, we’ll walk you through the process of disabling push notifications in your web browser.

Google Chrome:

• Click on ‘three dots menu’ button at the top-right corner of the Google Chrome window.
• Select ‘Settings’, scroll down to the bottom and click ‘Advanced’.
• At the ‘Privacy and Security’ section click ‘Site settings’.
• Click on ‘Notifications’.
• Locate the “Error Code 2V7HGTVB” site and click the three vertical dots button next to it, then click on ‘Remove’.

Android:

• Open Chrome.
• Tap on the Menu button (three dots) on the top right corner of the screen.
• In the menu tap ‘Settings’, scroll down to ‘Advanced’.
• In the ‘Site Settings’, tap on ‘Notifications’, locate the “Error Code 2V7HGTVB” URL and tap on it.
• Tap the ‘Clean & Reset’ button and confirm.

Mozilla Firefox:

• In the top right corner, click the Firefox menu (three bars).
• In the drop-down menu select ‘Options’. In the left side select ‘Privacy & Security’.
• Scroll down to ‘Permissions’ section and click ‘Settings…’ button next to ‘Notifications’.
• Find “Error Code 2V7HGTVB”, other suspicious URLs, click the drop-down menu and select ‘Block’.
• Click ‘Save Changes’ button.

Edge:

• Click the More button (three dots) in the top-right corner of the window.
• Scroll down, locate and click ‘Settings’. In the left side select ‘Advanced’.
• In the ‘Website permissions’ section click ‘Manage permissions’.
• Disable the on switch for the “Error Code 2V7HGTVB” domain.

Internet Explorer:

• Click the Gear button on the top-right corner of the browser.
• Select ‘Internet options’.
• Click on the ‘Privacy’ tab and select ‘Settings’ in the pop-up blockers section.
• Locate the “Error Code 2V7HGTVB” site and click the ‘Remove’ button to delete the site.

Safari:

• Go to ‘Preferences’ in the Safari menu.
• Select the ‘Websites’ tab and then select ‘Notifications’ section on the left panel.
• Find the “Error Code 2V7HGTVB” site and select it, click the ‘Deny’ button.

Scan computer for malware

If you have encountered the “Error Code 2V7HGTVB” scam, it is possible that your computer has been infected with malware. In order to ensure that your system is completely clean, it is important to perform a thorough scan for malware. This will help to identify any malicious files or programs that may be hiding on your computer and remove them to prevent further damage. In this step, we will guide you through the process of scanning your computer for malware using trusted antivirus software.

Malwarebytes is a reputable anti-malware program that can effectively detect and remove adware, potentially unwanted programs and malware. It has a user-friendly interface and offers both free and paid versions, with the paid version offering real-time protection and other advanced features. To use Malwarebytes to remove malicious software, you can download and install the program, perform a scan of your system, and follow the prompts to remove any detected threats.

Visit the following link and download the latest version of Malwarebytes. Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the instructions to install the program on your computer.

Open Malwarebytes and click on the “Scan” button. The program will start scanning your computer for any malware or potentially unwanted programs. Depending on the size of your hard drive, this may take a few minutes to complete.

Once the scan is complete, Malwarebytes will display a list of any threats it has found. Review the list carefully and make sure that all the items are checked for removal. Then, click on the “Quarantine” button to remove the threats from your computer. After the removal process is complete, you may be prompted to restart your computer to complete the process.

Please follow this step-by-step video tutorial to learn how to use Malwarebytes to scan and remove any potential threats from your computer. The video will guide you through the entire process, from downloading and installing Malwarebytes to running a scan and removing any identified threats.

Reset your browser settings

If the “Error Code 2V7HGTVB” pop-ups persist even after clearing your browsing history, disabling push notifications, and scanning your computer for malware, resetting your browser settings might be the next step to take. Resetting your browser settings can remove any unwanted extensions or changes made to your browser that may be causing the pop-ups to appear. In this step, we will guide you through the process of resetting your browser settings in different popular browsers.

To reset your browser settings in Google Chrome:

1. Open Chrome and click on the three-dot icon in the top-right corner.
2. Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on “Advanced”.
4. Scroll down to the “Reset and cleanup” section and click on “Restore settings to their original defaults”.
5. Click “Reset settings” to confirm.

To reset your browser settings in Mozilla Firefox:

1. Open Firefox and click on the three-line icon in the top-right corner.
2. Select “Help” from the drop-down menu and then click on “Troubleshooting Information”.
3. Click on the “Refresh Firefox” button in the top-right corner.
4. Click “Refresh Firefox” again to confirm.

To reset your browser settings in Microsoft Edge:

1. Open Edge and click on the three-dot icon in the top-right corner.
2. Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
3. Scroll down and click on “Reset settings”.
4. Click “Restore settings to their default values”.
5. Click “Reset” to confirm.

After resetting your browser settings, be sure to check for any remaining suspicious extensions and remove them if necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the “Error Code 2V7HGTVB” scam and similar deceptive schemes continue to pose a threat to unsuspecting individuals. By understanding the tactics employed by scammers, recognizing the red flags, and taking preventive measures, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

Remember to be cautious of suspicious pop-ups, unsolicited contact, and requests for personal or financial information. Legitimate companies will not display alarming messages or demand immediate action through aggressive pop-ups. Stay informed about common scams, rely on official support channels, and use reputable security software to safeguard your devices.