Do not trust "Malicious Site Has Downloaded Infected Files To Your PC" pages

What kind of scam is "Malicious Site Has Downloaded Infected Files To Your PC"?

While investigating suspicious sites, our research team discovered the "Malicious Site Has Downloaded Infected Files To Your PC" scam. The purpose of this scheme is to trick users into thinking that virulent files have been downloaded onto their devices. In most cases, scams of this kind are utilized to promote untrustworthy and harmful software.

"Malicious Site Has Downloaded Infected Files To Your PC" scam overview

When we investigated this scam, it first presented us with a supposed CAPTCHA verification test. Following its completion, the scheme displayed graphics intended to deceive users into believing that files were being downloaded onto their operating systems. These nonexistent files bore titles relating to malware.

Afterward, the scam presented a page masquerading as a Windows security alert. The bogus webpage informed that a malicious site had downloaded six infectious files to the visitors' computers. The alleged risks include the theft of image/video files, log-in credentials, and banking-related information.

The scam urged to press the "Delete virus" button to eliminate these threats. After we clicked this button, the scheme displayed graphics associated with the "You've visited an illegal infected website" scam.

It must be emphasized that all these claims are false, and this content is not associated with Windows, Microsoft, or any other legitimate entities. It is pertinent to mention that no website can detect threats/issues present on visitors' devices – hence, all that makes such claims are scams.

Typically, hoax virus alerts are used to promote software like fake anti-viruses, browser hijackers, adware, and various PUAs. In rare instances, these kinds of schemes are used to proliferate malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, etc.) under the guise of genuine security tools.

It is possible for these scams to redirect to the official websites of legitimate products/services. The motivation behind this is for the scammers to receive illegitimate commissions for the promotion.

However, even if a scam redirects to a legitimate site – there are no guarantees that it will continue to do so. Additionally, the scheme could lead users to an imitator website offering unreliable/hazardous software disguised as existing and reputable products.

In summary, victims of scams like "Malicious Site Has Downloaded Infected Files To Your PC" may experience system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Malicious Site Has Downloaded Infected Files To Your PC" pop-up
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Fake Claim	Malicious website has downloaded infected files onto visitors' devices.
Disguise	Windows/Microsoft
Related Domains	grantetactic[.]com, surnenceargobsi[.]com
Detection Names (grantetactic[.]com)	Avira (Malware), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (grantetactic[.]com)	108.62.157.31
Symptoms	Fake error messages, fake system warnings, pop-up errors, hoax computer scan.
Distribution methods	Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications.
Damage	Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, possible malware infections.
Malware Removal (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Similar scam examples

We have investigated numerous online scams; "CCLEANER AntiVirus License Has Expired", "Malwarebytes - Your PC Is Infected With 5 Viruses!", "Norton - Your PC Is Infected With 18 Viruses!", and "McAfee - You Might Recently Browsed To Compromised Websites" are merely a few examples of ones akin to "Malicious Site Has Downloaded Infected Files To Your PC".

Aside from virus/error warnings, other commonly used fake claims include outdated software alerts, compromised accounts, delivery/shipping issues, giveaways, product/service promotions, lotteries, and so forth. Due to how widespread deceptive/malicious content is online – we strongly recommend caution while browsing.

How did I open a scam website?

Scam webpages can be accessed via sites that use rogue advertising networks; the former can be force-opened upon access or when hosted content is clicked (e.g., buttons, pop-ups, text input fields, ads, etc.). Additionally, spam browser notifications and intrusive advertisements are used in scam promotion.

Misspelling a website's URL can result in a redirect (or a redirection chain leading) to a deceptive page. Another promoter is adware, which can push such content through ads or by force-opening websites that host it. Spam, in general, is utilized to endorse online scams (e.g., forum/ social media posts, emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, etc.).

How to avoid visiting scam websites?

We highly recommend being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts and spam browser notifications may look innocuous yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

We advise against using sites that offer pirated programs/media or other dubious services (e.g., illegal streaming, Torrenting, etc.), as these webpages usually utilize rogue advertising networks.

Another recommendation is to pay attention to URLs and type them carefully. To avoid receiving undesirable browser notifications – do not enable suspicious webpages to deliver them (i.e., do not click "Allow", "Allow Notifications", etc.). Instead, ignore or deny notification delivery (i.e., press "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.).

To prevent bundled/dangerous software from infiltrating the system – download only from official/verified sources and treat installations with care (e.g., read terms, study available options, and use "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt out of additional apps, extensions, etc.).

If your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate all threats.

Text presented in "Malicious Site Has Downloaded Infected Files To Your PC" scam:

Windows

Security system

Attention!
A malicious site has just downloaded (6) infected files to your PC.

Your passwords, bank details, photo and video files can be stolen

[Delete virus]

Click the button to delete infected files

The appearance of "Malicious Site Has Downloaded Infected Files To Your PC" pop-up scam (GIF):

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is "Malicious Site Has Downloaded Infected Files To Your PC" pop-up?
• How to identify a pop-up scam?
• How do pop-up scams work?
• How to remove fake pop-ups?
• How to prevent fake pop-ups?
• What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?

How to identify a pop-up scam?

Pop-up windows with various fake messages are a common type of lures cybercriminals use. They collect sensitive personal data, trick Internet users into calling fake tech support numbers, subscribe to useless online services, invest in shady cryptocurrency schemes, etc.

While in the majority of cases these pop-ups don't infect users' devices with malware, they can cause direct monetary loss or could result in identity theft.

Cybercriminals strive to create their rogue pop-up windows to look trustworthy, however, scams typically have the following characteristics:

• Spelling mistakes and non-professional images - Closely inspect the information displayed in a pop-up. Spelling mistakes and unprofessional images could be a sign of a scam.
• Sense of urgency - Countdown timer with a couple of minutes on it, asking you to enter your personal information or subscribe to some online service.
• Statements that you won something - If you haven't participated in a lottery, online competition, etc., and you see a pop-up window stating that you won.
• Computer or mobile device scan - A pop-up window that scans your device and informs of detected issues - is undoubtedly a scam; webpages cannot perform such actions.
• Exclusivity - Pop-up windows stating that only you are given secret access to a financial scheme that can quickly make you rich.

Example of a pop-up scam:

How do pop-up scams work?

Cybercriminals and deceptive marketers usually use various advertising networks, search engine poisoning techniques, and shady websites to generate traffic to their pop-ups. Users land on their online lures after clicking on fake download buttons, using a torrent website, or simply clicking on an Internet search engine result.

Based on users' location and device information, they are presented with a scam pop-up. Lures presented in such pop-ups range from get-rich-quick schemes to fake virus scans.

How to remove fake pop-ups?

In most cases, pop-up scams do not infect users' devices with malware. If you encountered a scam pop-up, simply closing it should be enough. In some cases scam, pop-ups may be hard to close; in such cases - close your Internet browser and restart it.

In extremely rare cases, you might need to reset your Internet browser. For this, use our instructions explaining how to reset Internet browser settings.

How to prevent fake pop-ups?

To prevent seeing pop-up scams, you should visit only reputable websites. Torrent, Crack, free online movie streaming, YouTube video download, and other websites of similar reputation commonly redirect Internet users to pop-up scams.

To minimize the risk of encountering pop-up scams, you should keep your Internet browsers up-to-date and use reputable anti-malware application. For this purpose, we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.

What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?

This depends on the type of scam that you fell for. Most commonly, pop-up scams try to trick users into sending money, giving away personal information, or giving access to one's device.

• If you sent money to scammers: You should contact your financial institution and explain that you were scammed. If informed promptly, there's a chance to get your money back.
• If you gave away your personal information: You should change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication in all online services that you use. Visit Federal Trade Commission to report identity theft and get personalized recovery steps.
• If you let scammers connect to your device: You should scan your computer with reputable anti-malware (we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows) - cyber criminals could have planted trojans, keyloggers, and other malware, don't use your computer until removing possible threats.
• Help other Internet users: report Internet scams to Federal Trade Commission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a pop-up scam?

Pop-up scams define content used to deceive users into performing specific actions. For example, victims may be enticed/scared into downloading/installing software, purchasing products, subscribing to services, making monetary transactions, disclosing private information, calling fake support lines, and so on.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

Pop-up scams are designed to generate revenue. Cyber criminals profit predominantly by obtaining funds through deception, selling or abusing sensitive information, spreading malware, and promoting content (e.g., websites, applications, products, services, etc.).

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Pop-up scams are hosted on dubious websites. Most visitors access them via redirects generated by sites that employ rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware. Additionally, online scams may be promoted through various kinds of spam (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, social media/ forum posts, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Combo Cleaner can scan the websites you visit and detect rogue, deceptive/scam, and malicious pages. Hence, should you enter such a site – you will be warned immediately, and further access to it will be blocked.

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