The Mercury Text Font Was Not Found Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "The Mercury Text Font Was Not Found"?
"The Mercury Text Font Was Not Found" is a fake error message claiming that a certain font is missing. Note that, unlike other fake errors, "The Mercury Text Font Was Not Found" is not displayed by malicious websites.
Developers hijack poorly-protected sites (mostly, WordPress content management systems) and inject them with malicious JavaScript code designed to corrupt website text. Therefore, the affected site appears broken - users are asked to download a font pack to fix this issue and view the site correctly. In fact, these downloads lead to high-risk computer infections.
Research shows that the JavaScript code detects the operating system, Internet browser, and geographic location and, if the victim meets the criteria (for instance, lives in a specific country, uses Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome browser, etc.), the code displays the "The Mercury Text Font Was Not Found" error.
Be aware, however, that this error message is fake - claims regarding the missing font are false. By clicking the "download" button, victims simply open "gates" allowing malware to infiltrate the system. At time of research, this error was designed to spread CoinMiner malware.
Once installed, this virus stealthily misuses system resources to mine Bitcoin cryptocurrency for cyber criminals. In doing so, CoinMiner significantly diminishes overall system performance. Never trust "The Mercury Text Font Was Not Found" or click the "Download" button. This message is fake and it can be removed by closing the web browser or restarting the system.
| Name | "The Mercury Text Font Was Not Found" virus |
| Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker |
| Symptoms | Can't open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension, for example my.docx.locked. A ransom demanding message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals are asking to pay a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads. |
| Damage | All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Although "The Mercury Text Font Was Not Found" is identical to Roboto Condensed Font, ArialText Font, and HoeflerText Font scams, it also shares many similarities with dozens of other fake errors. Unlike The Mercury Text Font Was Not Found, most are displayed by malicious websites and do not proliferate malware.
These errors claim that the system is damaged (e.g., infected, missing files, etc.) and encourages users to contact custom support. Developers claim to be "certified" technicians and offer their help in resolving the issues for a certain fee, however, these claims are merely attempts to extort money from unsuspecting users.
Furthermore, users often visit malicious websites inadvertently - they are redirected by various potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that infiltrate systems without permission.
As well as causing redirects, PUPs gather sensitive data (which is later sold to third parties), deliver 'malvertising' ads (coupons, banners, etc.), and misuse system resources (to mine cryptocurrency or run other unwanted processes without users' consent). These programs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.
How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?
In some cases, potentially unwanted programs have official download websites, however, most are distributed using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" and 'malvertising' ads. Due to lack of knowledge and careless behavior by many users, PUPs infiltrate systems without permission.
Malvertising ads redirect to malicious websites or execute scripts that download and install malware/PUPs. "Bundling" is stealth installation of third party applications together with regular (mostly free) software.
Developers hide "bundled" apps within the "Custom/Advanced" settings or other sections of the download/installation processes - they do not disclose this information properly. Clicking various ads and skipping download/installation steps exposes systems to risk of various infections and compromises users' privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To prevent this situation, be very cautious when downloading/installing software and browsing the Internet. Bear in mind that criminals monetize third party downloaders/installers by promoting dubious apps (the "bundling" method). Therefore, do not use these tools. Your software should be downloaded from official sources only using a direct download link.
Furthermore, carefully analyze each window of the download/installation processes and cancel all additionally-included apps. Be aware that criminals invest a great deal of resources into malicious ad design. Therefore, most appear genuine, however, 'malvertising' ads are notable, since they redirect to adult dating, pornography, gambling, and other dubious websites.
As mentioned above, these ads are usually often by potentially unwanted programs. If you encounter them, immediately eliminate all suspicious applications and browser extensions. The key to computer safety is caution.
The appearance of "The Mercury Text Font Was Not Found" error (GIF):
Screenshot of "The Mercury Text Font Was Not Found" error displayed in Google Chrome browser:
Text present in Google Chrome variant:
The "Mercury Text" font was not found.
The web page you are trying to load is displayed incorrectly, as it uses the "Mercury Text" font. To fix the error and display the next, you have to update the "Chrome Font Pack".
Manufacturer:Google Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Current version:Chrome Font Pack 54.0.2785.89
Latest version:Chrome Font Pack 56.0.2924.87
Screenshot of "The Mercury Text Font Was Not Found" error displayed in Mozilla Firefox browser:
Text present in Mozilla Firefox variant:
The "Mercury Text" font was not found.
The web page you are trying to load is displayed incorrectly, as it uses the "Mercury Text" font. To fix the error and display the next, you have to update the "Mozilla Font Pack".
Manufacturer:
Mozilla Corporation.
Current version:
Mozilla Font Pack 53.0.2785.89
Latest version:
Mozilla Font Pack 57.2.5284.21
At time of research, "The Mercury Text Font Was Not Found" promoted CoinMiner malware:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is "The Mercury Text Font Was Not Found"?
- STEP 1. "The Mercury Text Font Was Not Found" virus removal using safe mode with networking.
- STEP 2. "The Mercury Text Font Was Not Found" virus removal using System Restore.
"The Mercury Text Font Was Not Found" virus removal:
Step 1
Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer starting process press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 8 users: Go to the Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click on Advanced Startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window select Advanced Startup. Click on the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into "Advanced Startup options menu".
Click on the "Troubleshoot" button, then click on "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen click on "Startup settings". Click on the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press "5" to boot in Safe Mode with Networking Prompt.
Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options".
In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button. In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Step 2
Log in to the account infected with the "The Mercury Text Font Was Not Found" virus. Start your Internet browser and download a legitimate anti-spyware program. Update the anti-spyware software and start a full system scan. Remove all entries detected.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, try performing a System Restore.
Video showing how to remove viruses using "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" and "System Restore":
1. During your computer starting process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, and then select Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list and press ENTER.
2. When Command Prompt Mode loads, enter the following line: cd restore and press ENTER.
3. Next, type this line: rstrui.exe and press ENTER.
4. In the opened window, click "Next".
5. Select one of the available Restore Points and click "Next" (this will restore your computer system to an earlier time and date, prior to the "The Mercury Text Font Was Not Found" virus infiltrating your PC).
6. In the opened window, click "Yes".
7. After restoring your computer to a previous date, download and scan your PC with recommended malware removal software to eliminate any remnants of the "The Mercury Text Font Was Not Found" virus.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (or with Command Prompt), boot your computer using a rescue disk.
Some viruses disable Safe Mode making its removal complicated. For this step, you require access to another computer. After removing "The Mercury Text Font Was Not Found" virus from your PC, restart your computer and scan it with legitimate anti-spyware software to remove any possible remnants of this security infection.
Other tools known to remove this scam:
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