Avoid getting scammed by websites instructing to call "Microsoft Support"

What is "Call Microsoft Support"?

Similar to CRITICAL ALERT FROM MICROSOFT, Windows Firewall Warning Alert, Error 268D3-XC00037, and many others, "Call Microsoft Support" is a fake error displayed by a malicious website that users often visit inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).

In most cases, PUPs infiltrate systems without permission. As well as causing redirects, PUPs deliver intrusive advertisements, gather information, and sometimes run unwanted processes in the background.

"Call Microsoft Support" scam overview

The "Call Microsoft Support" error states that the system is infected with high-risk malware called ZEUS and, for this reason, confidential information (logins/passwords, banking information, etc.) is at risk. The malware must be eliminated immediately, and thus users are encouraged to contact technical support via a telephone number ("+1-888-969-0708") provided.

After providing the error code, users will supposedly receive help removing the malware and resolving all issues. Be aware, however, that "Call Microsoft Support" is false and has nothing to do with Microsoft. In fact, cyber criminals claim to be certified technicians and attempt to trick users into paying for support that is not needed. All claims regarding the infection are false.

In addition, these people often demand remote access to the caller's PC. They do this to install malware and change system settings. They then claim to detect "additional issues" and offer further help for an extra fee. For these reasons, we advise you to ignore "Call Microsoft Support" and never call the telephone number.

This error can be removed simply by closing the web browser (preferably, via Task Manager) or starting the computer. Note, however, that after re-running the browser, you should not restore the previous session, otherwise you return to the malicious site.

Potentially unwanted programs deliver intrusive ads by employing tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. As a result, pop-ups, coupons, banners, and other displayed ads often conceal underlying website content, thereby diminishing the browsing experience.

The ads might also redirect to malicious websites and even run scripts that download/install malware. Even a single click can result in high-risk computer infections. Another significant downside is information tracking.

Research shows that PUPs gather keystrokes, search queries, pages viewed, URLs visited, geo-locations, IP addresses, and other similar data that might contain confidential details. In addition, PUP developers share the details with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) to generate revenue.

Therefore, the presence of data-tracking apps might lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft.

Some PUPs are also known to mine cryptocurrencies or run other unnecessary processes in the background without users' consent. This behavior often results in a significant reduction in overall system performance. For more information on cryptocurrency-mining applications, click here.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Call Microsoft Support" virus
Threat Type	Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Symptoms	Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers.
Damage	Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional 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.

As mentioned above, "Call Microsoft Support" is virtually identical to a number of other fake errors. As with "Call Microsoft Support", all claim that the system is corrupted/damaged (e.g., missing files, infected, and so on), however, these claims are merely attempts to extort money from unsuspecting users.

Potentially unwanted programs also share many similarities. By offering useful features, PUPs often trick users to install. In fact, these programs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than delivering any real value for regular users, they pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.

How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?

Although some PUPs have official download websites, most infiltrate systems without users' consent. Developers proliferate them using intrusive advertisements, together with a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of PUPs together with regular [typically free] software).

Developers hide "bundled" programs within various sections (typically, "Custom/Advanced" settings) of the download or installation processes. Many users rush and skip these procedure steps. In addition, they click dubious links/ads, without understanding the possible consequences. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Poor knowledge of these threats and rushing steps are the main reasons for computer infections. The key to safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention when browsing the Internet and, especially when downloading/installing software. Intrusive ads are designed to look legitimate.

Once clicked, however, they redirect to dubious sites (e.g., survey, gambling, adult dating, and so on). If you experience these redirects, immediately eliminate all dubious applications and browser plug-ins.

Select "Custom/Advanced" settings and carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs. Opt-out of all additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them. Using a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite is also essential.

Text presented in "Call Microsoft Support" pop-up error:

Don't Restart Your Computer
Windows Detected ZEUS Virus, The Infection detected, indicate some recent downloads on the computer which in turn has created problems on the computer. Call Microsoft support +1-888-969-0708 and share this code B2957E to the Agent to Fix This.
A suspicious connection was trying to access your logins, Banking Details & Tracking Your Internet Activity.

Security Centre & Firewall Services are Disabled, Error code 0x8007042c

Your TCP Connection Was Blocked by Your Firewall. Your Accounts May be Suspended Until You Take an Action.

The appearance of "Call Microsoft Support" pop-up (GIF):

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Quick menu:

• What is Call Microsoft Support?
• STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove adware from Internet Explorer.
• STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 5. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
• STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

Removal of potentially unwanted programs:

Windows 11 users:

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

In the uninstall programs window, look for any suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Click the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "call microsoft support" virus, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Click the Reset button.

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon  (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "call microsoft support" virus, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon  (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with "call microsoft support" virus removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.

Select Troubleshooting Information.

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Remove malicious extensions from Safari:

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Click the Edge menu icon  (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "call microsoft support" virus, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon  (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

• If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is an online scam?

Online scams are deceptive messages designed to lure users into performing specific actions. For example, victims may be enticed into calling fake helplines, allowing cyber criminals to access devices remotely, making monetary transactions, disclosing private data, downloading/installing software, purchasing products, subscribing to services, etc.

What is the purpose of online scams?

Cyber criminals generate revenue through online scams, e.g., by obtaining funds through deception, abusing/selling sensitive information, promoting content (e.g., sites, software, products, services, etc.), proliferating malware, etc.

Why do I encounter online scams?

Online scams are hosted on deceptive webpages, which can be accessed via redirects generated by sites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, and adware. Various types of spam (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, social media/ forum posts, etc.) are also used to promote scams.

I cannot exit a scam page, how do I close it?

If you cannot exit a deceptive page, end the browser's process using Task Manager. Remember that restoring the previous browsing session will reopen the scam site. Therefore, start a new session when re-accessing the browser.

I have allowed cyber criminals to remotely access my computer, what should I do?

If you have allowed cyber criminals to remotely access your device, disconnect it from the Internet. After, remove the remote access program used (e.g., UltraViewer, TeamViewer, etc.) since the criminals might not need your consent to reconnect. Lastly, perform a full system scan with an anti-virus and eliminate all detected threats.

I have provided my personal information when tricked by a scam, what should I do?

If you have provided your log-in credentials – change the passwords of all possibly exposed accounts and inform their official support. However, if the disclosed data was of a different personal nature (e.g., ID card details, passport scans/photos, credit card numbers, etc.) – contact the appropriate authorities without delay.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from online scams and the malware they proliferate?

Combo Cleaner can scan every single website that you visit. Should you enter a rogue, deceptive/scam, or malicious one – you will be warned immediately, and further access to it will be restricted.

Combo Cleaner can also detect and eliminate nearly all known malware infections. It must be stressed that since high-end malicious programs usually hide deep within systems – running a complete system scan is crucial.

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