The Gotham Font Was Not Found POP-UP Scam

What is "The Gotham Font Was Not Found"?

"The Gotham Font Was Not Found" is another fake error similar to The Roboto Condensed Font Was Not Found, The ArialText Font Was Not Found, The HoeflerText Font Wasn't Found, and a number of others. 

This error message is delivered by various rogue websites that users often visit inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) or intrusive ads delivered by other malicious sites. In most cases, PUPs infiltrate systems without permission and, as well as causing redirects, deliver intrusive ads and gather various data.

This error states that the system is missing a font called "Gotham", however, rather than downloading the font file, users are encouraged to update the entire font pack of the current browser.

This is a scam. "The Gotham Font Was Not Found" error is designed only to trick users into downloading a JavaScript file that stealthily downloads and installs trojans/ransomware (for example, TrickBot, Pony, Adwind, JSMiner-C, Locky, Cerber, CryptoMix, etc.) on the victim's computer.

These viruses perform various malicious tasks, including stealing information (logins/passwords, keystrokes, transferring data, etc.), misusing system resources to mine cryptocurrency without users' consent, redirecting to malicious websites, encrypting data, and so on.

Cyber criminals essentially generate revenue by selling/misusing received data, mining various cryptocurrencies, promoting other viruses, and making ransom demands (in exchange for file decryption). In summary, "The Gotham Font Was Not Found" is a scam - ignore it and certainly do NOT download the promoted, as the message says, "font pack".

Potentially unwanted programs often deliver intrusive advertisements (coupons, banners, pop-ups, and and so on). To achieve this, developers employ tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, the ads are likely to conceal underlying content, significantly diminishing the web browsing experience.

Furthermore, these ads often redirect to malicious websites and execute scripts that stealthily download and install malware. Therefore, even a single click can result in high-risk computer infections. Another important downside is data tracking. PUPs often record information that relates to web browsing activity.

The list of collected data includes (but is not limited to) Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, URLs visited, pages viewed, queries entered into search engines, and geo-locations. This information is shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue.

The presence of data-tracking apps can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. We strongly recommend that you uninstall all potentially unwanted programs immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	"The Gotham 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. ▼ 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.

There are dozens of fake errors similar to "The Gotham Font Was Not Found" (for example, This Build Of Windows 10 Is Corrupted, Windows Defender Security Center, etc.) Most claim that the system is damaged, however, only very few proliferate malware.

These viruses typically attempt to trick users into calling fake tech support and paying "certified technicians" who will supposedly remove issues that do not even exist. Potentially unwanted programs also share many similarities. By offering "useful features", they attempt to give the impression of legitimacy and trick users to install.

Following infiltration, however, PUPs deliver no real value for regular users. They deliver intrusive ads and gather sensitive data, thereby posing a threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.

How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?

PUPs are typically distributed using intrusive advertising and "bundling" methods, and thus, most infiltrate systems without permission. "Bundling" is stealth installation of third party apps with regular software/apps. Developers do not disclose these installations properly - they hide "bundled" apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings or other sections of these procedures.

Furthermore, many users rush these procedures and skip steps. In addition they click various ads without understanding the possible consequences. In this way, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior. The key to safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention when browsing the Internet and, especially when downloading/installing software. Bear in mind that criminals invest many resources into intrusive ad design, thereby making them seem legitimate.

In fact, they redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious websites. If you experience these redirects, immediately remove all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. Furthermore, carefully analyze each window (especially "Custom/Advanced" settings) of the download/installation dialogs and opt-out of all additionally-included programs.

We also advise you to download your apps from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers should never be used, since criminals monetize them by promoting rogue programs (the "bundling" method).

Google Chrome browser "The Gotham Font Was Not Found" variant:

Step 1:

Text presented in the first step:

The "Gotham" font was not found.
The web page you are trying to load is displayed incorrectly, as it uses the "Gotham" 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

Step 2:

Text presented in the second step:

Download the .zip file.
If prompted, click Run or Save.
If you chose Save, double-click the .zip file to start the installation process. We will automatically import your home page settings and browser history for you.
Reboot Chrome:
Windows 7: A Chrome window opens once everything is set up.
Windows 8 and 8.1: A welcome dialogue appears, click Next to select your default browser.
Windows 10: A Chrome window opens once everything is set up. You can then make Chrome your default browser.

Mozilla Firefox browser "The Gotham Font Was Not Found" variant:

Step 1:

Text presented in the first step:

The "Gotham" font was not found.
The web page you are trying to load is displayed incorrectly, as it uses the "Gotham" 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

Step 2:

Text presented in the second step:

The "Gotham" font was not found.
To install "Gotham" font for your PC:

Download the .js file.
If prompted, click Run or Save.
If you chose Save, double-click the .js file to start the installation process. We will automatically import your home page settings and browser history for you.
Reboot Mozilla:
Windows 7: A Mozilla window opens once everything is set up.
Windows 8 and 8.1: A welcome dialogue appears, click Next to select your default browser.
Windows 10: A Mozilla window opens once everything is set up. You can then make Mozilla your default browser.

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 "The Gotham Font Was Not Found" virus?
• 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.

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