System Support Alert POP-UP Scam

What is System Support Alert?

"System Support Alert" is a fake error message displayed by a number of malicious sites. It is very similar to Dangerous Try To Get Access To Your Personal Logins, This Build Of Windows 10 Is Corrupted, YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN BLOCKED, and many others.

Users often visit these websites inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) or intrusive advertisements displayed by other malicious sites.

Research results show that PUPs typically infiltrate the system without a permission and, as well as causing redirects, deliver intrusive advertisements, gather sensitive information, and (sometimes) run unwanted background processes.

This error states that system has detected suspicious activity and encourages users to immediately contact 'tech support' via a telephone number ("1-855-205-8313") provided. They will then supposedly receive instructions about how to resolve these issues. The "System Support Alert" error is fake and a scam.

Developers generate revenue by scaring and tricking users into paying for tech support that is not required. In other words, they abuse users' trust. Therefore, "System Support Alert" should be ignored. Never call the aforementioned telephone number.

This error can be removed simply by closing the web browser, however, since some sites employ scripts designed to prevent users from closing browsing tabs/windows, we advise you to terminate the browser using Task Manager, or simply reboot the system. After re-running the browser, do not restore previous sessions, otherwise you will reopen the malicious sites.

As mentioned above, potentially unwanted programs deliver various intrusive ads (e.g., coupons, banners, etc.) These are delivered using various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, intrusive advertisements often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience.

Furthermore, some lead to malicious sites and might even run scripts that stealthily download and install malware. Therefore, clicking these ads can lead to high-risk computer infections. Another important downside is information tracking.

Research shows that many PUPs gather information such as IP addresses, geo-locations, websites visited, pages viewed, keystrokes, and so on. This collected information might contain personal details that are shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who generate revenue by misusing private data.

Therefore, the presence of data-tracking applications can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. PUPs are also designed to mine cryptocurrencies or run other unwanted processes without permission.

By stealthily misusing system resources, PUPs significantly reduce overall system performance. For these reasons, you are strongly advised to eliminate all PUPs immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	"System Support Alert" virus
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Symptoms	Unauthorized online purchases, changed online account passwords, identity theft, illegal access of one's computer.
Distribution methods	Deceptive emails, rogue online pop-up ads, search engine poisoning techniques, misspelled domains.
Damage	Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft.
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"System Support Alert" shares many similarities with dozens of other fake errors. All claim that the system is damaged (e.g., infected, missing files, etc.), however, these claims are merely attempts to extort money from unsuspecting users. All potentially unwanted programs are very similar.

By offering "useful features", they attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, PUPs are designed only to help developers generate passive revenue. Rather than enabling the functions promised, PUPs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.

How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?

Some PUPs have official download websites, however, most are distributed using "bundling" and intrusive advertising methods. "Bundling" is stealth installation of potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) together with regular software. Developers hide "bundled" programs within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes.

Many users rush download/installation processes and skip steps. In addition, they click various "tempting" ads/links without understanding the possible consequences. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

To prevent system infiltration by PUPs, be extremely cautious when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Bear in mind that developers invest many resources into intrusive ad design, thereby making them seem legitimate, however, the ads redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious sites.

As mentioned above, they are typically delivered by adware-type PUPs. Therefore, if you encounter them, immediately remove all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. Furthermore, carefully analyze each step of the download/installation processes and opt-out of all additionally-included programs.

Download your applications from official sources only, using direct download links, rather than third party downloaders/installers. These tools are monetized by promoting potentially unwanted programs, and thus should never be used. The key to computer safety is caution.

Text presented in "System Support Alert" pop-up:

System Support Alert
Your system detected some unusual activity.
It might harm your computer data and track your financial activities.
Please report this activity to 1-855-205-8313

The appearance of "System Support Alert" pop-up (GIF):

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▼ 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 "System Support Alert" 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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