Found 4 Virus POP-UP Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
Found 4 Virus removal instructions
What is Found 4 Virus?
"Found 4 Virus" is a fake error similar to VIRUS ALERT FROM MICROSOFT, Critical System Error: x679Qs5m, and many others. The error is displayed by various websites that users often visit inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) or intrusive advertisements delivered by other rogue sites. Research shows that, in most cases, PUAs infiltrate systems without users’ permission, deliver intrusive intrusive ads, and gather sensitive information.
As with most fake errors, "Found 4 Virus" states that the system is infected, however, this error does not encourage users to contact 'tech support'. Rather, it encourages users to download potentially unwanted applications, such as Mac Auto Fixer, Advanced Mac Cleaner, One System Care, Auto Mechanic 2018, etc. These apps are presented as high quality anti-virus and system optimization tools, but this might not necessarily be the case. It is currently unknown whether any of these applications can be trusted - error messages such as "Found 4 Virus" are likely to promote fake anti-virus/system optimization software. Once installed, these apps allow users to perform "system scans" that deliver false results. Users are presented with hundreds of infections that must be eliminated immediately, however, since the 'free versions' of these tools are incapable of this task, users are encouraged to purchase the 'full version' activation key. Therefore, developers generate revenue by tricking gullible users into purchasing useless software. If you have already installed an app promoted via the "Found 4 Virus" error, uninstall it. If, however, you are uncertain as to whether your system is safe, scan it with a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite, such as Malwarebytes for Windows. "Found 4 Virus" is fake and should be ignored. You can remove it simply by closing the web browser. Some rogue sites use scripts that disable closing of browsing tabs/windows. In these cases, terminate the browser using Activity Monitor or simply reboot the system. After re-running the browser, do not restore the previous session, otherwise malicious sites are reopened.
Potentially unwanted applications deliver coupon, banner, pop-up, and other similar intrusive ads. These are delivered using tools (e.g., "virtual layer") that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, they often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience. Furthermore, these ads might redirect to malicious websites and execute scripts that download/install malware or other potentially unwanted applications. Therefore, clicking them risks system infections. Another important issue is information tracking. Research shows that potentially unwanted applications often gather sensitive information relating to browsing activity. Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, queries entered into search engines, keystrokes, and other collected information typically includes personal details that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). These people misuse private information to generate revenue. Therefore, the presence of data-tracking applications can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. All PUAs must be uninstalled immediately.
| Name | "Found 4 Virus" 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. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Malwarebytes. |
"Found 4 Virus" shares many similarities with dozens of other fake errors that also claim that the system is damaged (e.g., infected, missing files or similar), however, these claims are merely attempts to trick users into downloading potentially unwanted applications or paying for services that are not required. All PUAs are generally very similar. By offering "useful functionality", these programs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, since they are designed only to generate revenue for the developers, regular users receive no value. Rather than enabling the functionality promised, potentially unwanted applications pose a direct threat to your privacy and web browsing safety.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Some rogue apps have official download/promotion websites, however, due to the lack of knowledge and careless behavior of many users, these apps often infiltrate systems without permission, since developers proliferate them using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" and the aforementioned intrusive ads. "Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of potentially unwanted applications together with regular software/apps. Developers hide "bundled" apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings or other sections of the download/installation processes. Furthermore, many users are likely to rush these procedures and skip steps. In addition, they often click advertisements without understanding the possible consequences. This behavior can lead to inadvertent installation of potentially unwanted applications.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Pay close attention when browsing the Internet, and downloading and installing software. Bear in mind that intrusive ads typically seem legitimate, since developers invest many resources into their design, however, they often redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious websites. If you experience these redirects, immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins. Furthermore, select "Custom" or "Advanced" settings and carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs. Opt-out of additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them. You are advised to download your software from official sources only (using direct download links) and avoid using third party downloaders/installers. The key to computer safety is caution. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Text presented in "Found 4 Virus" pop-up:
Attention!
Infected OPERATING system (4) viruses, and your system damaged. It is necessary to clean the system from viruses, as quickly as possible
** Do not ignore this warning **
Website displaying "Found 4 Virus" pop-up:
Text presented in this page:
The system is severely damaged, found (4) virus!
We have discovered that it is a corrupted OPERATING system 37,2% and contains (4) viruses.
If you do not remove the virus right now, this can damage system files, data, applications, etc.
You need to do (step by step)
Step 1. press the button Download and load for free now!
Step 2. Select and open the application to restore The systems!
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Malwarebytes is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Malwarebytes
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 Malwarebytes. 14 days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- What is Found 4 Virus?
- 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 applications:
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.
Windows XP users:
Click Start, choose Settings and click Control Panel. Locate and click Add or Remove Programs.
Windows 10 and Windows 8 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.
Mac 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 application, 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 "found 4 virus" 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 and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the "found 4 virus" 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 "found 4 virus" 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 "found 4 virus" 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.
Removal assistance:
If you are experiencing problems while trying to remove "found 4 virus" virus from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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Outstanding!
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