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Virus Is Sending Your Information To Hackers POP-UP Scam

Also Known As: "Virus is sending your information to hackers" virus
Damage level: Medium

What is Virus Is Sending Your Information To Hackers?

Similar to "Your System Data Has Been Compromized", "Window's Security Certificate Is Expired", and many others, "Virus Is Sending Your Information To Hackers" is a fake error delivered by various rogue websites.

Visitors generally arrive at these sites inadvertently - they are redirected by intrusive advertisements (delivered by deceptive websites) or potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). Research shows that many potentially unwanted applications infiltrate systems without users' permission.

In addition to redirects, they record user-system information and deliver intrusive advertisements.

Virus Is Sending Your Information To Hackers scam

The "Virus Is Sending Your Information To Hackers" error message essentially states that the system is infected with high-risk malware that gathers personal data and sends it to cyber criminals. Users are encouraged to remove this malware immediately by contacting "tech support" (using the "+1-888-230-3888" telephone number).

These people then supposedly guide victims through the malware removal process. In fact, "Virus Is Sending Your Information To Hackers" is a scam - your computer is probably secure and virus-free. Cyber criminals attempt to trick unsuspecting users into calling and paying for services that are not required.

You should ignore the "Virus Is Sending Your Information To Hackers" error and never call the aforementioned telephone number. The error can be removed simply by closing the web browser, however, some rogue sites employ scripts that prevent users from closing browsing tabs/windows.

In these cases, terminate the browser using Task Manager or simply restart the system. After re-running browsers, do not restore the previous session, otherwise the malicious websites will be reopened.

Potentially unwanted applications record user-system information relating to browsing habits. Collected information (IP addresses, website URLs visited, search queries, etc.) is likely to include personal details that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). These people generate revenue by misusing private data.

Therefore, the presence of data-tracking app(s) can lead to serious privacy issues and identity theft. Potentially unwanted applications are also known to deliver intrusive advertisements, such as coupons, banners, pop-ups, and so on. They are delivered using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site.

Therefore, they often conceal underlying content, thereby diminishing the browsing experience. In addition, some might lead to malicious websites and execute scripts that download/install potentially unwanted applications or even high-risk malware. Therefore, clicking them can lead to computer infections. We strongly recommend that you uninstall all potentially unwanted applications immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name "Virus is sending your information to hackers" 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 Combo Cleaner.
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As mentioned above, "Virus Is Sending Your Information To Hackers" is similar to dozens of other fake errors. All claim that the system is damaged (e.g., infected, missing files, or similar), however, they attempt to trick users into purchasing useless software (e.g., fake anti-virus suites) or paying for unnecessary services.

Potentially unwanted applications are often very similar. Most offer "useful features", however, they are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than giving any real value for regular users, potentially unwanted applications pose a direct threat to your privacy and browsing safety.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Potentially unwanted applications typically infiltrate systems without permission, since developers proliferate them using the aforementioned intrusive advertisements and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". Developers hide "bundled" apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes.

Furthermore, many users often rush these processes and skip steps. In addition, they click advertisements without understanding the possible consequences. This behavior often leads to inadvertent installation of potentially unwanted applications. In this way, users 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 PUAs, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Bear in mind that intrusive ads typically seem legitimate, but once clicked, redirect to dubious websites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.) If you see these ads, immediately remove all dubious applications and browser plug-ins.

Furthermore, closely analyze each download/installation step using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings. Opt-out of additionally-included applications and decline offers to download/install them. The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior. The key to safety is caution.

If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Text presented in "Virus Is Sending Your Information To Hackers" pop-up:

CRITICAL ALERT FROM MICROSOFT. YOUR COMPUTER HAS ALERTED US THAT IT IS INFECTED WITH A VIRUS AND SPYWARE. THIS VIRUS IS SENDING
YOUR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, SAVED PASSWORDS AND PERSONAL EMAILS TO HACKERS REMOTELY. PLEASE CALL US IMMEDIATELY ON +1-888-230-3888 (Toll Free) ERROR NUMBER #278D5

Website displaying "Virus Is Sending Your Information To Hackers" pop-up:

Virus Is Sending Your Information To Hackers website

Text presented on this site:

Your computer has been Locked
Call Now: +1-888-230-3888

CRITICAL ALERT FROM MICROSOFT. YOUR COMPUTER HAS ALERTED US THAT IT IS INFECTED WITH A VIRUS AND SPYWARE. THIS VIRUS IS SENDING
YOUR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, SAVED PASSWORDS AND PERSONAL EMAILS TO HACKERS REMOTELY. PLEASE CALL US IMMEDIATELY ON +1-888-230-3888 SO THAT OUR SUPPORT ENGINEERS CAN WALK YOU THROUGH THE REMOVAL PROCESS OVER THE PHONE. IF YOU COLSE THIS PAGE BEFORE CALLING US WE WILL BE FORCED TO DISABLE YOUR COMPUTER TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE TO OUR NETWORK. ERROR NUMBER #268D3

Your computer is in critical state because of external malware attack, your personal and privacy settings may be shared over the Internet. To get immediate support. Call us on 1-888-230-3888

The appearance of "Virus Is Sending Your Information To Hackers" pop-up (GIF):

Virus Is Sending Your Information To Hackers scam gif

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:
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Quick menu:

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:

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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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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