AppleCare Protection Plan POP-UP Scam (Mac)
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
How to remove AppleCare Protection Plan from Mac?
What is AppleCare Protection Plan?
"AppleCare Protection Plan" is a fake error message that shares similarities with "Mac iOS Security At Risk Error Code: HT201155", "AppleCare Tech Support", and many others. This error is displayed by various malicious websites. Most visitors arrive at these sites inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) or intrusive advertisements delivered by other rogue sites. Be aware that many unwanted applications infiltrate systems without users’ permission. As well as causing redirects, they deploy intrusive advertisements and gather sensitive information.
This error essentially states that the system is infected with several viruses that must be eliminated immediately. To achieve this, users are encouraged to download an anti-virus application called Advanced Mac Cleaner. Be aware, however, that this is a scam and Apple has nothing to do with it. Developers use this misleading message to promote fully-monetized applications. Note that, although AppleCare Protection Plan promotes Advanced Mac Cleaner, users are provided with the download link of the Mac Mechanic PUA. In any case, "AppleCare Protection Plan" error message should be ignored and you should not download any promoted apps. Remember that no browser/website can detect malware on your computer. "AppleCare Protection Plan" error can be removed simply by closing the browser or rebooting the system, however, remember not to restore the previous session after you re-run the browser, otherwise the malicious websites are reopened.
Potentially unwanted applications are notorious for displaying intrusive advertisements. They deliver them by employing tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any visited website. Therefore, intrusive ads often conceal underlying content, thereby diminishing the browsing experience. In addition, they can lead to infectious websites and execute scripts that download/install malware. Therefore, clicking then can result in system infections. Furthermore, PUAs often gather keystrokes, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, geo-locations, IP addresses, and other data that is likely to contain personal details. This information is typically shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who generate revenue by misusing sensitive data. Therefore, data tracking can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. You are strongly advised to eliminate all potentially unwanted applications immediately.
| Name | "AppleCare Protection Plan" virus |
| Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Symptoms | Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites. |
| Scammers' Phone Number | +1-800-230-0506 |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
As mentioned above, "AppleCare Protection Plan" is very similar to dozens of other fake errors. All claim that the system is damaged (e.g., infected, missing files or similar), however, these messages are designed only to extort money from unsuspecting users. Potentially unwanted applications are all very similar. They offer "useful features" just to trick users to install. PUAs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than giving any real value for regular users, these applications pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
In some cases, unwanted apps have official download/promotion websites, however, most are distributed using intrusive advertisements and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of third party apps with regular software). Developers hide "bundled" software within various sections (e.g., "Custom/Advanced" settings) of the download/installation processes. Furthermore, many users click advertisements, rush download/installation processes, and skip steps. This behavior can lead to infiltration of potentially unwanted applications such as AppleCare Protection Plan.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Lack of knowledge and careless behavior are the main reasons for computer infections. The key to safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Carefully analyze each download/installation step using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings. Opt-out of additionally-included apps and decline offers to download/install them. We recommend that you avoid using third party downloaders/installers and download your programs from official sources (via direct download links) only. Intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, since developers invest many resources into their design, however, most are delivered by adware-type PUAs. If you experience suspicious redirects, remove all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
Appearance of "AppleCare Protection Plan" scam (GIF):
"AppleCare Protection Plan" pop-up encouraging users to download Advanced Mac Cleaner application:
At time of research, this pop-up promoted the Mac Mechanic unwanted application, rather than Advanced Mac Cleaner:
Another variant of "AppleCare Protection Plan" scam campaign. Instead of promoting questionable applications, crooks now use these deceptive pop-ups to trick them into calling fake tech support and paying for services that aren't needed:
Text presented within this pop-up:
WARNING!
MAC OS is infected with Viruses and other malicious applications.Viruses must be removed and system damage repaired. It is necessary to Call Apple Support +1-800-230-0506 and follow Virus removal procedure immediately.
*If you leave this site your Mac OS will remain damaged and vulnerable*
Prevent this page from creating additional dialogues.
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac
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. Limited three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- What is AppleCare Protection Plan?
- STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to eliminate "AppleCare Protection Plan" fake error using Combo Cleaner:
Potentially unwanted applications removal:
Remove potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select “Applications”. In the applications folder, look for “MPlayerX”,“NicePlayer”, or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Remove "applecare protection plan" virus related files and folders:
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents
In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/Application Support
In the “Application Support” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, “MplayerX” or “NicePlayer”, and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware-generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents
In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons
In the “LaunchDaemons” folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preferences.plist”, "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure your system is not infected run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file double click combocleaner.dmg installer, in the opened window drag and drop Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates it's virus definition database and click "Start Combo Scan" button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide, otherwise it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
"AppleCare Protection Plan" virus removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove "applecare protection plan" virus related Safari extensions:
Open Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove "applecare protection plan" virus related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the "Open Menu" (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose "Add-ons".
Choose the "Extensions" tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Remove" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove "applecare protection plan" virus related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the "Chrome menu" (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose "More Tools" and select "Extensions".
In the "Extensions" window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Trash" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Outstanding!