WARNING! 41 Threats Found!!! POP-UP Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
WARNING! 41 threats found!!! removal instructions
What is WARNING! 41 threats found!!!?
"WARNING! 41 threats found!!!" is a fake virus alert message similar to other scam messages of this type, such as VIRUS ALERT FROM MICROSOFT, YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN BLOCKED, Windows Firewall Warning Alert, and many more. Typically, this fake message appears when visiting an untrustworthy website. Most users arrive at these websites inadvertently - they are redirected to them by potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) or intrusive advertisements that are delivered by other rogue sites. As a rule, users install PUAs unintentionally. In addition to unwanted redirects, PUAs collect data and deliver advertisements.
The "WARNING! 41 threats found!!!" pop-up window (and two other windows) essentially state that 41 threats have been found. These include harmful software (malware), tracking cookies, spyware, and so on. This scam claims that users might encounter data loss, system crashes, lost Internet connections, and that their computers might infect other computers, and so on. To prevent possible system damage, the scam message encourage users to contact 'Microsoft support' via a telephone number [+1-833-426-4666] provided. This has nothing do to with Microsoft. These false threats are simply attempts to trick users into contacting cyber criminals and purchasing products or services that will supposedly resolve the problem (in this case, eliminate the 41 threats). We strongly recommend that you ignore these requests. Do not contact these cyber criminals via the telephone number or any other means. Close the website (its window or tab). If scripts prevent you from closing the website/tab, use Task Manager to terminate the browser process or simply restart the computer. Do not restore the previous browsing session the next time you open the browser, since it will open identical untrustworthy/malicious websites that might lead you back to the "WARNING! 41 threats found!!!" scam.
Potentially unwanted applications force users to visit untrustworthy websites that display fake alert or other messages such as "WARNING! 41 threats found!!!" and collect data (IP addresses, keystrokes, URLs of visited websites, search queries, geo-locations, etc.), sharing it with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse the details to generate revenue. Some of the data will include personal or sensitive information and thus users might suffer privacy or browsing safety issues or even have their identities stolen. Furthermore, most PUAs deliver intrusive advertisements (coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, etc.) that are displayed using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site and conceal underlying content. Most of these ads lead to untrustworthy websites or run scripts that download and install other PUAs or malware. We recommend that you uninstall all PUAs immediately.
| Name | "WARNING! 41 threats found!!!" 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. |
The Internet is full of fake messages such as "WARNING! 41 threats found!!!". These messages often state that virus infections exist and are possible threats to your privacy, and so on. In fact, these statements are false and used only to trick users into spending their money on dubious products or services. PUAs force users to visit other untrustworthy websites. Most are designed only to generate revenue by collecting data, delivering ads, and causing unwanted redirects. Typically, PUAs are promoted as 'useful applications' that provide features or tools, but most do not provide the functionality promised.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Most users install PUAs inadvertently - through clicked intrusive advertisements or when software developers use a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" to trick users into installing PUAs with third party software. Developers hide bundled applications in "Custom", "Advanced" and other settings/options of the installation processes. They do not disclose information regarding the presence of bundled PUAs. Furthermore, many users skip installation steps without checking the aforementioned settings - in this way, PUAs are installed without users' knowledge. This careless behaviour can lead to inadvertent installations, posing a direct threat to your privacy and putting your computer at risk of computer infections.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Download software using trustworthy and official sources only, and direct links. We do not recommend using torrent clients or third party software downloaders - these are monetized by promoting potentially unwanted applications that are installed using the bundling method. Check all available "Custom", "Advanced", and other settings when installing software, especially free software. Deselect additionally-included applications and only then finish the installation process. Avoid clicking intrusive advertisements, especially when they appear on suspicious websites. Most intrusive ads appear legitimate, however, once clicked, they lead to untrustworthy websites such as gambling, pornography, adult dating, and so on. If you encounter these ads, check your browser for installed unwanted/unknown applications (such as extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins) and remove all dubious/unwanted entries immediately. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Text presented in "WARNING! 41 threats found!!!" pop-ups:
WARNING! 41 threats found!!!
Harmful software (malware) or tracking cookies have been detected during the last scan. It is highly recommended to remove it from your computer. Lost Documents and Settings Permanent Data Loss System not starting up System Slowdown and Crashes Loss of Internet Connection Infecting other computer on your network.
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Warning Spyware detected on your computer
Windows Warning Alert
Malicious Pornographic Spyware/Riskware Detected
Error #0x80072ee7
The appearance of "WARNING! 41 threats found!!!" pop-up (GIF):
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 WARNING! 41 threats found!!!?
- 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 "warning! 41 threats found!!!" 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 "warning! 41 threats found!!!" 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 "warning! 41 threats found!!!" 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 "warning! 41 threats found!!!" 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 "warning! 41 threats found!!!" virus from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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Outstanding!