Error FXX000 POP-UP Scam (Mac)

What is "Error FXX000"?

"Error FXX000" is a fake error message (many people encounter fake messages: errors, alerts, virus notifications, etc.). Generally, this type of message appears on untrustworthy websites that users visit unintentionally.

In most cases, they are redirected to these sites by potentially unwanted applications (PUAs), which are often installed inadvertently without direct user permission. Furthermore, they cause unwanted redirects, record data, and deliver intrusive advertisements.

When the "Error FXX000" fake error message appears on an untrustworthy website, it states that the computer (or other device) is blocked, since there was suspicious activity detected. It also states that the computer is infected with a virus and spyware, and that Facebook and email account logins, credit card details, and photos have been stolen.

This fake error message dissuades people from ignoring or closing the message, otherwise the computer might be exposed to further damage. To solve these problems, users are encouraged to contact engineers via the toll-free number provided ("+1-877-827-7222"). We strongly recommend that you ignore these claims.

These warning are merely attempts to trick users into calling scammers (cyber criminals) who attempt to persuade them into paying money for services or products that will supposedly fix "Error FX000". The simplest solution is to close the website that displays this fake error message.

If that does not work, use "Activity Monitor" to terminate the entire browser process, or simply restart the computer. Do not restore the previous session when you reopen the browser, since this will open the same website that triggered the fake error message, or will open other websites that directed you there in the first place.

As mentioned above, potentially unwanted applications are responsible for redirects to websites containing "Error FXX000". PUAs also deliver coupons, surveys, banners, and other similar intrusive advertisements. If clicked, they often redirect users to untrustworthy websites or execute scripts that download and install even more PUAs.

These ads can be very annoying or distracting, and are frequently displayed using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. They conceal underlying website content and can record data relating to browsing activity (IP addresses, keystrokes, URLs of visited websites, search queries, geo-locations, etc.).

This might include personal or sensitive data that PUA developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue. In summary, data-tracking apps can cause various problems relating to browsing safety/privacy and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Error FXX000" 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.
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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Other similar fake messages are This Mac Computer Is BLOCKED, Apple Support Alert, and VIRUS ALERT FROM APPLE. These are some examples from many.

These fake messages (errors, virus notifications, alerts, etc.) are used to trick users into purchasing bogus software products, services, and so on. All PUAs are very similar - they are promoted as being 'useful tools', but these are only attempts to trick users into downloading them. Few PUAs provide the features promised or deliver any other real value.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Research shows that most potentially unwanted applications can be downloaded from their official websites, however, they are often installed through clicked intrusive advertisements or when software developers use a deceptive marketing method called "bundling", which is used to trick users into installing potentially unwanted applications with regular software.

PUAs are often hidden in "Custom", "Advanced", or other similar options of the installation processes. Information about such installations is not properly disclosed. Furthermore, many users often skip installation steps or click intrusive ads. In this way, potentially unwanted applications are installed, thus putting systems at risk.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Careless behaviour and poor knowledge are the main reasons for computer infections. Be cautious when browsing the web and downloading software, especially if the software is free. We do not recommended that you download software from unofficial/untrustworthy websites, using torrents, or other third party downloaders.

Use official, trustworthy sources and direct links. Check all available "Custom", "Advanced", and other similar options during each software installation process. Opt-out of additional potentially unwanted applications and only then finish the installation. Untrustworthy, intrusive ads often redirect users to untrustworthy websites (pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).

If you encounter these redirects, check for unwanted/suspicious add-ons, plug-ins, and extensions added to your browsers, and programs installed on your computer. If you find any, remove them immediately. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

Text presented in "Error FXX000" scam:

** YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN BLOCKED **

Error # FXX000

Please call us immediately at: +1-877-827-7222
Do not ignore this critical alert.
If you close this page, your computer access will be disabled to prevent further damage to our network.

Your computer has alerted us that it has been infected with a virus and spyware. The following information is being stolen...

> Facebook Login
> Credit Card Details
> Email Account Login
> Photos stored on this computer
You must contact us immediately so that our engineers can walk you through the removal process over the phone. Please call us within the next 5 minutes to prevent your computer from being disabled.

Toll Free: +1-877-827-7222

Appearance of "Error FXX000" scam (GIF):

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▼ 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 seven 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 "Error FXX000" 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 macOS.

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 macOS) - 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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