Windows Was Blocked Due To Questionable Activity scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
"Windows Was Blocked Due To Questionable Activity" removal instructions
What is "Windows Was Blocked Due To Questionable Activity"?
"Windows Was Blocked Due To Questionable Activity" is yet another scam message used to extort money from unsuspecting users. Delivered by deceptive websites, the message states that the system has been blocked and encourages users to immediately contact 'tech support' via a telephone number provided. In fact, these claims are false and you should never call this number. Furthermore, redirects to websites that deliver the "Windows Was Blocked Due To Questionable Activity" message might indicate the presence of potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) on the system.
This scam message states that Windows Operating System has been blocked and that users must contact tech support (via the "+1-877-640-1433" telephone number) to restore everything. Once contacted, these people will ask users to pay a certain sum of money for assistance (this is not even required, since the "Windows Was Blocked Due To Questionable Activity" error is fake). You should leave the website that displays this scam immediately. Be aware that these sites are often designed to prevent users from closing browser tabs/windows. In this case, terminate the browser process using Windows Task Manager. Do not restore the previous browser session the next time you run the browser, since this will reopen the rogue site.
Websites that deliver fake error messages are often opened by PUAs. Therefore, these redirects can indicate the presence of rogue apps. As well as causing redirects, PUAs are also likely to deliver coupons, banners, pop-ups, and other similar advertisements that can lead to dubious websites and even execute scripts that download/install other PUAs. Therefore, clicking them can result in various system infections. Additionally, intrusive ads are delivered using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, they often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience. Another important issue is information tracking. PUAs usually gather IP addresses, website URLs visited, web pages viewed, search queries, and other similar data relating to browsing activity. Collected data (IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, etc.) often includes personal details that developers sell to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). These people misuse private data to generate even more revenue. Thus, information tracking can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. These applications should be uninstalled immediately.
| Name | "Windows Was Blocked Due To Questionable Activity" virus |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | The error message states that system has been blocked due to 'suspicious activity' and encourages users to contact the tech support scam. |
| Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | +1-877-640-1433, +1-830-637-7234 |
| Related Domain(s) | proguys[.]ml |
| Detection Names (proguys[.]ml) | BitDefender (Malware), Cyradar (Malicious), Kaspersky (Malware), Sophos AV (Malicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (proguys[.]ml) | 138.197.207.29 |
| Symptoms | Fake error messages, fake system warnings, pop-up errors, hoax computer scan. |
| Distribution methods | Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, possible malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Malwarebytes. |
"Windows Was Blocked Due To Questionable Activity" shares many similarities with dozens of other scam errors, such as "Microsoft Detected Malicious Virus And Blocked Your Computer", "Hard Drive Safety Delete", and "Error # 0x80092ee9". These scams often claim that the system is infected, not activated, missing files, or damaged in other similar ways, just to trick users into calling fake 'tech support' or downloading various unwanted applications (e.g., system cleaners). In any case, never trust these messages and, if you have already downloaded any of the promoted applications, remove them immediately.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Some PUAs have official download websites, however, most are proliferated using intrusive advertisements and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of third party applications together with regular software). Developers hide "bundled" apps behind "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes. Furthermore, many users often rush these procedures and skip steps. Additionally, they click various advertisements without understanding the possible consequences. This behavior often leads to inadvertent installation of third party 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 this situation, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Bear in mind that intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, since developers invest many resources into intrusive ad design. In fact, they usually redirect to dubious websites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, survey, and similar). If you encounter these ads, remove all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins immediately. Furthermore, download programs from official sources only, preferably using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers often include rogue apps, and thus such tools should never be used. Study each window of the download/installation dialogs using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings. Opt-out of additionally-included apps and decline offers to download/install them. 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 the "Windows Was Blocked Due To Questionable Activity" pop-up:
Windows was blocked due to questionable activity
Please stop or restart your computer
Call immediately +1-877-640-1433
Instant help without waiting
call +1-877-640-1433 (Toll Free) and improve health of your computer.
Asks for your username and password. ATTENTION: Your password will not be sent to the website your are visiting! +1-877-640-1433 (Toll Free)
Another variant of the "Windows Was Blocked Due To Questionable Activity" pop-up scam:
Appearance of this website (GIF):
Text presented in the pop-up window:
Windows protected your PC
Windows SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting. Running this app might put your PC at risk. For technical support call on +1-830-637-7234 (Toll Free).
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 "Windows Was Blocked Due To Questionable Activity"?
- 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 "windows was blocked due to questionable activity" 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 "windows was blocked due to questionable activity" 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 "windows was blocked due to questionable activity" 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 "windows was blocked due to questionable activity" 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 "windows was blocked due to questionable activity" virus from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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Outstanding!