FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

How to avoid being scammed by criminals who misuse TeamViewer software

Also Known As: TeamViewer pop-up scam
Damage level: Medium

What is a TeamViewer scam?

TeamViewer is legitimate software used to connect to remote computers, provide remote support, transfer files between different computers, and so on, however, scammers use this software for malicious purposes. They often trick people into installing TeamViewer using various scam websites.

One example is a tech-support scam site claiming that the visitor's computer might be at risk. People do not generally visit websites of this kind intentionally - they are opened by potentially unwanted applications installed on browsers and operating systems.

TeamViewer scam scam

More about this scam

In this case, scammers try to trick people into installing TeamViewer through a tech-support scam page that is disguised as an official Microsoft Support web page. Note, however, that Microsoft has nothing to do with this scam site. According to this website, the system has detected 'unusual activity' that might harm the computer and could be used to track financial activities.

Visitors are encouraged to report this problem by calling the "+(888) 756-6301" number and allow "technical support" to connect to the computer through TeamViewer. Scammers use these sites to trick people into downloading and installing computer protection software (packages) that cost in the region of $200 to $1000, or to pay for so-called 'remote support services'.

It is likely that they might also use TeamViewer (and/or a tech-support scam site) to trick people into installing other unwanted software. Note, by allowing scammers to connect to a computer remotely, users risk having their computers infected with malware such as ransomware.

In any case, do not trust these websites, and more importantly, do not allow scammers to connect to your computer through software such as TeamViewer. Scams that trick people into installing TeamViewer can be reported by clicking this link.

Scam pages are often opened by unwanted applications installed on the system. They can open dubious web pages, display ads, and gather various data. When installed, they often display ads (such as coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, and so on). If clicked, these open untrustworthy websites or cause unwanted downloads/installations.

They also record IP addresses, entered search queries, addresses of opened pages, geolocations, and so on. People who develop these apps usually share the data with other parties who misuse it to generate revenue. Sometimes these parties include cyber criminals.

Threat Summary:
Name TeamViewer pop-up scam
Threat Type Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Fake Claim According to this scam, it has detected unusual activity that can be prevented by contacting scammers
Tech Support Scammer Phone Number +(888) 756-6301
Distributed Software TeamViever and possibly other, unwanted software.
Related Domain nestoreritrea[.]icu
Detection Names (nestoreritrea[.]icu) BitDefender (Malware), CyRadar (Malicious), Fortinet (Phishing), Kaspersky (Malware), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Serving IP address (nestoreritrea[.]icu) 216.119.148.9
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.
Additional Information TeamViewer is legitimate software that scammers use to trick people into installing unwanted software and paying for it.
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 Combo Cleaner.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner
To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Similar scams in general

Most of these scams are used to trick people into installing and paying for unwanted software. Do not trust these scams and never call the telephone numbers provided (or install the software offered). Examples of similar scams are "ERROR # MS-0x8024402C", "HARDDISK_ROOT_KIT_TROJAN_HIJACK.EXE", and "Windows Antivirus - Critical Alert".

Apps that open these pages are usually advertised as regular, harmless applications, however, people who have them installed on their systems are forced to see unwanted ads and visit untrustworthy websites. Furthermore, developers use these apps to collect information relating to users' browsing habits.

How did unwanted applications install on my computer?

These apps are usually downloaded and installed via intrusive (deceptive) ads or when software developers employ a marketing method called "bundling". They use this method to trick people into downloading and installing unwanted apps with other software. They hide additional software in "Custom", "Advanced", and other similar settings/options of the set-ups.

Generally, information about additionally-included apps is not properly disclosed, however, such apps cannot be downloaded or installed without people first giving permission. Typically, they do this unintentionally when they leave settings unchecked and unchanged.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Software should be downloaded from official (trustworthy) websites. Do not use third party downloaders or installers, unofficial websites, Peer-to-Peer networks (eMule, torrent clients), or other similar channels. If a download or installation setup contains settings such as "Custom", "Advanced", check them thoroughly.

Do not use any setup without dismissing offers to download or install unwanted software. Note that ads that are displayed on untrustworthy websites (such as gambling, pornography, adult dating, and others) redirect to other untrustworthy sites (or lead to unwanted downloads/installations).

If the browser opens dubious websites or displays intrusive ads, uninstall all unwanted extensions, plug-ins, and add-ons. The same applies to unwanted programs installed on the operating system (computer). If your computer is already infected with rogue apps, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner 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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Removal of unwanted applications:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

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.

Windows 7 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

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.

PUAs uninstall via Control Panel

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:

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing rogue extensions from Internet Explorer step 1

Click the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options 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".

Removing rogue extensions from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the teamviewer pop-up scam, 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.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

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.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing rogue extensions from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Removing rogue extensions from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the teamviewer pop-up scam, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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.

Removing rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with teamviewer pop-up scam removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

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...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the teamviewer pop-up scam, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

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.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, 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.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on teamviewer pop-up scam or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a pop-up scam?

It is a fake virus warning, error notification, system alert, or another deceptive message. Scammers use pop-up scams to trick unsuspecting users into performing certain actions (e.g., calling the provided number/contacting scammers).

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

Scammers use pop-up scams to distribute malware (or other unwanted software) and extract money or sensitive information (e.g., credit card details, passwords, ID card information). Sometimes, they attempt to get paid for fake or unnecessary services/products.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Deceptive pop-ups are displayed by untrustworthy websites that most users open inadvertently. Usually, such pages get opened via deceptive advertisements, other shady pages (e.g., websites that use rogue advertising networks), or by installed adware and other unwanted software.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Combo Cleaner can scan visited websites and detect untrustworthy ones, including websites designed to display deceptive pop-ups. Thus, Combo Cleaner will notify you about shady sites and restrict access to them.

▼ Show Discussion

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.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Removal Instructions in other languages
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

QR Code
TeamViewer pop-up scam QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of TeamViewer pop-up scam on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Windows malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner

Platform: Windows

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.