How to recognize scams like Norton subscription has expired today?

What kind of scam is Norton subscription has expired today?

It is a fraudulent pop-up alert, claiming that (in this case, Norton) antivirus suite subscription has expired and requires renewal. Such scam messages are displayed by various deceptive websites. These sites are rarely visited willingly, most visitors access it through unauthorized redirects.

Usually via clicking on intrusive advertisements (likely hosted by compromised websites) or force-opened by PUAs (potentially unwanted applications). It should be known, that PUAs do not need express user permission to invade their devices. Aside from causing redirects, they also run invasive ad campaigns and some can track data.

Norton subscription has expired today scam in detail

The pop-up states that (as though from the Norton Renewal Center) that the Norton antivirus subscription has become void (expired). It urges users to renew it to protect their systems from latest Ransomware viruses.

While clicking the "Renew Now" button does lead to the legitimate Norton antivirus website (the products/purchase page specifically), this pop-up message is nonetheless considered to be a scam.

Many deceitful websites display such alerts and then lead users to malicious sites (e.g. the phishing or scam type) and/or offer malignant content to download/install (e.g. browser hijackers, adware or other unwanted programs). Complying with "Norton subscription has expired today" requests may lead to system invasions/infections and/or various privacy issues.

It is strongly recommended to ignore this message and leave the site showing it immediately. Some rogue websites can execute scripts to prevent users from closing browser tabs/windows. Should users encounter such, using the Task Manager to end the browser process or rebooting the system - will eliminate this issue.

However, it should be noted, that when reopening the browser, the previous session should not be restored. Since the previous session still retains the scam site (or the page that caused the initial redirect) - the pop-up will be displayed again.

More information about potentially unwanted applications

As mentioned in the introduction, PUAs can generate redirects to various untrustworthy/malicious sites. They can deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns as well. By implementing a wide variety of tools, they can enable third party graphical content.

Thereby, delivering adverts (pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons and etc.), which can severely hinder browsing. Said intrusive ads can limit browsing speed and site visibility (doing the latter by overlaying the page's content). However, the advertisements themselves have certain heinous abilities.

Invasive adverts (often sporting a highly legitimate and harmless look) also cause redirects to similarly hazardous websites and some can even execute scripts, designed to autonomously download/install PUAs. Another capability of undesirable applications that is worth noting, is data tracking.

By spying on users' browsing habits, they can gather personal information (IP address, geolocation and personal details). This info is then passed onto third parties, intent on misusing it in order to generate revenue (possibly through serious criminal behavior).

Therefore, data tracking content present on systems can lead to severe privacy issues, even identity theft. Due to these threats to computer integrity and user safety, all PUAs must be removed without delay.

Threat Summary:

Name	Norton subscription has expired today pop-up
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Fake Claim	The pop-up message claims that Norton anti-virus suite's subscription has expired and encourages users to renew it immediately.
Related Domains	trkmilitirodje[.]info, expired-antiviruses[.]com, protectionnotice[.]com, playcontent[.]site, check-your-antivirus[.]net, software-updatescheck[.]com, hotstorytoday[.]com, security-advise[.]com, check-your-antivirus[.]com, ordermarriage[.]store, avprotects[.]com, helicoscigares[.]quest, hallwayruin[.]shop, uszenproduct[.]com, expiredav[.]club, rutmark[.]com, protectionnotice[.]com, antivirus-check[.]net, updatesoftwareonline[.]co, insta-fix[.]co, nav-notice[.]com, updatesoftwarealert[.]co, winnerpage[.]net, winnerr[.]eu, sysavs[.]com, premium-health[.]live, confessionoffer[.]cyou, updatesoftwarealert[.]com, securesoftwarepc[.]com, zpreland[.]com, offensereverse[.]shop, stabsodium[.]quest, software-online-alerts[.]co, castlegroan[.]bar, subscriptions[.]click, centralproduct[.]net, ost3trck[.]com, procentral[.]online, software-online-updates[.]co, onlineprotection[.]site , onetracking[.]icu, productresearch[.]club, activetechpro[.]club, securityreport[.]services, squeezebacon[.]quest, theparttimefinance[.]com, banishfortunate[.]shop, tryindulge[.]bar, download-for[.]me, actionsnail[.]quest, apps-notification[.]com, greatsearch[.]club, antivirus-alert[.]info, systemalerts[.]xyz, us[.]askupdate[.]com, antivirusfit[.]co, antivirus[.]com2-security[.]com, devicesecurityscan[.]com, renewals[.]click, activation[.]one, safebrowzeprotection[.]site, webmonitor[.]click, safeguard[.]click, safetylock[.]click, safetynow[.]click, mealsnake[.]shop, oscitatxzj[.]info, safetyonline[.]click, safesoftware[.]click, a-pigeon-bno1[.]click, protect-your-pc[.]xyz, av-checking[.]xyz, privacylocked[.]click, antivirus[.]secure-11[.]com, holidayprotection[.]click, collapsealcohol[.]cyou, online-virus-scan[.]best, system-scanning[.]xyz, user-shield[.]com, islandarrange[.]quest, securitypriority[.]click, terminal566dw[.]ga, flatacute[.]shop, automation201de[.]ga, fastsecurity[.]click, securedcomputer[.]click, renewnorton[.]com, dailydeals[.]world, safeav[.]site, secfast[.]click, online-virus-scan[.]press, openseuswhn[.]online, superyuswhn[.]best, kinduswhn[.]best, identauswhn[.]click, safeav[.]network, kindspwhn[.]best, freshointlwhntwo[.]click, bleedgas[.]quest, celectintlwhnone[.]click, celectintlwhntwo[.]click, online-malware-scan[.]site, backetintlwhntwo[.]click, backetintlwhnone[.]click, shineintlwhnone[.]click, shineintlwhntwo[.]click, mintmeintlwhnone[.]click, mintmeintlwhntwo[.]click, milewinter[.]store, verifuintlwhntwo[.]click, verifuintlwhnone[.]click, xtracker[.]top, online-3[.]com, softintlwhndue[.]click, dollarbend[.]store, softintlwhnuno[.]click, prestigetasty[.]cyou, windowsantivirus[.]online, rightscoop[.]shop, officeintlwhn1[.]click, officeintlwhn2[.]click, workintlwhn1[.]click, workintlwhn2[.]click, deskintlwhn1[.]click, phaisoaz[.]com, rainbowcitruswn1[.]click, rainbowcitruswn2[.]click, freshfruitbn1[.]click, freshfruitbn2[.]click, fifthelementwn1[.]click, fifthelementwn2[.]click, renewal-notification[.]online, deviceprotected[.]site, antivirushub[.]co, yourwebshield[.]com, us-brand-news[.]com, greenpalmwn1[.]click, scan-pc[.]com, greenpalmwn2[.]click, compactplaster[.]bar, fixchannel[.]site, quickdocwn2[.]click, hairvariant[.]cyou, bluejuunewn1[.]click, bluejuunewn2[.]click, blueconsolewn1[.]click, hitpanic[[.]]quest, productivefueler[.]quest, blueconsolewn2[.]click, combocleanerwn1[.]click, combocleanerwn2[.]com, refreshtabn1[.]click, refreshtabn2[.]click, mapmoney[.]shop, getsecures[.]com, kolakonages[.]com
Serving IP Address (trkmilitirodje[.]info)	207.154.230.164
Detection Names (trkmilitirodje[.]info)	Fortinet (Phishing), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
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.
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.

Pop-up scams in general

"Norton subscription has expired today" is but one of many scam messages out there. Similar ones include "Your McAfee Subscription Has Expired", "Microsoft Alert Your Data Is At Risk", "Google Chrome Support Centre" and etc. They often warn of present imaginary threats (various viruses, malware or unwanted programs) and implore users to take immediate action.

Through fake antivirus purchases or likewise fraudulent technical support services, the designers of these deceitful alerts generate revenue. PUAs also share certain traits in-between. They usually offer some sort of "useful" and "beneficial" features to lure users into installing them.

However, these features seldom work as advertised, and in most cases are outright nonfunctional. Unwanted apps are created solely for the purpose of generating revenue for their developers; to users they are either nuisances or downright threats.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Some PUAs have official download websites, where they are often advertised as "free". However, unwanted applications can be inadvertently installed along with desired software. "Bundling" is a false marketing technique, by which ordinary programs are packed together with undesirable content.

Rushing through the installation process (ignoring terms, skipping steps, using pre-set options) increases the risk of PUAs slipping in. These rogue apps are also furthered by invasive ads, which when clicked, can execute scripts to download/install them.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is highly recommended to use only official and verified download sources (preferably, direct download links). Using P2P (peer-to-peer) sharing networks and other third party downloaders is strongly advised against. When installing, users should read terms to ensure that they are installing exactly what they desire, without any malicious side-effects and/or additions.

Other installation advices include: using "Custom/Advanced" settings and opting-out/declining installing or downloading supplementary apps/features. Cautious and prudent browsing habits are encouraged; i.e. avoiding suspicious advertisements and websites.

Should users encounter dubious adverts and/or undesirable redirects, they are recommended to inspect their device and remove all suspect applications and/or browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Text presented in the pop-up window:

Norton Security
Your PC is infected with 5 viruses!
ACTION REQUIRED!

Your Norton Subscription Has Expired!

Renew now to keep your pc protected.

If your PC is unprotected, it is at risk for viruses and other malware.

Proceed...

Another example of Norton subscription has expired today pop-up:

Text presented within:

Norton Renewal Center: Your Norton subscription has expired today. Renew now to protect your computer from the latest Ransomware viruses.

Screenshot of the background page:

 

Text presented in the background page:

Your Norton Subscription Has Expired on September 10, 2019
Your Norton 360 subscription has expired.

Renew Norton 360 now to stay protected
If your devices are unprotected, they are at risk for viruses and other malware. Renew now to maintain your protection.

Screenshot of a page redirected to:

The appearance of Norton subscription has expired today pop-up (GIF):

Another variant of Norton subscription has expired today pop-up scam:

Text presented within this page:

Your Subscription Might Have Expired!
Renew now to stay protected for your PC.

If your PC is unprotected, it is at risk for viruses and other malware.

4 mins 13 secs
Renew Now

Appearance of this Norton subscription has expired today variant (GIF):

Yet another variant of Norton Subscription Has Expired Today pop-up scam:

Text presented within this site:

Your Norton Security subscription has expired
Your subscription of Norton 360 Total Protection for Windows expire on January 2, 2020.

After the expiry date has passed your computer will become susceptible to many different virus threats.

Your PC is unprotected, it can be exposed to viruses and other malware ...
Available: 62% 1Yr Renewal Discount: 4 mins 00 secs

Renew Subscription

Appearance of this website:

Yet another variant of Norton Subscription Has Expired Today pop-up scam ("Your PC May Get Infected!"):

Text presented within this site:

Norton LifeLock
Your PC May Get Infected!
Renew now to stay protected for your PC

If your PC is unprotected, it is at risk for viruses and other malware.

3 mins 23 secs

Renew Now

Appearance of this site (GIF):

Another variant of Norton Subscription Has Expired Today pop-up scam:

Text presented within:

No active Antivirus subscription detected!

May 7, 2020 Your computer may be exposed to viruses and threats online if you are not protected.

Norton 360 Total Protection protects you against many different virus threats.

Your PC may be unprotected, it can be exposed to viruses and other malware..

62% Yearly Discount: 4 minutes 50 seconds

Protect Now

Yet another variant of Norton Subscription Has Expired Today pop-up scam:

Variant of Norton Subscription Has Expired Today pop-up scam delivered by activetechpro.club website:

Variant of Norton Subscription Has Expired Today pop-up scam delivered by securityreport.services website:

A variant of Norton Subscription Has Expired Today pop-up scam displayed by download-for.me website:

A variant of Norton Subscription Has Expired Today pop-up scam displayed by systemalerts.xyz website:

A variant of Norton Subscription Has Expired Today pop-up scam displayed by us.askupdate.com website:

A variant of Norton Subscription Has Expired Today pop-up scam delivered by antivirusfit.co website:

A variant of Norton Subscription Has Expired Today pop-up scam delivered by devicesecurityscan.com website:

A variant of Norton Subscription Has Expired Today pop-up scam delivered by safebrowzeprotection.site website:

Yet another of "Norton Subscription Has Expired Today" pop-up scam delivered by gavirfact[.]xyz website:

IMPORTANT NOTE! Pop-up that promote scams like Norton Subscription Has Expired Today are often delivered by websites that ask to enable web browser notifications:

Therefore, before commencing, perform these steps:

Google Chrome (PC):

• Click the Menu button (three dots) on the right upper corner of the screen and select "Settings"
• Scroll down to the "Privacy and security" section, select "Site settings" and then "Notifications"
• Click three dots on the right hand side of each suspicious URL and select "Block" or "Remove" (if you click "Remove" and visit the malicious site once more, it will ask to enable notifications again)

Google Chrome (Android):

• Click on the Menu button (three dots) on the right upper corner of the screen and tap "Settings"
• Scroll down, tap on "Site settings" and then "Notifications"
• In the opened window, locate all suspicious URLs and tap on them one-by-one
• Once the pop-up shows up, select either "Block" or "Remove" (if you tap "Remove" and visit the malicious site once more, it will ask to enable notifications again)

Mozilla Firefox:

• Click the Menu button (three bars) on the right upper corner of the screen
• Select "Settings" and click on "Privacy & Security" in the toolbar on the left hand side of the screen
• Scroll down to the "Permissions" section and click the "Settings" button next to "Notifications"
• In the opened window, locate all suspicious URLs and block them using the drop-down menu or either remove them by clicking "Remove Website" at the bottom of the window (if you click "Remove Website" and visit the malicious site once more, it will ask to enable notifications again)

Microsoft Edge:

• Click the menu button (three dots) on the right upper corner of the Edge window and select "Settings"
• Click on "Cookies and site permissions" in the toolbar on the left hand side of the screen and select "Notifications"
• Click three dots on the right hand side of each suspicious URL under "Allow" section and click "Block" or "Remove" (if you click "Remove" and visit the malicious site once more, it will ask to enable notifications again)

Safari (Mac):

• Click "Safari" button on the left upper corner of the screen and select "Preferences..."
• Select the "Websites" tab and then select "Notifications" section on the left pane
• Check for suspicious URLs and apply the "Deny" option using the drop-down menu or either remove them by clicking "Remove" at the bottom of the window (if you click "Remove" and visit the malicious site once more, it will ask to enable notifications again)

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▼ 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:

• What is Norton subscription has expired today pop-up?
• 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 Windows.

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 Windows) - 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a pop-up scam?

A pop-up scam is a fraudulent notification designed to trick users into believing that their computers are infected (or there is another problem). It often displays a telephone number and encourages users to call it to solve the occurred "problem".

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

Scammers behind pop-up scams attempt to trick users into infecting their computers with malware, paying money for unnecessary products or services, providing personal information or remote access to their computers.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Most pop-up scams are delivered by deceptive websites. Users do not open those pages on purpose. In most cases, they get opened via shady ads or other pages of this kind.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Yes, it will restrict access to websites designed to deliver pop-up scams. This application is capable of scanning web pages and detecting untrustworthy ones.

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