Do not trust websites running the "Killer's IP Address" scam

What is the "Killer's IP Address" scam?

"Killer's IP Address" is a scam run on deceptive websites. This type of scheme is classified as a technical support scam. Typically, they inform users of threats detected on their devices and offer tech support services. "Killer's IP Address" specifically states that the system has been infected with Trojans, spyware and other malicious software.

This scheme claims that, to prevent losing access to the device, users must immediately contact "Microsoft" technical support. Note that this scam is in no way connected to Microsoft and all of the information provided by it is false.

Most users access these untrusted sites unintentionally - they are redirected to them by intrusive advertisements or by Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) already installed on the system.

When a web page promoting "Killer's IP Address" is accessed, users are presented with multiple pop-ups. The text presented in some of these windows is in German, and others, in English. The pop-up in the center of the page states that malicious pornographic spyware and other riskware has been detected on the device.

Users are instructed to call "Microsoft" by the provided "toll free" number. It is stated that this warning must not be ignored - supposedly, if this website is closed, users will lose access to their computers, since access will be deactivated in order to prevent further damage to the network.

The message presented in the background page informs users that their devices have been locked. Their computers have been infected with Trojans due to a vulnerability created by the expiration of the system activation key. Allegedly, these fake malware infections have already led to the theft of users' message histories, account passwords and credit card details.

Users are again urged to call the "technical support" number to protect their data and identity. Another pop-up window at the bottom right of the page claims that "Windows" has found potential threats present within the system. According to this message, "Windows Security Essentials" were unable to block these viruses, which can harm the device and users' privacy.

Users are once again instructed to call the line for more information and tech support. It must be reiterated that "Killer's IP Address" is a scam. Furthermore, no website can detect threats/issues present on a visitor's device, and any that make such claims are scams.

While the numbers provided by these schemes are usually indicated as "free", this is rarely the case. The goal may be to keep users on the line for as long as possible, thereby generating revenue for the scammers. Alternatively, designers of such schemes might attempt to gain access to the device under the guise of technicians trying to fix the issues.

Scammers might also ask for payment for "services rendered". Alternatively, users can be asked to reveal personal information (e.g. names, addresses, emails, banking account and/or credit card details, etc.). To summarize, trusting "Killer's IP Address" and other scams can lead to system infections, financial losses, severe privacy issues and even identity theft.

Therefore, you are strongly advised to ignore "Killer's IP Address" and close the site promoting this scam. In some cases, it may be impossible to simply close the website - then Windows Task Manager should be used to end the browser process.

When reopening the browser, do not restore the previous browsing session, as doing so will simply reopen the scam web page (or the site that opened it).

As well as force-opening deceptive/scam pages, PUAs can cause redirects to sale-based, untrustworthy/rogue, compromised and malicious websites, however, these applications have other dangerous capabilities. Adware-types run intrusive advertisement campaigns.

Once the delivered ads (e.g. pop-ups, coupons, banners, etc.) are clicked, they redirect to similarly dangerous sites and can even stealthily download/install software. Other PUAs called browser hijackers modify browser settings and restrict/deny access to them to promote fake search engines.

The promoted web searchers are seldom capable of providing search results, and so they redirect to Yahoo, Google, Bing and other legitimate ones. Most PUAs can monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, search queries typed, etc.) and collect personal information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details).

This sensitive data is often shared with and/or sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on browsers/systems endangers device and user safety. Therefore, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated without delay.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Killer's IP Address" tech support scam
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud.
Fake Claim	Scam claims users' devices are infected and access to them may be blocked to prevent further damage.
Tech Support Scammer Phone Number	+41 22 5188 918, +1-888-339-4838
Related Domains	buyshoesnow[.]xyz
Detection Names (buyshoesnow[.]xyz)	Kaspersky (Malware), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal).
Serving IP Address (buyshoesnow[.]xyz)	66.198.240.39
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.

"Error # 0x80092ee9", "Windows firewall has blocked some features of this program", "VIRUS ALERT FROM Windows" and "WIN.DLL011150 Error" are some examples of other technical support scams.

Popular scam models include (but are not limited to) warnings that the system is infected, alerts that a crucial piece of software is outdated, fake prize giveaways, amazing offers and deals, etc. Regardless of what these schemes claim, request or demand, the purpose is identical: to generate revenue for the scammers/cyber criminals behind them.

There are thousands of deceptive web pages on the internet and, therefore, you are strongly advised to exercise caution when browsing.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Unwanted downloads and installations often occur when developers distribute PUAs by integrating them into the download/installation setups of other programs as "extra offers". This distribution method is known as "bundling". The offers can be declined in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings of the setups (or by unticking certain checkboxes).

Many users fail to check and change these settings (or untick the checkboxes), thereby allowing PUAs to infiltrate together with the desired software. PUAs are also downloaded and installed by clicking deceptive advertisements (usually on untrusted sites) that execute certain scripts.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

You are advised to research all software before download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (BitTorrent, Gnutella, eMule), and other third party downloaders commonly offer harmful and bundled content, and are therefore untrusted and should be avoided.

When downloading/installing, read the terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, features, and so on. Intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to dubious and malicious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and many others).

If you encounter ads or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately. 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 "Killer's IP Address" scam:

Center pop-up:

support.windows.com sagt:

 

** Alerte d'avertissement Microsoft **
Bösartige pornografische Spyware / Riskware erkannt
Fehler # 0x80092ee9

Bitte rufen Sie uns sofort an Rufen Sie Microsoft an: +41 22 5188 918
Ignorieren Sie diese kritische Warnung nicht.
        Wenn Sie diese Seite schließen, wird der Zugriff auf Ihren Computer deaktiviert, um weitere Schäden an unserem Netzwerk zu vermeiden.
        Ihr Computer hat uns gewarnt, dass er mit Spyware und riskanter Software infiziert ist. Die folgenden Informationen werden gestohlen ...         
Rufen Sie Microsoft an: +41 22 5188 918 (Toll Free)
Verlasse die Seite
auf dem Laufenden bleiben
+41 22 5188 918
Fehler Logged at: Tue Jun 16 2020 10:08am
Microsoft Diagnostics IP-Adresse: 127.255.0.1

 

------------------------

 

Background page:

 

Call Support +41 22 5188 918
stop

 

Ihr Computer wurde gesperrt
Rufen Sie Microsoft an : +41 22 5188 918

Ihr Computer mit IP-Adresse 191.84.29.41 wurde mit Trojanern infiziert - weil der Systemaktivierungsschlüssel abgelaufen ist und Ihre Informationen (z. B. Passwörter, Nachrichten und Kreditkarten) wurden gestohlen. Rufen Sie Microsoft an +41 22 5188 918 um Ihre Dateien und Ihre Identität vor weiteren Schäden zu schützen.
Rufen Sie Microsoft an : +41 22 5188 918

 

Melden Sie automatisch Details möglicher Sicherheitsvorfälle an Google. Datenschutzerklärung

 

------------------------

 

"Killer's IP Address" pop-up:

 

Killer's IP address: -

Method: IP ADDRESS | HOST_NAME

INITIALIZING
>>>> TRACKING KILLER'S IP ADDRESS WITH VISUAL BASIC GUID <<<<
>
> connecting to CIA internal database...
> bypassing CIA security with Brute Force hack...
> deleting trace record
> emptying cookies
> installing grub2/sda
> tracing network records
> crunching mbr
> running desktop cleanup wizard
> intializing GUI interface to track killer's IP
> accessing killer's fingerprint records to match hard drive taskbar icon

IP TRACED
TRIANGULATING

TRACING COMPLETE
LAT 39.678622
LONG -83.927339
Dayton, Ohio - US

 

------------------------

 

Bottom-right pop-up:

 

Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer.

 

Windows Security Essentials was unable to block the virus. Windows detected several potential threats that will compromise your privacy and harm your computer.

 

Error Code: 0x824402c , Windows couldn't install the definition updates.

 

More Information & Support Please Contact
+41 22 5188 918

The appearance of "Killer's IP Address" pop-up scam (GIF):

Yet another variant of "Killer's IP Address" pop-up scam:

Text presented within:

Call For Support
+1-888-339-4838
×
VIRUS ALERT FROM MICROSOFT
***This computer is BLOCKED***

Do not close this window and restart your computer
Your computer's registration key is Blocked.
Why we have blocked your computer ?

The window's registration key is illegal.
This window is using pirated software.
This window is sending virus over the internet.
This window is hacked or used from undefined location.
We have blocked this computer for your security.
Contact Windows helpline to reactivate your computer.
Enter Windows registration key to unblock or Call Support at
+1-888-339-4838 (Toll Free)
ENTER KEY:

 

 

Windows Support Alert
Your System Detected Some Unusual Activity.
It might harm your computer data and track your financial activities.
Please report this activity to +1-888-339-4838

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer 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:

• What is "Killer's IP Address"?
• 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 10 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.

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.

macOS (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 "killer's ip address" tech support 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.

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 "killer's ip address" tech support scam, 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 "killer's ip address" tech support scam 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 "killer's ip address" tech support scam, 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 "killer's ip address" tech support scam from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.

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