Avoid being scammed by the fake "Windows Alert & Warning"

What is the "Windows Alert & Warning" scam?

"Windows Alert & Warning" refers to a technical support scam promoted on various deceptive web pages. There are several variants of this scheme, however, they are practically identical message-wise, with slight graphical differences between them. As the name of this scam implies, it is disguised as an alert/warning from Windows.

This scheme is in no way associated with the Microsoft Corporation. Additionally, all of the information provided by the "Windows Alert & Warning" scam is false. Typically, users access these deceptive sites via redirects caused by intrusive ads or Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) already installed onto the system.

To elaborate on the false information provided throughout all of the "Windows Alert & Warning" scam versions, it is claimed that users' devices have been infected with "Pornographic Spyware and Riskware". The system has supposedly alerted "Windows" of this infection and the error code is specified as "ER000009078".

The nonexistent malware is allegedly in the process of stealing users' Facebook and email log-ins, bank account and credit card details. Users are urged to call a tech support helpline to prevent further damage and remove the threats. As mentioned, "Windows Alert & Warning" is a scam and it must not be trusted.

While the telephone numbers listed in these schemes are usually presented as free, this is seldom the case. Scammers typically attempt to extract sensitive and personal information from their victims and to gain access to their devices. The vulnerable data can be revealed by the users or stolen from them without their knowledge.

Remote access software is used to facilitate entry and control over the device. This access gained through deception can then be used to infect the system with malware (e.g. Trojans, ransomware, cryptominers, etc.), possibly with Remote Access Trojans (RATs) that can ensure continuous access and control over the machine without users' consent.

Scammers target personal information, such as names, addresses, emails, banking account and credit card details, and they use various tactics for extraction of this data. Furthermore, the "technical services" of scammers are expensive and users are asked to pay for them.

The bogus fees are paid through dubious payment portals (which collect entered information) and/or via digital currencies (e.g. cryptocurrencies, pre-paid vouchers, gift-cards, etc.) since they are difficult/impossible to trace. Furthermore, scammers tend to repeatedly scam the same individuals and abuse the established trust to generate maximum profit.

In summary, trusting the "Windows Alert & Warning" scam is likely to result in significant financial loss, system infections, severe privacy issues and even identity theft. In some cases, it is impossible to close a deceptive website. Should that occur, use Windows Task Manager to end the browser process.

Additionally, when the browser is reopened, do not restore the previous browsing session, since this will result in the scam page being reopened.

One of the main causes of rogue redirects to dubious and malicious sites are PUAs, however, these apps can have additional capabilities. PUAs classified as adware deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. Browser hijacker types modify browsers to promote fake search engines.

Furthermore, most PUAs can track data. They monitor browsing activity (browsing and search engine histories) and collect personal information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). The gathered data is monetized by sharing with and/or selling to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To ensure device integrity and user privacy, all suspicious software must be removed without delay.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Windows Alert & Warning" tech support scam
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud.
Fake Claim	Scam claims users' devices are infected with malware.
Tech Support Scammer Phone Number	+1 (855) 619-0255
Related Domains	actuallyveryseriouscondition[.]gq
Detection Names (actuallyveryseriouscondition[.]gq)	Google Safebrowsing (Phishing), Kaspersky (Malware), Forcepoint ThreatSeeker (Suspicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (actuallyveryseriouscondition[.]gq)	165.227.217.30
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.

"System Activation KEY Has Expired", "A Virus Has Been Detected On Your Computer", and "ERROR # ER36dx9832(3)" are some examples of other tech support scams. The internet is rife with various deceptive web pages that can make likewise varied claims.

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

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

PUAs are proliferated via the download/installation set-ups of other programs. This deceptive marketing technique of packing normal software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling". Rushing downloads/installations (e.g. skipping steps and sections, etc.) increases the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.

Some PUAs have "official" download websites. Intrusive advertisements proliferate these applications as well. When clicked, the ads can execute scripts to stealthily download/install PUAs.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

You are strongly advised to research all products before download/installation. All downloads must be done from official and verified sources. Untrusted channels such as unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders commonly offer deceptive and/or bundled content.

When downloading/installing, read the terms, explore all available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, features, etc. It is also important to exercise caution when browsing.

Intrusive ads typically seem legitimate and harmless, however, they can redirect to highly dubious web pages (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating and others). If you encounter ads and/or redirects of this type, inspect all devices and immediately remove all suspect applications and 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 "Windows Alert & Warning" scam background page:

Windows Alert & Warning
Error Code: ER000009078
Please call us immediately at:
+1 (855) 619-0255 (Helpline)
Do not ignore this system alert.
Your computer has alerted us that it has been infected with a Pornographic Spyware and Riskware. The following information is being stolen...

 

1.Facebook Logins
2.Credit Card Details
3.Email Account Logins
4.Bank Account Details

 

Please call us immediately to prevent your computer from being disabled or any information loss.
Call Technicians : +1 (855) 619-0255 (Helpline)

Text presented in the pop-up at the bottom-right corner of the page:

Windows Defected 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: 0x8024402c , Windows couldn't install the definition updates.

 

More Information & Support Please Contact

Screenshot of the second "Windows Alert & Warning" scam variant (displayed after the first) on Google Chrome browsers:

The appearance of "Windows Alert & Warning" scam on Google Chrome browsers (GIF):

Text presented in the pop-up window of this variant:

System Warning:

 

System Alert & Warning

 

Error Code: ER000009078
Please call us immediately at: +1 (855) 619-0255 (Helplin)
Do not ignore this alert.
Your computer has alerted us that it has been infected with a Pornographic Spyware and Riskware. The following information is being stolen...

 

1.Facebook Logins
2.Credit Card Details
3.Email Account Logins
4.Bank Account Details

 

Please call us immediately to prevent your computer from being disabled or any information loss.

 

Helpline: +1 (855) 619-0255

The appearance of "Windows Alert & Warning" scam on Mozilla Firefox browsers (GIF):

Text presented in the pop-up window of this variant:

Windows Alert & Warning

 

Error Code: ER000009078
Please call us immediately at: +1 (855) 619-0255  .
Please do not ignore this critical alert..
Your system has alerted us that it has been infected with a Pornographic Spyware and Riskware.

 

The following information is being stolen:
 1.Facebook Logins
 2.Credit Card Details
 3.Email Account Logins
 4.Bank Account Details.

You must contact us immediately so that our technicians can walk you through the removal process over the phone to protect your identity. Please call us immediately to prevent your computer from being disabled or any information loss.

 

Helpline Number:+1 (855) 619-0255 

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Quick menu:

• What is "Windows Alert & Warning"?
• 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 11 users:

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:

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 "windows alert & warning" 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 "windows alert & warning" 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 "windows alert & warning" 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 "windows alert & warning" 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 "windows alert & warning" tech support scam from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.

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