How to remove apps designed to promote the Trojan Spyware Alert scam?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
Removal instructions for apps designed to promote pages like Trojan Spyware Alert scam
What is Trojan Spyware Alert scam?
Scammers behind this tech support scam attempt to trick unsuspecting visitors into believing that a computer is infected with some Trojan and/or Spyware and calling the provided number. In most cases users who contact scammers behind websites like this one are encouraged to pay for unnecessary services and/or software, or even provide a remote access to the computer. In one way or another, websites of this kind must be ignored. This particular page is hosted using the Amazon AWS - a legitimate service provided by Amazon. It is not the first case when cyber criminals/scammers employ this service for malicious purposes.
Like most tech support scam pages this one is designed to look like an official Microsoft website. Although, the actual Microsoft company has nothing to do neither with this or any other website of this kind. This particular page displays two deceptive pop-up windows notifying visitors that it has detected "Trojan Spyware", found the error code "#0x898778" and blocked the access to a computer for security reasons. Also, this page claims that data such as email credentials, banking passwords, Facebook login credentials, pictures and documents have been compromised as well. Visitors are instructed to solve the occurred problem with the help of "Windows Support" by calling the +1-(877)-570-9733 number as soon as possible. In most cases scammers behind such pages attempt to trick users into paying money for supposedly legitimate technical support services, software or allowing them to access and control a computer remotely via some Remote Access/Administration Tool (RAT). It is worthwhile to mention that by having such access cyber criminals/scammers could infect a computer with some malware (e.g., ransomware, Trojan-type malware), steal personal information or perform other malicious actions.
| Name | Trojan Spyware Alert tech support scam |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | A computer is infected and blocked for security reasons |
| Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | +1-(877)-570-9733, +1-(888)-531-1238, +1-844-264-1242, 1-888-308-5705 |
| 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 Malwarebytes. |
A couple of examples of other similar scams are "ERROR # 0x6a4-0xf9fx3999", "Activation Failed! (Error Code 001)" and "Windows Error Code: DLL011150". To sum up, in most cases scammers behind such pages attempt to trick visitors into believing that there is something wrong with their computers and calling a certain number. Once called, scammers try to extract some money from callers or attempt to trick them into installing some RAT. it is worthwhile to mention that most users do not visit websites of this kind on purpose - such pages get opened through other untrustworthy sites, deceptive ads or by installed potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
One of the most commonly used ways to distribute/promote PUAs is to integrate them in download and/or installation setups of other programs as additional offers. This distribution method is known as "bundling". Users download and/or install PUAs together with other programs when they leave settings like "Advanced", "Custom" of their setups unchanged (or available checkboxes unticked). Simply said, when users do not decline offers to download and/or install unwanted apps. Also, in some cases users cause unwanted downloads and/or installations by clicking deceptive advertisements that are designed to execute certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is not recommended to download software, files from unofficial websites, through Peer-to-Peer networks (like torrent clients, eMule), third party downloaders, etc., or install software with third party installers. Files and programs should be downloaded only from official websites and via direct links. Another way to prevent unwanted downloads and/or installations is to check downloaders and/or installers for "Custom", "Advanced" or other settings and see if they mention offers to download and/or install unwanted apps. Intrusive advertisements that appear on various questionable pages should not be clicked as well - quite often such ads are designed to promote other untrustworthy websites or even cause downloads and/or installations of unwanted apps. Any unwanted, suspicious extensions, add-ons and plug-ins that are installed on a browser should be removed. The same applies to programs of this kind that are installed on the operating system/computer. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
The appearance of Trojan Spyware Alert pop-up scam (GIF):
Text presented in the initial pop-up of the Trojan Spyware Alert scam:
Windows Defender
Trojan Spyware Alert - Error Code: #0x898778
Access to this PC has been blocked for security reasons.
Contact Windows Support: +1-(877)-570-9733
Threat Detected - Trojan Spyware
App: Ads.financetrack(1).exe
Run Anyway Back to Safety
Screenshot of the second pop-up window:
Text in this pop-up:
Windows Defender - Security Warning
** ACCESS TO THIS PC HAS BEEN BLOCKED FOR SECURITY REASONS **
Your computer has alerted us that it has been infected with a Trojan Spyware. The following data has been compromised.
> Email Credentials
> Banking Passwords
> Facebook Login
> Pictures & Documents
Windows Defender Scan has found potentially unwanted Adware on this device that can steal your passwords, online identity, financial information, personal files, pictures or documents.
You must contact us immediately so that our engineers can walk you through the removal process over the phone.
Call Microsoft Support immediately to report this threat, prevent identity theft and unlock access to this device.
Closing this window will put your personal information at risk and lead to a suspension of your Windows Registration.
Call Microsoft Support: +1-(877)-570-9733 ( USA Toll Free )
Cancel
Text in the background page:
Error: Unknown System Failure!
Contact Support
+1-(877)-570-9733
( USA Toll Free )
LIVE CHAT
Yet another variant of "Trojan Spyware Alert" pop-up scam:
A slightly different variant of "Trojan Spyware Alert" pop-up scam (the error code is different):
Text presented within:
Windows Firewall Protection
Microsoft
Trojan Spyware Alert - Error Code: #0x268d3
Access to this PC has been blocked for security reasons.
Contact Windows Support: +1-844-264-1242Treat Detected - Trojan Spyware
App: Ads.financetrack(1).exe[Run Anyway] [Back to Safety]
Another example of "Trojan Spyware Alert" pop-up scam:
Text presented within:
Windows Firewall Protect
Trojan Spyware Alert - Error Code: #fc71cibus9re61
Access to this PC has been blocked for security reasons.
Contact Windows Support: 1-888-308-5705 (Toll Free)
Threat Detected - Trojan Spyware
App: Ads.financetrack(1).exe
[Run Anyway] [Back to Safety]
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 "Trojan Spyware Alert"?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
- STEP 6. Remove adware from Internet Explorer.
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 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 trojan spyware alert 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 plugins 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 trojan spyware alert 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 trojan spyware alert 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.
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 trojan spyware alert 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.
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 trojan spyware alert tech support scam from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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Outstanding!
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