Do not trust websites running the "Error code # MS-6F0EXFE" scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
"Error code # MS-6F0EXFE" scam removal instructions
What is the "Error code # MS-6F0EXFE" scam?
"Error code # MS-6F0EXFE" is a technical support scam, targeting Dutch users. It is run on various deceptive websites. This scheme is disguised as a security warning issued by Microsoft, claiming that users' computers have been blocked due to multiple system infections. It must be emphasized that the "Error code # MS-6F0EXFE" scam is in no way associated with the genuine Microsoft Corporation. Furthermore, no webpage can actually detect threats/issues present on visitors' devices. The purpose of tech support scams is to trick users into calling the provided fake helplines and from there on out - abuse users' trust for monetary gain. Most users access deceptive sites unintentionally, typically through mistyped URLs, redirects caused by intrusive advertisements or by PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications). These apps do not require explicit permission to be installed onto systems; hence, users may be unaware of their presence.
Once a website prompting the "Error code # MS-6F0EXFE" scam is accessed, it displays several pop-up windows. According to a rough translation, the pop-up in the middle of the page informs the visitor that their device will be blocked, if they close this site. The access restriction will supposedly be used as a preventative measure - to ensure that the network does not suffer further damage. The scheme claims that the computer has been infected with an unspecified virus and spyware, which have already managed to obtain the following information: photographs stored in the device, email and Facebook account log-in credentials (i.e. usernames and passwords), as well as credit card details. The user is urged to call the fake Microsoft helpline to get assistance with the malware removal and data recovery process (the telephone number is similarly pushed throughout the scam). The pop-up on the upper-right corner of the page simply lists the date when the nonexistent threats were detected. Whilst the window on the lower-right corner goes into more detail about the fake infections. It states that "Essential Security" failed to prevent the viruses from infiltrating the system, yet has detected them. Aside from the threats, suspect pornographic content has been found on the device as well. As mentioned in the introduction, all of the information provided the "Error code # MS-6F0EXFE" is false. Despite being presented as free, the promoted "helplines" are often expensive. The goal of these scams is to gain users' trust, however how it is afterwards abused - depends on the modus operandi of the scammers. Typically, they attempt to gain access to the devices in question with the aid of remote access software. In the best case scenario, the scammers simply perform a bogus "malware removal" process and leave the device unharmed and its information untouched. However, it is not rare for them to take a more heinous approach. Scammers can uninstall legitimate anti-virus tools and/or offer fake ones, which require activation (i.e. purchase) to work - yet, following activation remain nonoperational. The access gained under false pretenses can also be used to infect the device with malicious programs (e.g. trojans, ransomware, etc.). RATs (Remote Access Trojans) are a common choice amongst technical support scammers, as this malware allows stealthy (possibly, indefinite) remote access and control over the machine. Whether through malicious software or through trickery, scammers attempt to extract highly sensitive and private information: names, addresses, telephone numbers, emails, banking account and/or credit card details, etc. Regardless of how a scheme operates, the "services" offered by scammers are not free and the fees are usually exorbitant. What is more, successfully scammed victims are often targeted continuously. To summarize, by trusting the "Error code # MS-6F0EXFE" scam, users can experience system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses and even identity theft. Should it be impossible to close a deceptive webpage, the Windows Task Manager is to be used to end the browser's process. Upon its reopening, the previous browsing session must not be restored - as doing so will reopen the scam site.
PUAs can force-open a variety of unreliable, deceptive and malicious websites. However, these applications can have different abilities. Adware-types deliver intrusive advertisements (e.g. pop-ups, banners, coupons, etc.). When clicked on, these ads redirect to untrustworthy/dangerous pages and some can even stealthily download/install software. Another type of PUAs called browser hijackers modify browser settings and restrict/deny access to them - in order to promote fake search engines. Furthermore, most unwanted apps (regardless of type) can track data. They monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and collect personal information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). The gathered data is then monetized by being shared with and/or sold to third parties (potentially, scammers or cyber criminals). Therefore, to ensure device integrity and user privacy - all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated without delay.
| Name | Error code # MS-6F0EXFE tech support scam |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | Scam claims users' devices are infected and will be blocked, if they do not call the provided "helpline". |
| Disguise | Microsoft |
| Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | 0466 90 17 99 |
| 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. |
"Error # WINDOWS-PORN-91", "Killer's IP Address", "ERROR # 0xuaO-0x156m(3)", "MS-Windows Support Alert" and "Covid19 Warning Alert" are some examples of other tech support scams. The Internet is rife with various schemes and they use likewise varied disguises, themes and techniques. Popular scam models include: warnings that the device is infected or at risk, alerts that a crucial piece of software is outdated or missing, fake prize giveaways and raffles, ludicrous offers and deals, etc. The sole purpose of online scams is to generate revenue for their designers. Due to the relative prevalence of such schemes, it is strongly advised to exercise caution when browsing.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
PUAs can have "official" download sites. However, they are more commonly downloaded/installed alongside other programs. This false marketing method of packing ordinary software with unwanted or malicious additions - is termed "bundling". Rushed download/installation processes (e.g. skipped steps and sections, etc.) increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system. Intrusive advertisements proliferate PUAs as well. Once clicked on, they can execute scripts to download/install these applications without user consent.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is important to research software prior to download/installation and/or purchase. All downloads must be done from official and verified sources. Since untrustworthy channels, like: unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders - often offer harmful and/or bundled content. When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, study all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out from additional apps, tools, functions, etc. Intrusive adverts appear legitimate and harmless, however they redirect to highly questionable webpages (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and so on). In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, the system must be inspected and all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Text presented in the "Error code # MS-6F0EXFE" scam:
Background page:
Bel Microsoft op:
0466 90 17 99
------------------
Center pop-up:
Beveiligingswaarschuwing:
** Uw Computer Is Geblokkerd **
Foutcode # MS-6F0EXFE
Bel ons onmiddellijk op: 0466 90 17 99
Negeer deze belangrijke waarschuwing niet..
Als u deze pagina sluit, wordt de toegang tot uw Computer uitgeschakeld om verdere schade aan ons netwerk te voorkomen.
Uw Computer heeft ons gewaarschuwd dat deze is geïnfecteerd met een virus en spyware. De volgende gegevens zijn gestolen ..
1. Facebook-aanmelding
2. Creditcard Informatie
3. Log in op het e-mailaccount
4. Foto's opgeslagen op PC.
Onze technici helpen u graag verder met het verwijderen en herstellen.
Bel ons binnen 5 minuten om volledige schade te voorkomen
Bel Microsoft omniddellijk gratis op: 0466 90 17 99
------------------
Upper-right corner pop-up:
Fout gemeld bijvrijdag december 4 2020 om 01.32 uur Microsoft meldde download op 18.12.31.86
Bel Microsoft direct gratis op: 0466 90 17 99
------------------
Bottom-right corner pop-up:
Windows heeft potentiële bedreig ingen op uw computer gedetecteerd.
Essential Security kon het Windows-virus niet voorkomen. Windows heeft verschillende potentiële bedreigingen gedetecteerd die uw privacy en uw computer in gevaar brengen.
Foutcode # MS-6F0EXFE
Er zijn neiuwe virussen en pornografische inhoud gevonden die uw computer beschadigen en bedreigen.
Neem contact op met Microsoft-technici:
0466 90 17 99
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:
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Quick menu:
- What is "Error code # MS-6F0EXFE"?
- 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 error code # ms-6f0exfe 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 error code # ms-6f0exfe 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 error code # ms-6f0exfe 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 error code # ms-6f0exfe 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 error code # ms-6f0exfe tech support scam from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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Outstanding!
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