Avoid being scammed by "Suspicious movement distinguished on you IP"

What is the "Suspicious movement distinguished on you IP" scam?

"Suspicious movement distinguished on you IP" is a technical support scam run on various untrusted websites. It is presented as a Windows security alert from Microsoft, yet it is in no way associated with the genuine Microsoft Corporation. This scheme claims that visitors' devices have been infected and urges them to seek aid from "Certified Technicians".

This type of scam aims to trick users into calling fake helplines and, from there on, abuses their trust for profit. Typically, deceptive/scam sites are accessed via mistyped URLs, or redirects caused by intrusive advertisements or installed Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs).

This software does not require express permission to be installed onto systems, and thus users may be unaware of its presence on their devices.

When a web page promoting "Suspicious movement distinguished on you IP" is accessed, visitors are presented with a pop-up window. The text presented in it states that suspicious activity has been noted on visitors' IP addresses, due to installed spyware.

The malware is allegedly causing errors (specified as error "0x80093acf") and poses a threat to users' privacy. Other potential issues are listed: system and device driver corruption, hard disk failure, data loss, tracked online and financial activity, etc. The scam warns against opening browsers and/or making any changes to the system.

Throughout the message, users are constantly urged to call the provided fake tech support number. The text on the background page reiterates some of the information, however, it also adds that the allegedly infected computer is blocked.

The possible reasons are: security problems, illegal Windows registration key, installed pirated software, the device being hacked or used from an undefined location, and so on. To recover access, the scheme instructs users to enter their Windows registration keys and call the helpline.

The "Suspicious movement distinguished on you IP" is poorly written and structured. Nonetheless, bad grammar and spelling are not always indicators of online scams. Various schemes can be well designed (image-wise and text-wise) and contain no obvious faults.

Tech support scams can be easily discerned, as no website can detect threats/issues present on visitors' devices. Technical support scams aim to generate revenue for their designers, yet how they achieve their goals differs.

Firstly, while the telephone numbers purchased by these schemes are often presented as "free", they can have large call fees associated with them. Tech support scammers operate by attempting to gain access to victims' devices. This can be used to perform bogus scans and malware removal processes, whilst leaving the computer unharmed.

System access can be abused to extract sensitive information stored on the system, remove legitimate anti-virus tools, install fake products (which are nonoperational and require purchase), and infiltrate real malicious software into the machine. Remote Access Trojans (RATs) are commonly installed onto victims' computers. Malware of this type enables stealthy remote access and control over infected devices, potentially ensuring indefinite access/control.

Scammers also try to obtain sensitive/personal information such as names, addresses, emails, telephone numbers, account/platform log-in credentials (i.e., usernames and passwords), banking account and credit card details, etc.

This data may be gathered through the use of deception (i.e., by tricking victims into disclosing it), information-stealing malware, and phishing websites (e.g., fraudulent bank account sign-in pages, bogus payment gateways, etc.).

Usually, the primary source of revenue is receiving payment from the victims for the scammers' "services" (e.g., fake malware removal, scam software activation, subscription for future assistance with security problems, etc.). The fees tend to be exorbitant, and successfully scammed victims are typically targeted continuously.

Furthermore, payment is often requested in hard-to-trace digital currencies (e.g., gift cards, pre-paid vouchers, cryptocurrency, etc.). Doing so ensures that the scammers cannot be prosecuted, and victims are unable to regain their losses.

To summarize, by trusting the "Suspicious movement distinguished on you IP" scam, users can experience system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft. In some cases, it is impossible to close a deceptive web page, and therefore Windows Task Manager must be used to end the browser process.

When the browser is reopened, it is important not to restore the previous browsing session, as this will reopen the scam site. Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) may seem legitimate and offer various features that do not work (e.g., fake anti-viruses).

Additionally, these apps can have dangerous capabilities. For example, they can force-open bogus web pages (e.g., those promoting "Suspicious movement distinguished on you IP"), deliver intrusive advertisements (adware), modify browsers (browser hijackers), and collect browsing-related and private data.

Data tracking capabilities are common to all types of PUAs. Developers of this software monetize the information by sharing it with and/or selling it to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals). Therefore, to protect device and user safety, it is crucial to eliminate all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.

"WARNING CRITICAL MESSAGE", "Pornographic Alert", "ERROR #DW6BD36", and "Error code # MS-6F0EXFE" are some examples of other tech support scams. The internet is rife with all manner of misleading and deceptive content.

Popular scam models include: warnings that the device is infected, alerts that a crucial piece of software is outdated/missing, fake prize giveaways and raffles, amazing offers and deals, etc. Due to the widespread nature of these online schemes, you are strongly advised to exercise caution when browsing.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

PUAs are distributed via download/installation set-ups of other products. This deceptive marketing tactic of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".

Rushing download/installation processes (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and settings, etc.) increases the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.

Some PUAs have "official" download sites. Intrusive advertisements proliferate these applications as well. Once clicked, they can execute scripts to download/install PUAs without users' consent.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

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

When downloading/installing, read the terms, explore all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of supplementary apps, tools, features, etc. Intrusive ads may seem normal and harmless, however, they can redirect to various dubious web pages (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and many others).

If you encounter ads or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and remove any suspicious 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 the "Suspicious movement distinguished on you IP" scam:

Pop-up:

Windows Security

 

Microsoft Edge

 

The server is asking for your user name and password.

 

That server also reports: "Suspicious movement distinguished on you IP address because of a spyware introduced in your PC. Call us for any help. Your information is at a Serious risk. There is a Computer framework record missing because of some Harmful malware infection Debug Malware error (code 0x80093acf). Call Immediately to correct the issue. Please do not Open web browser or make any changes for your Security Issue to avoid data loss & Corrupt system files & drivers, Call immediately to save Hard disk failure & Data loss. This Harmful malware is affecting your online information & can Track Financial Activity Contact Certified Technicians. Call Helpline @ +1-844-286-8369 for any help".

 

Username
Password
[Ok] [Cancel]

 

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

 

Background page:

 

MS-Windows Security Tollfree:
+1-844-286-8369
Enter MS-Windows registration key to unblock.
ENTER KEY: [Submit]

 

VIRUS ALERT FROM MS-Windows

 

This computer is BLOCKED

 

Do not close this window and restart your computer
Your computer's registration key is Blocked.
Why we 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 block this computer for your security.
Contact MS-Windows helpline to reactivate your computer.

 

MS-Windows Security Tollfree:
+1-844-286-8369

 

MS-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 +1-844-286-8369
[Ignore Alert] [Chat Now]

The appearance of "Suspicious movement distinguished on you IP" pop-up scam (GIF):

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Quick menu:

• What is Suspicious movement distinguished on you IP tech support scam?
• 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.