Do not trust websites displaying the "WIN-8x0007 Error" scam message

What is "WIN-8x0007 Error"?

"WIN-8x0007 Error" is the name of a technical support scam run on deceptive websites. Schemes of this type inform users of nonexistent threats on their systems and urge them to contact fake tech support. The "WIN-8x0007 Error" scam targets German users; it also downloads an audio file that contains the same message in Japanese.

As is common of this scam type, "WIN-8x0007 Error" is presented as a Windows support alert issued by Microsoft. It must be emphasized that no site can detect threats/issues on visitors' devices. Any that makes such claims are scams with no relation to legitimate companies (e.g., Microsoft Corporation).

Typically, untrustworthy webpages are accessed via mistyped URLs, or redirects caused by intrusive ads or installed PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).

When a website promoting the "WIN-8x0007 Error" scheme is accessed, it presents visitors with a pop-up window and automatically downloads a ZIP archive that contains an MP3 file. The latter contains an audio recording of the deceptive message in Japanese.

According to a rough translation, the text presented in the pop-up claims that the Windows registration key has been blocked, resulting in access to the system being disabled.

The reasons for this are listed as: the registration key is illegal, the system has pirated software installed onto it, the device is spreading viruses through the Internet connection, the computer has been hacked, etc. To restore access to the device, the scam instructs users to call the fake "Microsoft Security Toll Free" ("Microsoft Sicherheit Gebührenfreie") helpline.

The text presented in the background page reiterates that users must call the listed telephone number. It warns not to ignore this critical alert, as allegedly, the Windows operating system was blocked due to suspicious activity detected on it. As mentioned in the introduction, all of the information provided by "WIN-8x0007 Error" is false.

Trusting scam websites can lead to a broad range of severe problems. Should it be impossible to close a deceptive site, the Windows Task Manager must be used to end the browser's process. It is important not to restore the previous browsing session when reopening the browser - as that will reopen the scam page.

The aim of all online scams is to generate revenue for their designers. However, how they achieve the goal differs, and this applies to "WIN-8x0007 Error" as well.

Firstly, technical support schemes aim to trick victims into calling their phone numbers. Secondly, the scammers attempt to gain remote access to the supposedly infected device (usually, though the use of legitimate software). After these steps, the scam scripts diverge.

Scammers can run fake scans and/or perform bogus malware removal - but leave the computer unharmed. Alternatively, they can uninstall genuine protection tools, install fake anti-viruses (that require purchase), and/or infect the system with real malware.

Scammers also target sensitive/personal information: names, addresses, emails, telephone numbers, account log-in credentials (e.g., of online bank accounts), banking account and/or credit card details, and so on.

They can extract this data through: deception (e.g., by tricking the victims into disclosing it, writing it out in a text document that the scammers claim not to see, etc.), phishing websites (e.g., fake bank account sign-in pages, dubious payment gateways, etc.), or via information-stealing malware. RATs (Remote Access Trojans) are a common choice for tech support scammers, as these malicious programs enable (potentially indefinite) stealthy remote access and control over the machine.

Trojan-types can have a wide variety of heinous functionalities; however, systems may be infected with data-encrypting ransomware, cryptocurrency miners (cryptominers), or other malicious software.

The primary way that such schemes profit is by requesting victims to pay for the scammers' "services" (e.g., nonexistent malware elimination, future tech support and protection services, etc.). The fees tend to be exorbitant, and successfully scammed victims are often targeted repeatedly.

To summarize, by trusting the "WIN-8x0007 Error" scam, users can experience system infections, severe privacy issues, significant financial losses, and even identity theft. PUAs are prime suspects behind rogue redirects to misleading, deceptive/scam, and malicious webpages (e.g., ones running "WIN-8x0007 Error").

However, these applications can have other heinous functionalities, e.g., intrusive advertisement delivery (adware), browser modification in promotion of fake search engines (browser hijackers), and data tracking.

Most PUAs monitor browsing activity (browsing and search engine histories) and collect sensitive information inferred from it (IP addresses, geolocations, and even personally identifiable details). The collected data is then monetized by being shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

Therefore, it is crucial to remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.

Threat Summary:

Name	WIN-8x0007 Error tech support scam
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Fake Claim	Scam claims that suspicious activity has been detected on users' devices, and urges them to call the fake helpline.
Disguise	Windows alert from Microsoft
Tech Support Scammer Phone Number	713-1774-9952
Related Domains	winsupport[.]xyz
Detection Names (winsupport[.]xyz)	Fortinet (Malware), Google Safebrowsing (Phishing), Netcraft (Malicious), Sophos (Phishing), Forcepoint ThreatSeeker (Suspicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (winsupport[.]xyz)	185.92.220.163
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.

"Suspicious Movement Distinguished On You IP", "WARNING CRITICAL MESSAGE", "Pornographic Alert" and "Killer's IP Address" are some examples of other technical support scams. There are many types of online schemes and thousands of websites that promote them.

Regardless of what the scams warn, claim, offer, request, or demand, the end-goal is always the same - to generate revenue for the scammers/ cyber criminals behind them. Due to how widespread such deceptive content is on the Internet, it is strongly advised to exercise caution when browsing.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

PUAs can have "official" promotional/download pages. These applications can also be downloaded/installed together with other programs. This false marketing tactic of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is called "bundling".

Rushed downloads/installations (e.g., ignored terms, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device. Once clicked on, intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to download/install PUAs without user permission.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is recommended to research software prior to download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be done from official and verified sources.

Unofficial and free file-hosting (freeware) websites, P2P sharing networks (Torrent clients, eMule, Gnutella, etc.), and other third-party sources - are deemed to be untrustworthy, as they often offer harmful and/or bundled content. When downloading/installing, it is important to read terms, explore all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out from supplementary apps, tools, functions, and other additions.

Intrusive adverts appear ordinary and innocuous; however, they redirect to various questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.). In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, the system must be checked and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - removed from it without delay.

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 "WIN-8x0007 Error" scam:

Pop-up:

 

** WARNUNG! KRITISCHE MELDUNG! **
Fehler #WIN-8x0007
Ignorieren Sie diese wichtige Warnung nicht
Bitte aufhören und den PC nicht schließen
Der Registrierungsschlüssel Ihres Computers ist gesperrt.
Warum haben wir Ihren Computer blockiert?
Der Windows-Registrierungsschlüssel ist illegal.
Dieser Windows-Desktop wird mit raubkopierter Software.
Dieser Windows-Desktop sendet Viren über das Internet.
Dieser Windows-Desktop wird gehackt
Wir blockieren diesen Computer zu Ihrer Sicherheit.
Kontaktieren Sie microsoft helpline, um Ihren computer zu reaktivieren.
Microsoft Sicherheit Gebührenfreie:
713-1774-9952

 

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

Background:

 

Microsoft Sicherheit Gebührenfreie:
Verhindern Sie, dass diese Seite zusätzliche Dialoge erstellt.
713-1774-9952

 

Geben Sie Windows registration key zu entsperren.
EINGABETASTE:

 

Windows-Unterstützung Alert
Windows wurde aufgrund verdächtiger Aktivitäten blockiert
Ignorieren Sie diese kritische Warnung nicht.
Bitte melden Sie diese Aktivität an
713-1774-9952
[Warnung Ignorieren] [Chat Nun]

The appearance of "WIN-8x0007 Error" pop-up scam (GIF):

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Quick menu:

• What is "WIN-8x0007 Error"?
• 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 win-8x0007 error 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 win-8x0007 error 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 win-8x0007 error 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 win-8x0007 error 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 win-8x0007 error tech support scam from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.

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