How to remove apps promoting the Code #007d3Cx0d scam

What is Code #007d3Cx0d scam?

Typically, scammers behind tech-support scams such as this attempt to trick users into installing unwanted software, providing remote access to computers or paying for unnecessary "technical" services.

In most cases, these websites display fake virus/error notifications claiming that users must fix the problem immediately, otherwise there will be even more damage.

Users do not often visit tech-support scam websites intentionally - they are opened via deceptive advertisements, other untrusted websites, and installed potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).

Typically, pages like this one display a message (or messages) stating that the computer is infected with malware and offer a telephone number for help with removing the malware. This page shows a message claiming that real-time virus protection is turned off and encourages users to turn it on.

It then runs a fake virus scan in a bogus Windows Defender Security Center pop-up window and 'detects' a number of viruses. It encourages users to remove these viruses immediately, otherwise detected malware (spyware/riskware) might cause further damage.

This technical support scam's main purpose is to trick visitors into believing that they need to call the +1-844-342-2637 number for help with removing the detected threats.

Scammers often try to get unsuspecting users to install remote access desktop software so they can access their computers remotely and install real malware (e.g., ransomware, Trojans, malicious cryptocurrency miners), access personal files, or steal other sensitive data/information (e.g., login credentials, credit card details).

They often try to sell fake software or services. For example, they encourage users to pay for a subscription plan of fake software that does not remove any malware, fix errors (runs fake scans).

Technical support scams and other untrusted, deceptive websites are commonly promoted through potentially unwanted applications that users download/install onto their browsers or computers unintentionally.

Apps of this type are designed to display advertisements and collect various data. They generate pop-ups, coupons, surveys, banners, and other ads, which can promote other dubious websites or even distribute unwanted software. Therefore, do never click ads that appear due to installed PUAs.

PUAs can access and collect Internet Protocol addresses, geolocations, addresses of visited websites, entered search queries, and other browsing data. In some cases, they can read sensitive information (e.g., passwords, credit card details).

If there is any reason to believe that an app of this type is already installed on a browser or operating system, remove it immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	Code #007d3Cx0d tech-support scam
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Fake Claim	Computer is infected with spyware, viruses
Disguise	Error/virus notification from Microsoft (Windows Defender Security Center)
Tech Support Scammer Phone Number	+1-844-342-2637
Related Domain	0readable322[.]ga
Serving IP Address	104.21.33.78
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.

There are many different technical support scams, however, most display fake errors, virus notifications and encourage visitors to call the provided number to fix errors and remove threats.

Most of these scam pages are disguised as the official Microsoft websites (or legitimate Windows system notifications), however, Microsoft pages, products, and services have nothing to do with these scams.

More examples of tech-support scams are "Your System Detected Some Unusual Activity", "Error Code: #0x564897", and "Suspicious Movement Distinguished On You IP".

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Unwanted downloads and installations often occur when developers distribute PUAs by integrating them into the download/installation setups of other programs as "extra offers". This distribution method is known as "bundling". The offers can be declined in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings of the setups (or by unticking certain checkboxes).

Many users fail to check and change these settings (or untick the checkboxes), thereby allowing PUAs to infiltrate together with the desired software.

PUAs are also downloaded and installed by clicking deceptive advertisements (usually on untrusted sites) that execute certain scripts.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

Download software and files from official websites and via direct links. It is not safe to use torrent clients, eMule (or other Peer-to-Peer networks), third party downloaders, unofficial websites or other sources of this kind.

Avoid third party installers. Check "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings, and decline offers to download or install unwanted software. Do not click ads that are displayed on dubious websites, since they can open other untrusted websites or even cause unwanted downloads and installations.

Remove any unwanted, suspicious applications (extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins) that are installed on the browser. The same should be applied to programs of this kind that are installed on the operating system.

Regularly scan your computer with reputable antivirus or anti-spyware software and keep this software up to date.

If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

The appearance of Code #007d3Cx0d scam (GIF):

Text in the main page:

Windows Defender Security Center
Your device is under threat.
Code #007d3Cx0d
Security Helpline +1-844-342-2637 Last threat scan: 18/03/2021
Last threat definition update: 18/03/2021
Last threat scan: 18/03/2021

Turn on Real- time protection? Yes No

Virus & threat Protection
Real- time protection is off,
Leaving your device
vulnerable.

Device performance &
health
No action needed.

Firewall & network
Protection
No action needed.

Turn On

Text in the sidebar:

ACTION CENTER Clear all
Security and Maintenance

Turn on virus protection
Virus protection is turned off.tap or 2:15 am

Turn on virus protection
Virus protection is turned off.tap or Monday
Windows Defender found some Malicious Spyware/Riskware. Please call us immediately at:
+1-844-342-2637+1-844-342-2637
Do not ignore this critical alert. If you close this page, your computer access will be disabled to prevent further damage to our network. Your computer has alerted us that it has been infected with a Spyware and riskware.
You must contact us immediately so that our expert engineers can walk you through the removal process over the phone to protect your identity. Please call us within the next 5 minutes to prevent your computer from being disabled or from any information loss.

Text in the second page:

Windows Defender Security Center

Virus & threat protection

View threat history, scan for viruses and other threats, specify protection
Settings, and get protection updates.

Scan history
153 threats found
153 Threats found
16324 files scanned
[Quick scan]
Run a new quick scan
Advance scan
Virus & threat protection scan
Real-time protection is off, leaving your device vulnerable. Please call us immediately at: +1-844-342-2637.
Do not ignore this critical alert. If you close this page, your computer access will be disabled to prevent further damage to our network. Your computer has alerted us that it has been infected with a Spyware and riskware.
Protection updates
Protection definitions are up to date.

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner 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 Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is Code #007d3Cx0d 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.

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