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Ignore the Access to this pc has been blocked for security reasons scam

Also Known As: Access to this pc has been blocked for security reasons pop-up
Damage level: Medium

What is Access to this pc has been blocked for security reasons scam?

There are many deceptive websites designed to look like official Microsoft (or other company's) pages and display fake virus and (or) error notifications with telephone numbers. Websites of this type are called technical support scams. Scammers behind these pages attempt to trick users into paying money for unnecessary services, programs or providing remote access to their computers.

Access to this pc has been blocked for security reasons scam scam

Access to this pc has been blocked for security reasons scam in detail

This particular technical support scam website displays a fake virus notification ("Windows Firewall Protection Alert") claiming that access to a computer has been blocked due to detected spyware ("Pornographic Spyware"). It encourages visitors to call the +1-866-237-6010 number to solve the occurred problem/remove the detected threat.

It is worth mentioning that this page displays a fake Windows Security window, runs a fake virus scan, and displays a couple of other pop-up windows disguised as system notifications about detected threats. As stated in those pop-ups, detected malware can steal email and Facebook passwords, financial information, personal documents, images, and other files.

The main purpose of this scam website is to trick visitors into calling the provided number as soon as possible. Usually, scammers behind websites of this type attempt to trick visitors into paying money for fake, unnecessary services, programs or providing a remote access to their computers.

It is important to mention that scammers could use the provided remote access to steal personal information (for example, credit card details, login credentials), commit identity fraud, download sensitive files, install malware, and so on. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to ignore websites of this type and never call telephone numbers displayed on them.

It is worthwhile to mention that users do not visit technical support scam websites intentionally. Typically, these pages are promoted through deceptive advertisements, other shady pages, and certain applications.

More about shady applications

Certain apps can be designed to serve advertisements, for example, coupons, banners, surveys, pop-up ads. Those ads can be used to advertise shady websites or designed to download or even install unwanted apps by running certain scripts.

Also, such apps can be designed to gather Internet Protocol addresses, geolocations, URLs of visited pages, entered search queries, etc., or even sensitive information. What is worse, collected data could be shared with third parties (potentially cybercriminals), used to steal identities, online accounts, etc.

Threat Summary:
Name Access to this pc has been blocked for security reasons pop-up
Threat Type Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Fake Claim Computer is infected with spyware and blocked due to security reasons
Disguise Microsoft website
Tech Support Scammer Phone Number +1-844-524-2658, +1-888-682-6808, +1-806-544-1112, +1-810-268-8945, +1-844-437-7846, +1-833-846-3681, +1-855-524-5540, +1-865-244-8728, +1-856-243-1725, +1-833-582-4308, +1-865-242-9260, +1(888)422-3370, +1-802-503-3531, +1-802-304-3085, +1-866-884-3535, +1-859-440-6396, +1-843-367-9275, +1-833-846-1406, +1-864-329-4158, +1-888-734-1239, +1-888-795-2563, +1-859-436-5000, +1-866-881-3537, +1-888-734-1256, +1-866-960-9989, +1-864-275-3788, +1-858-386-0614, +1-865-607-6502, +1-855-456-0678, +1855-678-6258, +1-855-399-1066, +1-844-314-5702, +1-855-518-2405, +1-877-637-7685, +1-844-324-0015, +1-888-486-7218, +1-866-204-4210, +1-855-343-6624, +1-855-740-0750, +1-833-293-0117, +18889269410, +1-877-311-0603, +1-866-823-3495, +1-888-689-7141, +1-844-923-7799, +1-855-399-1044, +1-855-234-0448, +1-866-966-8977, +1-833-456-0455
Related Domain okapiet[.]cyou, tensoaew[.]com, aswwyuu[.]com, spicyhotrecipes[.]site, mpobonanza88[.]info, constaaner[.]com, kaverasto[.]com, mobertile[.]com, giveserendipity[.]website, tastyfood[.]site, biggersgarden[.]com, adultfriend[.]site, hitorikawag[.]top, yeddt[.]jet, jadeneal[.]autos, keznxain[.]sbs, todogallina[.]es, vboolkhjhb[.]com, morningh[.]shop, tropheas[.]com, frakeliye[.]com, mezories[.]com, gardenhub[.]site
Detection Names (okapiet[.]cyou) Fortinet (Phishing), GData (Malware), Google Safebrowsing (Phishing), Kaspersky (Malware), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address 51.158.117.245
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)

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Technical support scams in general

Most technical support websites use scare tactics to trick unsuspecting visitors into calling the provided number. As a rule, scammers behind these pages attempt to extract money or get remote access to computers.

There are many examples of technical support pages. Some of them are "Code 0x03A10 (0E10)", "Firewall Spyware Alert", and "McAfee Tollfree". It is common for these pages to look like official websites of various software companies like Microsoft and Apple.

In most cases, users download or install potentially unwanted applications when they finish downloading or installing other programs without changing certain settings and options. Typically, downloaders, installers that have shady apps included in them as additional offers also have "Custom", "Manual", "Advanced" or other settings, or ticked checkboxes that can be used to decline unwanted offers.

In other cases, users cause unexpected downloads, installations by clicking deceptive advertisements designed to run certain scripts. As a rule, ads that can cause downloads, installations appear on questionable, potentially malicious websites.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Questionable sources, channels like third-party downloaders, installers, Peer-to-Peer networks (for example, torrent clients, eMule), unofficial websites, etc., should not be used to download or install any programs. It is common for those channels to be used as tools to distribute unwanted software.

Advertisements on shady pages should not be clicked - they can be designed to open other unreliable websites or even download, install unwanted software. Downloaders and installers that have settings like "Custom", "Advanced", or some ticked checkboxes should be checked for offers to download or install unwanted applications.

Suspicious plug-ins, add-ons, extensions installed on a browser, and programs of this kind that installed on the operating system should be removed. If your computer is already infected with malicious apps, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

The appearance of Access to this pc has been blocked for security reasons scam (GIF):

Appearance of Access to this pc has been blocked for security reasons scam

Text presented in one of the pop-up windows displayed by this page:

Windows_Firewall_Protection_Alert !
Pornographic_Spyware Alert - Error Code: #0x268d3(00x7)
Access to this PC has been blocked for security reasons.
Contact Windows Support: +1-866-237-6010
Threat_Detected - Pornographic_Spyware
App: Ads.financetrack(1).exe
[Quick Support][Go Back Safety]

Another example of Access To This Pc Has Been Blocked For Security Reasons POP-UP scam:

Access To This Pc Has Been Blocked For Security Reasons POP-UP Scam (2021-11-26)

Text presented within:

Windows Defender Security Center
App: Ads.fiancetrack(2).dll
Threat Detected: Trojan Spyware

Access to this PC has been blocked for security reasons.
Contact Windows Support: +1-805-317-6248 (Security Helpline)

Microsoft
Deny Allow

Yet another example of "Access To This Pc Has Been Blocked For Security Reasons" pop-up scam:

Access To This Pc Has Been Blocked For Security Reasons pop-up scam

Another example of Access To This Pc Has Been Blocked For Security Reasons pop-up scam:

Access To This Pc Has Been Blocked For Security Reasons POP-UP Scam

Yet another variant of the "Access To This Pc Has Been Blocked For Security Reasons" pop-up scam:

Access To This Pc Has Been Blocked For Security Reasons POP-UP Scam (2023-08-09)

Text presented within:

Windows Defender Security Center

App: Ads.financetrack(2).dll
Threats Detected: Trojan Spyware

Access to this PC has been blocked for security reasons.
Contact Windows Support: +1-888-258-9437 (Security Toll-Free)
Note: If you think this Notification is by error, report immediately to Windows Support to halt the auto-deletion of files and applications from this computer. As this Computer ID is flagged and is connected over the internet Servers, files and apps deletion may start any moment.

Windows Support [Deny] [Allow]

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Quick menu:

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:

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a pop-up scam?

A pop-up scam is a type of scam used to trick unsuspecting users into performing certain actions. Typically, it is delivered by a deceptive page claiming that a computer is infected, compromised, hacked, damaged, and (or) another problem needs to be solved immediately.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

In most cases, scammers use pop-up scams to trick visitors into providing personal information, executing malware, providing remote access to computers.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Websites designed to deliver pop-up scams usually get opened through shady ads, websites, fake "Download", or similar buttons. Also, these sites are promoted using search engine poisoning techniques.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Combo Cleaner will scan all visited websites and detect malicious ones. It will also restrict access to untrustworthy pages (including websites that deliver pop-up scams).

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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About PCrisk

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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