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How to avoid scam websites like qhelp.cc

Also Known As: qhelp.cc remote access scam
Damage level: Medium

What kind of page is qhelp[.]cc?

While investigating scam emails (e.g., "Geek Squad Email Scam"), we discovered qhelp[.]cc - a scam website used to obtain remote access to computers. Scammers use qhelp[.]cc to trick visitors into installing remote access software via the downloaded "SupportClient.exe" file. Typically, scammers use such software to inject malware, steal sensitive information, etc.

qhelp[.]cc scam website

Qhelp[.]cc in detail

Qhelp[.]cc is promoted via scam emails and technical support scam sites. In both cases, users are urged to call the provided number (call scammers) to cancel subscriptions, remove malware, fix errors, etc. Typically, scammers use scare tactics to lure users into calling them.

Once called, scammers tell users to use qhelp[.]cc to join a session with the provided code. Their goal is to trick users into installing downloaded software. That software provides scammers remote access to computers.

Typically, crooks use accessed computers to steal sensitive information (e.g., credit card details, passwords, ID card information, social security numbers) or they plant malware on computers (e.g., ransomware, information-stealing malware, crypto-mining malware).

Also, scammers use remote access software to trick users into purchasing unnecessary or fake software (or paying for unnecessary services). One of the methods they use to extract money from unsuspecting users is using fake antivirus software. They use that software to trick users into believing that they must purchase it to remove supposedly detected viruses.

Threat Summary:
Name qhelp.cc remote access scam
Threat Type Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Detection Names (qhelp[.]cc) Forcepoint ThreatSeeker (Malicious), Fortinet (Phishing), Seclookup (Malicious), alphaMountain.ai (Suspicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address 107.175.212.11
Detection Names (SupportClient.exe) Jiangmin (Trojan.Generic.flusl), Lionic (Riskware.Win32.ConnectWise.1!c), Rising (Trojan.Generic@AI.96 (RDML:u/6nAEkno4m8IH3V/vyc+Q)), VBA32 (Trojan.Generic), Zillyia (Tool.Support.Win32.8), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
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.
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Dangers of providing remote access to computers

Users who provide remote scammers remote access to their computers suffer monetary loss, lose access to their files, have their identities or online accounts stolen, or encounter other problems. It is strongly recommended to examine emails and websites instructing to call technical support (or similar) numbers.

Examples of scams used to trick users into calling scammers are "Windows Defender Email Scam", "UltraViewer Tech Support Scam", and "Your Windows Got Corrupted Due To Virus POP-UP Scam".

How did I open a scam website?

Websites urging visitors to call scammers (or perform other actions) usually get opened via notifications from untrustworthy pages, deceptive advertisements, pages that use rogue advertising networks (e.g., torrent sites, illegal movie streaming pages), etc. Also, they can be opened by installed adware.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Do not trust advertisements on shady websites or click suspicious links received via SMS or email. Do not visit illegal movie streaming pages, torrent sites, and similar pages. Never agree to receive notifications from dubious pages (e.g., websites claiming that you have to click the "Allow" button to prove that you are not a robot, play a video, etc.).

Download software from legitimate sources (official websites and stores). Do not trust other sources to avoid downloading adware or software designed to open scam websites. If your computer is already infected with unwanted apps, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Website used to distribute "SupportClient.exe" (installer of a remote access software):

qhelp.cc scam website used to distribute remote access software

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:
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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 kind of page is qhelp[.]cc?

This website is designed to trick visitors into downloading the "SupportClient.exe" file and installing remote access software.

What is the purpose of qhelp[.]cc?

Scammers use this page to obtain access to computers via remote administration software. That software allows scammers to plant malware on computers, steal sensitive information, and perform other malicious activities.

How scammers promote qhelp[.]cc?

One of the known methods used to trick users into opening qhelp[.]cc and downloading remote access software from it is sending emails (such as "Geek Squad Email Scam") instructing recipients to call the provided number to cancel a subscription or take other actions. Once called, scammers tell users to go to qhelp[.]cc and install remote access software.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from scam websites?

Combo Cleaner is designed to scan visited pages and detect untrustworthy ones. It will warn you about scam pages (and other shady websites) and restrict access to them.

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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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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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