How to avoid scams like "7 Viruses Detected On Your PC Device"

What is "7 Viruses Detected On Your PC Device"?

We have examined this website and concluded that it is a scam site that uses scare tactics to trick users into interacting with it (clicking the provided links). Usually, websites of this type lead users to other unreliable sites, including pages hosting malware. Sometimes, they can promote legitimate pages. Either way, such pages should be ignored and closed if encountered.

"7 Viruses Detected On Your PC Device" scam in detail

The deceptive page attempts to scare users by falsely claiming that seven viruses have been detected on their devices. It poses as a warning from Norton antivirus and states that the user's subscription has expired. The message warns that failure to renew will result in device lockout and potential data loss.

The page also features a fake countdown timer, a 56% discount offer, and two buttons labeled "RENEW" and "CANCEL". It is designed to manipulate visitors into opening the provided link. Where this site takes users depends on their location. It is known that it can lead users to deceptive pages using the ClickFix scheme.

ClickFix is a social engineering method designed to manipulate users into unknowingly running harmful PowerShell commands. Ultimately, the goal is to trick users into inadvertently executing the attacker's code, which can lead to malware infiltration. This method is often used to distribute information stealers.

Moreover, the discussed scam website can expose users to other scams, like fake lotteries, giveaways, surveys, technical support scams, etc. Users may also be directed to pages hosting unwanted applications. Sometimes, users may land on pages operated by fraudulent affiliates. These affiliates can promote legitimate products (e.g., Norton Antivirus or Total AV).

This scam mentions the Norton security tool. However, the page may lead users to affiliate links for other tools. Either way, users should never trust websites claiming that their computers are infected and avoid interacting with them.

Similar scams in general

These scams often use fear tactics, fake warnings and countdowns, or similar elements to trick users into clicking links that can lead to malware infections or further scams. Users should recognize such scsms and never interact with them, as they often lead to outcomes including monetary loss, identity theft, and computer infections.

More examples of scams involving fake pop-ups are "Norton Antivirus - Your Windows 10 Might Be Infected", "Security Center Total Protection", and "Apple Mac Security Center".

How did I open a scam website?

Scam websites can be opened through misleading ads, pop-ups, or other content on shady websites, notifications from untrusted sites, or adware-generated ads. Scammers can also trick people into visiting scam websites by sharing links through fake or hacked social media accounts.

Visiting sites that use rogue ad networks, such as torrent or adult websites, can also lead to scam pages. In other cases, users can be lured through deceptive emails.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Avoid interacting with ads, pop-ups, or any other elements on unreliable websites, and never grant permission for such sites to send notifications. Do not open files or links in unexpected or suspicious emails and messages from unknown senders. Always download apps and files from official websites or trusted app stores.

Also, make sure to keep your operating system and software up to date and run regular scans using reputable security programs. If your computer is already infected with unwanted apps, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

The appearance of "7 Viruses Detected On Your PC Device" scam (GIF):

Text presented on this scam page:

7 Viruses Detected on Your PC Device!
Your Norton subscription has expired.

If you don't renew today, your device may be locked.

All your data could be lost!

56% discount available if you renew now.

00:00:55
RENEW CANCEL

Website using the ClickFix technique:

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:

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.

Quick menu:

• What is 7 Viruses Detected On Your PC Device fake warning?
• 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a pop-up scam?

It usually involves a deceptive message (or messages) that appear while browsing the internet. It often mimics alerts from antivirus software or system warnings and tries to scare users into taking immediate action.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

These scams are often used to extract personal information, steal money, or distribute unwanted (or malicious) software.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Scam websites are often accessed through misleading ads, shady pop-ups, fake notifications, or links shared via hacked social media accounts and deceptive emails. They can also be opened when visiting torrent, adult, or other unreliable sites that use rogue ad networks.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Combo Cleaner scans websites and can detect dangerous ones, including those that show fake pop-ups or host other scams. If a site is harmful, it will warn you and block access right away.