How to avoid scams like "Warning! Your Personal Data Is At Risk!"

What kind of scam is "Warning! Your Personal Data Is At Risk!"?

Our analysis has shown that it is a pop-up scam involving a fraudulent message designed to trick users into interacting with it. Additionally, the site uses other methods to lure users. It is important to recognize fake warnings and similar content to avoid scams like this one.

"Warning! Your Personal Data Is At Risk!" scam overview

In the first stage of the scam, users are presented with a fake video player. Upon interaction, a flashing damaged screen imitation is displayed to trick users into thinking that something is wrong with their device. Then, a fake warning appears, claiming that the user's personal data is at risk.

It warns that media files, photos, videos, and sensitive information might be compromised or exposed online. The message urges the user to protect their passwords immediately to prevent data theft.

Clicking the "Protect passwords" option initiates a fake system scan that "detects" various threats. Users are encouraged to check the list of threats and informed that the security of their data is at stake (their bank details, passwords, and photo and video files can be stolen). Clicking "Next" leads to another fake alert

This alert claims that sensitive content could be leaked to the public and urges to "protect files". After clicking the provided option, users are offered to purchase a security tool with a discount. Ultimately, this scheme opens an affiliate link operated by fraudsters. These fraudsters earn commissions from the sales of the promoted software.

It is important to note that the software promoted through this scam can be legitimate. However, trustworthy companies do not use deceptive methods to promote their tools, and they do not control sites operated by fraudulent affiliates.

Conclusion

This scam uses a series of deceptive tactics, from fake video players and flashing screens to false warnings and bogus system scans. It ultimately pushes users to purchase the promoted software through an affiliate link controlled by fraudsters, who earn commissions from the sales. Users should be cautious of such aggressive and fraudulent tactics to avoid potential negative outcomes.

Examples of similar scams are "Cleaner Update For Android Is Recommended", "Your System Is Heavily Damaged", and "Phone Update Recommended".

How users open scam pages?

Users often land on fraudulent websites through deceptive advertisements, pop-up windows, or other suspicious content found on unreliable sites, as well as notifications from untrustworthy pages or ads created by adware. Scammers may also entice users to visit these scam sites by distributing links via fake or compromised social media profiles.

Accessing websites that rely on malicious ad networks, like torrent or adult sites, can also redirect users to scam pages. Additionally, deceptive emails are used to lure victims to these fraudulent websites.

How to avoid scam sites?

Do not trust advertisements, pop-ups, or any content on questionable websites, and do not accept requests from such sites to send you notifications. Be cautious with emails or messages from unfamiliar sources, and avoid opening unexpected attachments or links. Only download applications and files from official websites or trusted app stores.

Additionally, regularly update your operating system and software to patch security vulnerabilities and perform scans with reliable antivirus or security tools to detect and remove threats.

The appearance of the scam (GIF):

Text in the first warning:

Warning! Your personal data is at risk!

We've detected a risk: your media files and personal data might be compromised. Your private photos, videos and personal info may get exposed online!

Protect passwords

Text in the second warning:

List of threats

The security of your data is at stake!

Your bank details, passwords, photo and video files can be stolen!

Text in the third alert:

CRITICAL ALERT!

Your sensitive content: photos, videos and personal data could be leaked to the public!

Protect files

Text in the fraudulent offer:

TOTAL Drive

You don't have personal data protection

Secure your files NOW before they get leaked!

Save 80$ off

Quick menu:

• Introduction
• How to delete browsing history from the Chrome web browser?
• How to disable browser notifications in the Chrome web browser?
• How to reset the Chrome web browser?
• How to delete browsing history from the Firefox web browser?
• How to disable browser notifications in the Firefox web browser?
• How to reset the Firefox web browser?
• How to uninstall potentially unwanted and/or malicious applications?
• How to boot the Android device in "Safe Mode"?
• How to check the battery usage of various applications?
• How to check the data usage of various applications?
• How to install the latest software updates?
• How to reset the system to its default state?
• How to disable applications that have administrator privileges?

Delete browsing history from the Chrome web browser:

Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "History" in the opened dropdown menu.

Tap "Clear browsing data", select "ADVANCED" tab, choose the time range and data types you want to delete and tap "Clear data".

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Disable browser notifications in the Chrome web browser:

Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "Settings" in the opened dropdown menu.

Scroll down until you see "Site settings" option and tap it. Scroll down until you see "Notifications" option and tap it.

Find the websites that deliver browser notifications, tap on them and click "Clear & reset". This will remove permissions granted for these websites to deliver notifications. However, once you visit the same site again, it may ask for a permission again. You can choose whether to give these permissions or not (if you choose to decline the website will go to "Blocked" section and will no longer ask you for the permission).

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Reset the Chrome web browser:

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.

Scroll down until you find "Chrome" application, select it and tap "Storage" option.

Tap "MANAGE STORAGE", then "CLEAR ALL DATA" and confirm the action by taping "OK". Note that resetting the browser will eliminate all data stored within. This means that all saved logins/passwords, browsing history, non-default settings and other data will be deleted. You will also have to re-login into all websites as well.

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Delete browsing history from the Firefox web browser:

Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "History" in the opened dropdown menu.

Scroll down until you see "Clear private data" and tap it. Select data types you want to remove and tap "CLEAR DATA".

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Disable browser notifications in the Firefox web browser:

Visit the website that is delivering browser notifications, tap the icon displayed on the left of URL bar (the icon will not necessarily be a "Lock") and select "Edit Site Settings".

In the opened pop-up opt-in the "Notifications" option and tap "CLEAR".

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Reset the Firefox web browser:

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.

Scroll down until you find "Firefox" application, select it and tap "Storage" option.

Tap "CLEAR DATA" and confirm the action by taping "DELETE". Note that resetting the browser will eliminate all data stored within. This means that all saved logins/passwords, browsing history, non-default settings and other data will be deleted. You will also have to re-login into all websites as well.

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Uninstall potentially unwanted and/or malicious applications:

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.

Scroll down until you see a potentially unwanted and/or malicious application, select it and tap "Uninstall". If, for some reason, you are unable to remove the selected app (e.g., you are prompted with an error message), you should try using the "Safe Mode".

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Boot the Android device in "Safe Mode":

The "Safe Mode" in Android operating system temporarily disables all third-party applications from running. Using this mode is a good way to diagnose and solve various issues (e.g., remove malicious applications that prevent users you from doing so when the device is running "normally").

Push the "Power" button and hold it until you see the "Power off" screen. Tap the "Power off" icon and hold it. After a few seconds the "Safe Mode" option will appear and you'll be able run it by restarting the device.

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Check the battery usage of various applications:

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Device maintenance" and tap it.

Tap "Battery" and check the usage of each application. Legitimate/genuine applications are designed to use as low energy as possible in order to provide the best user experience and to save power. Therefore, high battery usage may indicate that the application is malicious.

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Check the data usage of various applications:

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Connections" and tap it.

Scroll down until you see "Data usage" and select this option. As with battery, legitimate/genuine applications are designed to minimize data usage as much as possible. This means that huge data usage may indicate presence of malicious application. Note that some malicious applications might be designed to operate when the device is connected to wireless network only. For this reason, you should check both Mobile and Wi-Fi data usage.

If you find an application that uses a lot of data even though you never use it, then we strongly advise you to uninstall it as soon as possible.

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Install the latest software updates:

Keeping the software up-to-date is a good practice when it comes to device safety. The device manufacturers are continually releasing various security patches and Android updates in order to fix errors and bugs that can be abused by cyber criminals. An outdated system is way more vulnerable, which is why you should always be sure that your device's software is up-to-date.

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Software update" and tap it.

Tap "Download updates manually" and check if there are any updates available. If so, install them immediately. We also recommend to enable the "Download updates automatically" option - it will enable the system to notify you once an update is released and/or install it automatically.

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Reset the system to its default state:

Performing a "Factory Reset" is a good way to remove all unwanted applications, restore system's settings to default and clean the device in general. However, you must keep in mind that all data within the device will be deleted, including photos, video/audio files, phone numbers (stored within the device, not the SIM card), SMS messages, and so forth. In other words, the device will be restored to its primal state.

You can also restore the basic system settings and/or simply network settings as well.

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "About phone" and tap it.

Scroll down until you see "Reset" and tap it. Now choose the action you want to perform:
"Reset settings" - restore all system settings to default;
"Reset network settings" - restore all network-related settings to default;
"Factory data reset" - reset the entire system and completely delete all stored data;

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Disable applications that have administrator privileges:

If a malicious application gets administrator-level privileges it can seriously damage the system. To keep the device as safe as possible you should always check what apps have such privileges and disable the ones that shouldn't.

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Lock screen and security" and tap it.

Scroll down until you see "Other security settings", tap it and then tap "Device admin apps".

Identify applications that should not have administrator privileges, tap them and then tap "DEACTIVATE".

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a pop-up scam?

This scam typically involves misleading messages that appear during browsing. These messages are designed to resemble antivirus alerts or system warnings to create a sense of urgency.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

Such scams are commonly used to harvest personal information, commit financial fraud, or deliver unwanted (and sometimes harmful) software to users' devices.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Scam websites can be encountered via shady pop-ups, misleading advertisements, or fake notifications from dubious pages. They are also commonly accessed through deceptive emails or links shared from hacked or fake social media accounts. Visiting unreliable sites, such as torrent or adult platforms that use rogue ad networks, can also lead users to these fraudulent pages.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Combo Cleaner monitors websites in real-time and can identify dangerous ones, including those displaying fake pop-ups or running scam campaigns. When a threat is detected, it immediately alerts the user and blocks access to protect the system.