How to identify scams like "Avast Detected 18 Viruses"

What is "Avast Detected 18 Viruses" pop-up scam?

We have inspected the site and concluded that it is a scam involving a fake alert (and other elements) to trick visitors into taking certain steps. Also, this scam site requests permission to show notifications (granting it can expose users to more scams). Thus, users should close this website if they ever land on it.

"Avast Detected 18 Viruses" scam in detail

At first, the site runs a fake Avast scan that detects multiple threats (Trojans, viruses, keyloggers, adware). Then it displays a deceptive alert claiming that Avast has detected 18 viruses. This message claims that the user's computer is compromised and urges immediate removal of detected viruses to prevent data loss.

It warns that the malware may steal passwords, banking information, and personal files, and pressures the user to renew their protection to avoid permanent damage. It is important to mention that Avast is a legitimate computer security company, and it or its products have nothing to do with this scam.

Clicking the provided link may redirect users to an affiliate website operated by scammers attempting to convince them to purchase antivirus software through their link. In these schemes, the goal is to earn commissions from sales generated through deceptive tactics.

Also, the link provided on this scam page could lead users to other unreliable pages. These sites may be used to extract money, personal information, or distribute malware. In addition to displaying misleading content, the scam page wants to show notifications. Allowing such sites to send notifications can expose users to scams, malware, and other threats.

Thus, it is important to ignore such websites and close them if they are visited.

Similar scams in general

In conclusion, scams like this rely on fake virus alerts and other deceptive tactics. Their goal is to manipulate users into purchasing unnecessary software, sharing personal information, or enabling notifications that can lead to additional threats. These pages have no connection to legitimate security companies like Avast.

Some examples of similar scams are "This Software Must Be Installed To Avoid Problems", "7 Viruses Detected On Your PC Device", and "Norton Antivirus - Your Windows 10 Might Be Infected".

How did I open a scam website?

Users often end up on scam websites through unreliable ads, misleading pop-ups, or fake download buttons found on questionable pages. Clicking links in deceptive emails or messages from unknown sources can also lead to these fraudulent sites. In some cases, adware installed on the system may expose users to scams.

Additionally, scam pages are promoted through rogue advertising networks often used by platforms like torrent sites, pages offering illegal streaming services, and adult sites. Generally, users rarely visit such websites on purpose.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Do not allow suspicious websites to send notifications and avoid interacting with advertisements, buttons, links, and similar content on dubious sites. Regularly update apps and the operating system, and use a reliable security tool. Download software from reliable sources, such as official websites or app stores.

Also, do not open links or files in suspicious (e.g., irrelevant or unexpected) emails or other messages from unknown senders. 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 "Avast Detected 18 Viruses" pop-up scam (GIF):

Text in the fraudulent alert:

Avast detected 18 viruses.
Immediate Removal is Recommended to Avoid Data Loss!
Your PC is compromised. Viruses detected may steal passwords, banking details, and personal files.
Renew your protection now to avoid permanent damage.
Remove Viruses Now
Unprotected PCs are 93% more vulnerable to suffer from malware.

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 Avast Detected 18 Viruses fake alert?
• 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?

A pop-up scam is a deceptive message that appears while browsing. These messages often mimic security alerts or system warnings to trick users into taking harmful actions.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

These scams typically aim to steal personal information, download malware, or push users into purchasing fake software or services.

Why do I encounter scams?

Users are typically led to scam websites through misleading ads, pop-ups, fake download buttons, or deceptive links in emails and messages. Adware and rogue advertising networks, often associated with torrent, illegal streaming, and adult sites, can also promote scams. Most visits to these scam pages happen unintentionally.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Combo Cleaner can identify malicious web pages, including sites that deliver pop-up scams. If a scam page is detected, the app warns the user and blocks access to the page.