How to identify fake alerts like "Microsoft Has Temporarily Suspended Your Account"
Phishing/ScamAlso Known As: Microsoft Has Temporarily Suspended Your Account tech support scam
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What is "Microsoft Has Temporarily Suspended Your Account"?
We have inspected the site and found that it runs a pop-up scam involving deceptive messages posing as Microsoft alerts. Usually, scammers behind such schemes aim to trick visitors into calling the provided fake technical support number. Falling for this scam can lead to monetary loss, computer infections, or other issues.
"Microsoft Has Temporarily Suspended Your Account" in detail
At first, the scam website presents a warning message stating that Microsoft has temporarily suspended the user's account. This warning also urges users not to access the system and to call for immediate assistance. Upon interaction, it displays another deceptive alert.
This alert claims that Windows Defender Security has disabled the computer and urges not to ignore it because it can lead to compromised personal information and security. It also urges users to call the provided number, +1-833-712-0080. Then, the site presents a fake login window instructing visitors to enter their Microsoft account credentials (username and password).
Additionally, this scam includes a fake Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) and a system scan "detecting" multiple threats. Technical support scams like this are used to extract money (to trick users into paying for fake products or services) or information, such as passwords or credit card details.
These scams can also be used to obtain remote access to computers (examples of schemes are UltraViewer and TeamViewer scams). Thus, victims of such scams can lose money, have their computers infected, or have their identities stolen. It is important to recognize tech support scams and ignore them.
Name | Microsoft Has Temporarily Suspended Your Account tech support scam |
Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
Fake Claim | Microsoft has temporarily suspended your account |
Disguise | Alert from Microsoft |
Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | +1-833-712-0080 |
Related Domain | yeferaorch.z36.web.core.windows[.]net |
Detection Names (yeferaorch.z36.web.core.windows[.]net) | Netcraft (Malicious), Yandex Safebrowsing (Phishing), 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. Download Combo CleanerTo 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. |
Similar scams in general
Tech support scams typically display alarming messages and impersonate trusted companies like Microsoft or Apple. These scams are used to lure unsuspecting users into paying for unnecessary services or software, downloading malware, providing scammers access to computers, or disclosing personal info.
Similar scams are "Microsoft Windows Locked Due To Unusual Activity", "This Software Must Be Installed To Avoid Problems", and "7 Viruses Detected On Your PC Device".
How did I open a scam website?
In most cases, users do not open scam pages deliberately. These fraudulent sites are commonly promoted via rogue advertising networks, often associated with torrent platforms, illegal streaming pages, and adult content websites.
They can also be opened through misleading pop-ups, fake download buttons, or deceptive advertisements on shady websites. Moreover, users can land on these pages by clicking links in deceptive emails or other messages. In some instances, adware already present on the system can direct users to scams.
How to avoid visiting scam pages?
Avoid clicking on ads, buttons, or links presented on questionable websites, and never agree to receive notifications from suspicious pages. Make sure your operating system and applications are kept up to date, and protect your device with a reputable security solution.
Download software from trusted sources, such as official websites or app stores. Additionally, always examine unexpected or irrelevant emails and messages. If an email or other communication is suspicious, avoid opening links or attachments. 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 "Microsoft Has Temporarily Suspended Your Account" pop-up scam (GIF):
Text in this scam:
Microsoft has temporarily Suspended your Account. Please don't access this system. Call for immediate assistance.
Windows Defender Security Has Disabled Your Computer.
Please don't access this system. If you overlook this warning, all your security and personal information can be compromised. Running this application may put your system and all your personal information at risk. Please contact Microsoft Windows Support as soon as possible, and a Microsoft expert will guide you through the investigation over the phone. +1-833-712-0080Windows Technical Support +1-833-712-0080 (Toll-free number)
Windows Defender SmartScreen now prevents unrecognized applications from appearing. Running this application may put your system at risk. Windows Defender scan detected unwanted adware on this device that can steal passwords, online identities, financial information, personal files, photos, and documents。
Microsoft Defender✕
Scanning File, Please wait..Virus Found Trojan.Dropper.Autoit...
Virus Found PUP.Optional.RelevantK..
Virus Found PUP.Optional.DownLoad..
Virus Found dware.TopGuard..Admin login
Windows locked due to unusual activity.
Please log in again using your Microsoft ID and password.
For assistance, contact Microsoft Support +1-833-712-0080 (Toll-free number)
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:
DOWNLOAD Combo CleanerBy 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 Microsoft Has Temporarily Suspended Your Account tech support scam?
- 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 fake message that appears during web browsing, designed to look like a legitimate security warning or system alert. Its purpose is to mislead users into clicking links, calling fake support numbers, or downloading malicious software.
What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?
These scams are usually designed to steal sensitive information (e.g., credit card details), infect devices with malware, or steal money.
Why do I encounter scams?
Scam websites are often visited unintentionally, with users being directed by deceptive ads, misleading pop-ups, or fake download buttons. Clicking on links in suspicious emails or other messages can also lead to these sites. Additionally, adware or rogue advertising networks (commonly tied to torrent sites, adult platforms, and illegal streaming services) promote scams.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?
Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting harmful websites, including those that display pop-up scams. When such a page is identified, the software alerts the user and prevents access to protect against potential threats.
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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.
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