Avoid getting scammed by "Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC"

What kind of scam is "Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC"?

We discovered the "Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC" scam while investigating PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications). The scam consists of the unwanted software displaying full-screen pop-up windows that use scare tactics to pressure users into downloading/installing applications.

"Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC" scam overview

This scam is run through various Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs). One of the known apps promoting "Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC" is called ManualFinder.

Initially, the user is presented with a window claiming "Network and device security check [is] in progress". Afterward, they are presented with a second full-screen message instructing to "Install antivirus now to remove threats and protect your PC".

At the time of research, the scam operated as an affiliate scam. The button in the latter pop-up redirected users to the official websites of legitimate security software. Essentially, these scammers seek to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the affiliate programs of genuine products/services.

However, this scam could be used to distribute fake antivirus tools, PUAs, adware, browser hijackers, or other unwanted/harmful software. It is also possible for such a scam to proliferate all kinds of malware, including trojans, ransomware, and cryptocurrency miners.

As the "Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC" scam operates through an unwanted application, it is worth mentioning that software of this kind can have other capabilities.

Data-tracking functionalities are prevalent in PUAs. Targeted information may include browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The collected data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties. It is noteworthy that unwanted apps often possess adware and browser hijacker abilities.

To summarize, the presence of unwanted software on devices and trusting a scam like "Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC" can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Examples of scams that use similar lures

Lures centered around system infections are widely used. Aside from operating as affiliate scams, they often function by promoting fraudulent/harmful programs, phishing for private data (like log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc.), tricking users into making monetary transactions, urging calls to fake support lines, requesting to allow scammers to access devices remotely, and spreading malware.

"Avast Detected 18 Viruses", "Windows Defender Security Scan", "7 Viruses Detected On Your PC Device", "VirtualShield - Your PC Is Infected With 18 Viruses", "Viruses And Malware Files Have Been Detected", and "(5) Virus/Malware infections have been detected" are just some of our articles on scams that use such lures.

However, it must be mentioned that scams can differ greatly in appearance and modus operandi. Regardless, their end goal is the same – to generate revenue at victims' expense.

How did an unwanted application promoting this scam install on my computer?

PUAs can have "official" promotional webpages, and they are endorsed on scam sites (that bait users into installation with false claims about detected threats, critical software updates, etc.). Most visitors enter these pages via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware.

"Bundling" – the marketing technique that involves packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used in PUA distribution.

These installation setups can be downloaded from freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspicious sources. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is furthered by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps or sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Intrusive advertisements spread unwanted software directly as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional applications, extensions, tools, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful when browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to questionable and unreliable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with adverts/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious apps and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Initial screen displayed by the "Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC" scam:

Example of a PUA (ManualFinder) promoting the "Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC" scam:

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 Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC?
• STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
• STEP 3. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
• STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

Removal of potentially unwanted applications:

Windows 11 users:

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

In the uninstall programs window, look for suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:

At time of research, "Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC" scam promoting software did not install any unwanted browser extensions, however, some unwanted applications can be installed together with adware and browser hijackers. If you experience unwanted ads or redirects when browsing the Internet, continue with the removal guide below.

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "install antivirus now to remove threats and protect your pc" pop-up, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon  (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with "install antivirus now to remove threats and protect your pc" pop-up removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.

Select Troubleshooting Information.

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Remove malicious extensions from Safari:

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Click the Edge menu icon  (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "install antivirus now to remove threats and protect your pc" pop-up, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon  (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

• If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a scam?

"Scam" refers to fraudulent acts or content aimed to deceive. Scams like "Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC" are designed to trick users into performing specific actions. For example, scam victims can be deceived into purchasing products, subscribing to services, downloading/installing software, calling fake support lines, disclosing sensitive information, making monetary transactions, and so on.

What is the purpose of scams?

The purpose of scams is to generate revenue for scammers. They primarily profit by promoting content (e.g., sites, software, products, services, etc.), abusing/selling private information, acquiring funds through deception, and spreading malware.

Why do I encounter scams?

"Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC" scam is displayed by PUAs (e.g., ManualFinder, etc.). Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) are promoted via bundled installers, deceptive promotional pages, online scams, freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, intrusive ads, and spam browser notifications.

Aside from unwanted software, scams are endorsed through spam (e.g., browser notifications, emails, social media posts, PMs/DMs, SMSes, calls, etc.), intrusive advertisements, websites using rogue advertising networks, and mistyped URLs.

Is having unwanted software installed on my computer dangerous?

PUAs are known to have undesirable and harmful capabilities. Common functionalities include promoting content (via pop-ups/ads, redirects, etc.), data-tracking, tricking users into buying fake activation keys, and pushing dubious in-app purchases. Generally, unwanted software is associated with the following risks – system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from scams and remove unwanted software?

Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and eliminate all kinds of threats. It can scan visited websites for deceptive/malicious content and restrict further access to such pages. Combo Cleaner can also remove detected unwanted/malicious applications.

Note that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, after an app has been manually removed – various remnants stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, unwanted software must be eliminated thoroughly.