How to avoid scams like "McAfee - Your PC Is Transmitting Malicious Files"

What kind of scam is "McAfee - Your PC Is Transmitting Malicious Files"?

We have examined the website and concluded that it uses a scare tactic (displays a fake warning) to trick visitors into performing certain actions. Typically, scam websites like this one are used to steal information or money, distribute malware, or serve other malicious purposes. It is highly advisable to ignore such sites and close them.

"McAfee - Your PC Is Transmitting Malicious Files" scam in detail

This scam website displays a fake security alert designed to trick visitors into acting quickly. It claims that the user's computer is sending malicious files to the internet and that personal data has supposedly been forwarded to a government ministry. The page shows details such as IP address, location, operating system, and browser to make the warning appear legitimate.

It pressures the visitor with a countdown timer and threats of legal consequences, and instructs them to scan a QR code with their phone. The goal is to trick the user into following the scammer's instructions. During our inspection, this scheme was used to promote a VPN application.

However, it may also be used to promote potentially malicious software and websites created to extract sensitive information (e.g., login details or credit card information), trick users into paying for fake services or products, or deceive them into performing other actions. Moreover, it is possible that this scheme is used by fraudulent affiliates.

It is important to note that certain advertising or affiliate networks offer commissions for actions such as app installations, software downloads, or visits to specific pages. While the programs themselves may be legitimate, scammers exploit them by using fake security alerts to push users into scanning QR codes, downloading apps, or taking other steps.

Similar scams in general

Scams like this often employ scare tactics to trick people into divulging personal information, installing software, or performing other actions. They often impersonate security alerts to seem legitimate. The main objective is to steal data, money, gain access to devices, or earn commissions through fraudulent means.

Some examples of similar scams are "Your System Is Locked Due To Detected Threats", "Facebook Has Suspended Your Account", and "Security Checkup In Progress".

How did I open a scam website?

Potential victims can be targeted in various ways, including through misleading social media posts, deceptive emails with links or attachments, and deceptive notifications (e.g., fake alerts or offers) from untrustworthy websites. Ads on dubious pages or pop‑ups triggered by adware can also direct users to fraudulent sites.

Additionally, rogue advertising networks are frequently utilized to promote scam sites. Such networks commonly appear on torrent platforms, adult sites, and pages that offer pirated movie streams.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Be cautious with unexpected emails or messages, particularly those that include attachments or links - avoid opening links and files in them. Ensure your operating system and all applications are always up to date. Perform routine scans with trustworthy antivirus or security software.

Only download programs from legitimate sources, such as official websites or authorized app stores. Refrain from clicking on pop-ups, advertisements, or other elements on questionable websites, and block any notification requests from sites that seem untrustworthy. 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 "McAfee - Your PC Is Transmitting Malicious Files" pop-up scam (GIF):

Text in the fraudulent message:

Warning! Threat detected!

Your PC is transmitting malicious files to the Internet!
Your data has been transferred to the Ministry of Justice:
Your IP:
-
Your location:
[Brooklyn, US]
Your OS:
Windows 10
Your browser:
Chrome 142
What to do to avoid consequences?
You need to check your phone urgently!
Take your phone and scan the QR code
Start checking your phone
Time to eliminate the threat: 0:03:11

Failure to provide this information or failure to act after the allotted time has passed will result in legal consequences for you!

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 McAfee - Your PC Is Transmitting Malicious Files 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?

A pop-up scam is a fake alert or message that appears on a website to trick users into interacting with it.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

The purpose of a pop-up scam is to trick users into taking an action that benefits the scammer, such as revealing personal information, downloading malware, or paying for fake services.

Why do I encounter scams?

Scammers target users through fake emails, social media posts, deceptive website notifications, and malicious ads or pop-ups. Rogue advertising networks, often found on torrent sites, adult content pages, and pirated movie platforms, are also used to promote these scams.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Combo Cleaner examines websites for threats and identifies malicious content. Sites that host pop-up scams can be blocked, and users are warned about them.