How to spot scams like "TotalAV - Security Threat Detected"

What is "TotalAV - Security Threat Detected" scam?

We have determined that it is a scam involving a fake security alert. The objective is to trick visitors into believing that their computers are infected and following the provided steps. It is common for such scams to be utilized to steal information or money, distribute unwanted apps, or achieve other goals.

"TotalAV - Security Threat Detected" fake warning in detail

At first, this scam website presents a pop-up message instructing visitors to verify that they are human by ticking the provided checkbox. After interaction, it displays a fake security alert. That message warns the user that their computer may be at risk due to a connection to a malicious website.

It identifies the threat as either malware or a phishing attempt and classifies its risk level as "critical". The alert urges the user to perform an immediate security scan, claiming that visiting the compromised site could have resulted in malicious files being downloaded. The site then runs a fake TotalAV scan.

Upon "scanning" the system, the page displays another fake warning. This message claims that TotalAV protection has expired and warns that quarantined threats will be released in 24 hours. It mentions three supposed infections, including high-risk Trojans and a critical ransomware file, with their file paths.

The alert states that the subscription expired on a specific date and urges the user to renew immediately to remove the threats and restore real-time protection. It includes a countdown timer and a special discount offer to encourage the user to take action quickly.

Ultimately, the site redirects users to a website with an affiliate ID in its URL. If users pay for a subscription or download software, scammers behind the scam website receive a commission. It is important to note that TotalAV is a legitimate tool, and its developer does not own or control scam websites. Generally, this scam is a fraudulent way for scammers to make money from affiliate programs.

Conclusion

This scam tricks users with fake pop-ups and security alerts, claiming their system is infected or unprotected. It pressures visitors to act quickly by showing fake scans, warnings, and countdown timers. The scam exploits fear and urgency but is entirely fraudulent and not operated by the legitimate TotalAV company.

Here are examples of similar scams: "McAfee - Your PC Is Transmitting Malicious Files POP-UP Scam", "Your Device Could Infected With Viruses! POP-UP Scam", and "SYSTEM SECURITY ALERT POP-UP Scam".

How did I open a scam website?

Scam websites can be encountered through sites that use rogue advertising networks. These networks are commonly associated with torrent platforms, pages offering illegal movie streaming, and similar sites. Notifications from unreliable websites and ads, pop-ups, and similar content on such sites can also lead users to scams.

Additionally, scams can be promoted through adware, emails containing misleading links or files, and social media. Typically, users unintentionally open scam sites.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Do not allow shady websites to send you notifications and avoid interacting with content (e.g., links, ads, and pop-ups) found on sites of this kind. Use official websites or app stores when downloading applications (or files). Be careful with irrelevant emails or other messages from unknown senders - do not open their contents (links or files) if you are not sure they are safe.

Also, regularly update the operating system and apps, and scan the system for threats using a trustworthy security tool. 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 "TotalAV - Security Threat Detected" pop-up scam (GIF):

Screenshot of the fake warning (initial message)

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 TotalAV - Security Threat Detected 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?

Pop-up scams are fake alerts or other deceptive messages that appear in the browser to trick visitors into clicking or following instructions.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

The goal of a pop-up scam is to manipulate users into actions that profit the scammer, such as revealing sensitive information, purchasing bogus services (or paying for legitmate ones through affiliate links), downloading unwanted apps, or taking other actions.

Why do I encounter scams?

Scam websites are often encountered through rogue ad networks, especially on torrent sites, illegal streaming platforms, and similar pages. Pop-ups, ads, and notifications from these sites can redirect users to scams. They can also be spread via adware, misleading emails, and social media.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

The software checks websites for malware and malicious activity, warning users and preventing access to sites with pop-up scams or other deceptive content.