How to avoid getting scammed by fake "Critical Payment Failed" sites

What kind of scam is "Critical Payment Failed"?

While inspecting spam emails, our researchers discovered the "Critical Payment Failed" scam. Upon further inspection, we determined that it is a multi-variant affiliate scam. It attempts to lure users into purchasing the promoted product/service by claiming that their subscription payment has failed.

"Critical Payment Failed" scam overview

"Critical Payment Failed" is an affiliate scam, where scammers seek to obtain illegitimate commissions by exploiting affiliate programs associated with the endorsed content. This scam uses a false claim regarding the victim's payment having failed as its primary lure. There are multiple versions, and what the supposed payment was for and why it failed can differ.

To elaborate, one version mentions two legitimate security tools – Norton AntiVirus and McAfee Antivirus. It states that the subscription payment failed three times due to scammers imitating the previously mentioned antiviruses.

The scam scares the potential victim by claiming that their computer has been exposed to "hackers, data theft, ransomware, spyware, network spoofing, phishing attacks, and improper session handling". This variant also gives other possible reasons for the payment not going through, such as insufficient funds or incorrect/expired card details. The user is offered a limited-time 80% discount.

Another "Critical Payment Failed" version does not mention any legitimate products nor scammer involvement. It does reuse the scare tactic about device exposure to severe threats. The reason behind the payment failure is card declination. The discount offer is made as well. Keep in mind that other variants exist.

Typically, affiliate scams redirect victims to the official websites of genuine products/services. At the time of research, "Critical Payment Failed" led to various antivirus and security tool pages.

It is pertinent to mention that this scam could redirect to imitator sites or promotional/download webpages for nonexistent applications, which distribute fake antivirus tools, PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications), adware, browser hijackers, trojans, ransomware, and other unwanted/malicious programs. This scam could also lead to phishing websites disguised as payment pages that record entered financial details (such as credit/debit card numbers).

By trusting an affiliate scam, victims unintentionally support scammers. Furthermore, scams that use similar lures may pose risks of system infection, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Affiliate scam examples

We have investigated numerous online scams; "Renew Your Antivirus", "iCloud Payment Method Declined", "Security Checkup In Progress", "Your Cloud Storage Is Full", and "AVG - Your Subscription Has Expired" are merely some of our newest articles on affiliate scams.

The Internet is rife with deceptive and dangerous content. Online scams can vary significantly in the methods they use to entice or scare victims, as well as in their operational strategies. Regardless, the end goal is the same – to generate revenue at the expense of their victims.

How did I open a scam website?

The "Critical Payment Failed" has been promoted through spam emails; a sample we reviewed encouraged recipients to verify their protection status to ensure coverage and offered a 90% holiday discount. However, this scam could be pushed through other methods.

The most commonly used scam endorsement techniques include: spam (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, social media/ forum posts, browser notifications, robocalls/ cold calls, SMSes, etc.), malvertising (intrusive advertisements), websites utilizing rogue advertising networks (mistyped URLs), and adware (ads/redirects).

How to avoid visiting scam websites?

Caution is key to ensuring your online safety. Therefore, be wary of sites, ads, and messages that urge you to take action against severe threats or make unbelievable promises. Pay attention to URLs and enter them with care. Do not open attachments or links found in suspicious/irrelevant communications.

Do not use websites offering pirated programs/media or other dubious services (e.g., illegal streaming, downloading, torrenting, etc.), as these webpages usually employ rogue advertising networks. Ignore or block browser notification delivery requests from questionable sites.

Download only from official/verified sources and be attentive when installing (e.g., read terms, explore options, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of additional apps, extensions, etc.) – to prevent bundled/hazardous software (like adware) from infiltrating the device.

If your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate all threats.

Text presented in the "Critical Payment Failed" pop-up scam:

Critical Payment Failed:
Norton & McAfee Scam Detected

Scammers are cheating you for money imitating Norton or McAfee, because your Antivirus & Privacy Protection subscription payment has FAILED more than 3 times.

Your device has been exposed to hackers, data theft, ransoware, spyware, network spoofing, phishing attacks, and improper session handling. Act immediately to avoid permanent damage and money loss!

Protection Expired: January 14, 2026

Error: Your card **** was declined.
Final Attempt: January 15, 2026 at 2:46 AM

Why did my payment fail?
Your previous card may not have enough balance to cover the subscription cost.
The card information provided may be incorrect or expired.

Update your payment details to restore ultimate protection immediately. Subscribe the verfied Antivirus & Privacy Protection service today for 80% OFF - LAST CHANCE!

Limited-Time Offer: 9:59

Subscribe Now

Screenshot of another version of the "Critical Payment Failed" scam:

Text presented in this variant:

Security Center > Emergency Security

Critical Payment Failed

Your device has been exposed to hackers, viruses, data theft, spyware, network spoofing, phishing attacks, and improper session handling because of the expired antivirus protection.

Immediate action is required to avoid permanent damage and money loss!

Payment Error:
Your card **** was declined
Last Attempt:

Protection Expired: January 14, 2026
Risk Level: 0 → 96%
Unauthorized accesses: 0 → 12
Malicious code injected: 0 → 251

Special Time-Limited Offer: 80% OFF
(Valid till January 14, 2026)
8A5B4-RV6N-Q8TL-OFG3
Latest Version: 20.9.139 (10 devices)

Subscribe Now

Screenshot of a spam email promoting the "Critical Payment Failed" scam:

Text presented in this spam email letter:

Subject: contact last reminder! your license has expired today...your computer is in danger

norton

HOLIDAY VERIFICATION CENTER
FINAL CHRISTMAS WINDOW - ACTION REQUIRED

Immediate confirmation required

Action needed: status requires confirmation
Holiday season increases risk of malicious links and account takeovers. Confirm now to keep protection active and reduce exposure.

If confirmation is not completed before the end date, coverage may stop on your devices during the holiday period.

Reference code 196333US
Email ****@***.com
Coverage end date 12-24-2025
Account ID 196333

[Reject all] [Accept all]

LIMITED HOLIDAY OFFER

Confirm today and save up to 90%

Offer availability depends on your plan and region. Confirm details on your account page.

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 "Critical Payment Failed" pop-up?
• 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 messages intended to deceive users into performing specific actions. For example, victims may be lured into purchasing products, subscribing to services, downloading/installing software, disclosing sensitive data, calling fake helplines, allowing scammers to access devices remotely, sending money to scammers, and so forth.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

The purpose of pop-up scams is to generate revenue for scammers. These cyber criminals predominantly profit by promoting content (e.g., sites, products, services, programs, etc.), obtaining funds through deception, selling/abusing private information, and spreading malware.

I have provided my personal information when tricked by a scam, what should I do?

If you have disclosed your private information (e.g., credit/debit card numbers, ID card details, passport scans/photos, etc.) – immediately contact the appropriate authorities. However, if you have provided your log-in credentials – change the passwords of all possibly compromised accounts and inform their official support.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Pop-up scams are primarily encountered via spam (e.g., emails, browser notifications, social media posts, etc.), intrusive ads, sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, and adware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Combo Cleaner can scan visited websites and detect rogue, deceptive/scam, and malicious pages. It can also deny all further access to sites hosting such content.