How to recognize "Child Pornography Found" scam websites

What kind of scam is "Child Pornography Found"?

While inspecting untrustworthy sites, our research team discovered the "Child Pornography Found" technical support scam. It utilizes the graphics and names of legitimate products and entities. This page claims that the user's device has been blocked due to containing illegal pornographic content. The goal is to trick victims into calling a fake helpline and luring them into a complex scam.

"Child Pornography Found" scam overview

When a website running the "Child Pornography Found" scam is accessed, the visitor is presented with multiple pop-up windows, and the text on them is read out audibly as well. The scam site impersonates Microsoft's website and otherwise mimics graphics associated with Windows and the Microsoft Corporation.

The topmost pop-up states that access to the user's system has been blocked due to pornographic content depicting minors discovered on it. The scam instructs to contact Windows Support by calling the provided number.

It must be stressed that the information provided by this page is false, and this scam is not affiliated with Microsoft. In these scams, scammers pretend to be support and offer bogus technical assistance.

Threats posed by tech support scammers

Rarely are tech support scams limited to calls. Typically, these cyber criminals deceive victims into allowing them to remotely access their devices. This is often achieved by relying on legitimate remote access software, such as UltraViewer, TeamViewer, AnyDesk, etc. Once connected, scammers pretend to perform the promised services while carrying out a variety of malicious activities.

To elaborate, cyber criminals may disable/remove genuine security tools, install fake antivirus tools, extract private information, access funds, or infect the device with malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptominers, etc.).

Targeted data can include: account log-in credentials (e.g., emails, social media, entertainment, e-commerce, cryptowallets, online banking, etc.), personally identifiable details (e.g., ID card details, passport photos/scans, etc.), and financial information (e.g., banking account details, credit/debit card numbers, etc.).

The "services" offered by scammers are exorbitant, and they ask for payment using difficult-to-trace methods (e.g., digital currencies, gift cards, cash hidden in packages, etc.). Detailed information on the operation and threats posed by technical support scams can be found in our dedicated article.

In summary, victims of scams like "Child Pornography Found" can experience system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

If you cannot exit a scam webpage – use Task Manager to end the browser's process. Remember to start a new browsing session when reaccessing the browser, as restoring the previous session will reopen the deceptive site.

If you have allowed scammers to access your computer remotely – you must first disconnect it from the Internet. Afterward, uninstall the remote access software that the criminals used, as they might not need your consent to reconnect. Lastly, perform a full system scan with an antivirus and remove all detected threats.

Tech support scam examples

We have investigated countless technical support scams; "Your System Is Locked Due To Detected Threats", "Facebook Has Suspended Your Account", "Windows Defender Security Has Disabled Your Computer", and "Microsoft Has Temporarily Suspended Your Account" are just a few of our newest articles.

The Internet is full of deceptive and malicious content. Aside from tech support, prevalent scam types include phishing, affiliate, refund, sextortion, ClickFix, and others.

Despite the difference in appearance and modus operandi, all scams seek to generate revenue at the expense of their victims. Due to how widespread scams are on the Web and how well-crafted they can be – we highly recommend caution when browsing.

How did I open a scam website?

In general, online scams are endorsed through websites that employ rogue advertising networks (redirects), malvertising (intrusive ads), spam (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, social media/ forum posts, browser notifications, cold calls, robocalls, SMSes, etc.), typosquatting (mistyped URLs), and adware (adverts or redirects).

How to avoid visiting scam websites?

Caution is key to ensuring your online safety. Therefore, be wary of websites, ads, and messages that urge immediate action against severe threats or make unbelievable promises. Pay attention to URLs and enter them with care.

Do not use sites offering pirated software/media or other dubious services (e.g., illegal streaming/downloading, torrenting, etc.), as these webpages usually utilize rogue advertising networks. Do not permit questionable websites to display browser notifications; ignore or block their requests.

Do not open attachments or links found in suspicious/irrelevant emails and other messages. Download from official/verified sources and be attentive during installation (e.g., study terms and options, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of additional apps, extensions, etc.) – to prevent bundled/hazardous programs (such as adware) from infiltrating the system.

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 "Child Pornography Found" scam pop-up:

Windows_Defender_Security_Center

Address IP: - 1/15/2026, 9:21:37 AM
Location: Chicago, United States
ISP: -

Access to this system has been blocked, CHILD PORNOGRAPHY Found.
Call Windows Support: +18444496368

Windows_Security
Cancel OK

Appearance of the "Child Pornography Found" pop-up scam (GIF):

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 "Child Pornography Found" 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?

Pop-up scams are deceptive messages intended to lure users into performing certain actions. Victims can be enticed/scared into calling fake support lines, allowing scammers to access devices remotely, downloading/installing software, buying products, subscribing to services, disclosing sensitive information, sending money to scammers, and so forth.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

Pop-up scams are designed to generate revenue at their victims' expense. These scammers primarily profit by promoting content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.), abusing/selling private data, obtaining funds through deception, and spreading malware.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Pop-up scams are most commonly promoted via webpages using rogue advertising networks, spam (e.g., browser notifications, emails, PMs/DMs, social media posts, calls, SMSes, etc.), intrusive adverts, mistyped URLs, and adware.

I cannot exit a scam page, how do I close it?

If you cannot exit a scam webpage, end the browser's process using Task Manager. Do not restore the precious browsing session when relaunching the browser, as that will reopen the page.

I have allowed cyber criminals to remotely access my computer, what should I do?

If you have allowed cyber criminals to access your device remotely, you must disconnect it from the Internet. Remove the remote access software that the scammers used. Run a complete system scan with an antivirus and eliminate all detected threats.

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

If you have provided your log-in credentials – change the passwords of all potentially exposed accounts and inform their official support without delay. However, if you have disclosed other private data (e.g., ID card details, credit card numbers, etc.) – immediately contact the appropriate authorities.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams and the malware they proliferate?

Combo Cleaner is designed to eliminate all manner of threats. It can scan visited websites for deceptive/malicious content and restrict all further access to these pages. Combo Cleaner can also detect and remove most of the known malware infections. It must be stressed that performing a complete system scan is essential since sophisticated malicious software tends to hide deep within systems.