24/7 PC Guard Support

What is 24/7 PC Guard Support?

24/7 PC Guard Support is a bogus virus removal support service promoted using fake online security warning pop-ups. The rogue company responsible for this scam use a fake antivirus program called PC Guard in order to scare unsuspecting PC users into purchasing their rogue 24/7 PC Support services for $179.99.

Initially, this rogue program presents users with a fake online security warning message stating that the computer may have been infected with spyware or other high-risk malware. Internet users should be aware that these online security threats (indicating pop-ups) are false and used by a bogus support company in order to deceive computer users.

A screenshot of a fake security warning pop-up used to deceive Internet users into calling the bogus 24/7 PC Guard support:

A fake message used to deceive computer users into calling the bogus PC Guard support:

Warning! Security Alert

You are visiting a high risk website Urgent: Your files and identity may be at risk
You may have been infected with Spyware
Call 1-(888) 297 8734 for immediate support

Warning!
Windows may be infected
Serw.Clicksor.W32 may have infected your computer…
Detected: Serw.Clicksor.W32 Risk level: High
Detected: Browser Hijack Risk level: CRITICAL!
Detected: c:\Serw.clicksor Risk Level: Normal
Call 1-(888) 297 8734 for immediate support!

Do not trust any of these online warning messages - they are part of a scam. The second part of this virus removal support scam takes place when computer users call the number provided within the fake security warning messages.

The company providing these rogue services, use legitimate software for coordinating remote support, however, after connecting to users' computers, they install a fake antivirus program called 24/7 PC Guard. This runs a fake security scan and reports bogus security infections.

A screenshot of the fake antivirus program, "24/7 PC Guard":

24/7 PC Guard reports fake security infections - these are used by a bogus virus removal support company in order to scare PC users into believing that their operating system is infected with malware. This misleading program indicates non-existent (fake) registry entries, supposedly related to virus infections.

Note that currently, it is straightforward to determine that this a fake security scanner, since the security scan displayed by 24/7 PC Guard runs for only a few of seconds (a clear indication that you are dealing with a rogue program).

The 24 Seven PC Guard support service and associated program are a scam. This is a bogus support company using a fake antivirus program in order to trick unsuspecting PC users into purchasing their costly and useless Support Plan.

A screenshot of the PC Guard Support payment page:

In summary, Internet users should be aware that there are many virus removal support companies using deceptive methods to attract their customers. Never trust online security warning messages stating that your computer is infected and encouraging you to perform certain tasks such as calling support, downloading antivirus programs, etc.

When allowing access to your computer (using Team Viewer or other remote support software), ensure that you deal with legitimate companies such as Norton or McAfee. If you wish to check whether your computer is infected with malware or viruses, use legitimate antivirus and anti-spyware software.

Summary:

The fake antivirus programs (also known as "rogue antivirus programs" or "scareware") are applications that tries to lure computer users into paying for their non-existent full versions to remove the supposedly detected security infections (although the computer is actually clean). These bogus programs are created by cyber criminals who design them to look as legitimate antivirus software. Most commonly rogue antivirus programs infiltrate user's computer using poop-up windows or alerts which appear when users surf the Internet. These deceptive messages trick users into downloading a rogue antivirus program on their computers. Other known tactics used to spread scareware include exploit kits, infected email messages, online ad networks, drive-by downloads, or even direct calls to user's offering free support.

A computer that is infected with a fake antivirus program might also have other malware installed on it as rogue antivirus programs often are bundled with Trojans and exploit kits. Noteworthy that additional malware that infiltrates user's operating system remains on victim's computer regardless of whether a payment for a non-existent full version of a fake antivirus program is made. Here are some examples of fake security warning messages that are used in fake antivirus distribution:

Computer users who are dealing with a rogue security software shouldn't buy it's full version. By paying for a license key of a fake antivirus program users would send their money and banking information to cyber criminals. Users who have already entered their credit card number (or other sensitive information) when asked by such bogus software should inform their credit card company that they have been tricked into buying a rogue security software. Screenshot of a web page used to lure computer users into paying for a non-existent full version of 24/7 pc guard fake phone support and other rogue antivirus programs:

To protect your computer from 24/7 pc guard fake phone support and other rogue antivirus programs users should:

• Keep their operating system and all of the installed programs up-to-date.
• Use legitimate antivirus and anti-spyware programs.
• Use caution when clicking on links in social networking websites and email messages.
• Don't trust online pop-up messages which state that your computer is infected and offers you to download security software.

Symptoms indicating that your operating system is infected with a fake antivirus program:

• Intrusive security warning pop-up messages.
• Alerts asking to upgrade to a paid version of a program to remove the supposedly detected malware.
• Slow computer performance.
• Disabled Windows updates.
• Blocked Task Manager.
• Blocked Internet browsers or inability to visit legitimate antivirus vendor websites.

If you have additional information on 24/7 pc guard fake phone support or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

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