Cybercriminals seem to be upgrading twice as faster as merchants are, or are retailers just ignorant and slow to act? These days it’s common to get false alarms on your PC. They manifest as “web security alerts’ and direct you to call scam tech support who not only rip you off to have the problem “fixed” but may also steal your credit card details.
Here’s how fake alerts manifest and how to fix them on your own
How the scam manifests: You get an “internet security alert” on your Windows PC. The full-screen window is red with a white box at the center displaying an error code 055BCCAC9FEC. The warning is accompanied by a voice warning you not to do anything or risk losing or compromising your crucial data. This voice instructs you to call a “Microsoft support number.” What’s more, the only way you can get rid of the alert is to shut down your PC and annoyingly, your anti-virus program won’t even detect any viruses.
So how do you fix this alone? First, note that this malware is dangerous and may lock your browser. But you can destroy it on your own; only you’ll need to follow a long step-by-step procedure
How the scam works: You unintentionally download Malicious software created by scammers on your PC. The software takes over your web browser generating warnings from time to time. If you fall for the trick and call the fake help number, the phony tech support may charge you up to $100 to remotely take over your PC and help you “fix” the malware. And if you’re unlucky, your credit card data may fall into a fraudster’s hands.
How to fix it:
- Press at once the Alt, Ctrl, and Del keys to close your internet browser.
- On the menu that appears, Click Task Manager.
- Scroll through Task Manager on the list labeled “Processes” to find your website browser and it by left clicking then hit the “end task” button.
- Next, restart your browser this time not allowing it to return to the previous page by quickly searching up something.
- Download up-to-date versions of free Malwarebytes software like Malwarebytes, AdwCleaner, and HitmanPro (30-day charge-free trial version).
- Install these programs on your PC in this order: AdwCleaner, Malwarebytes, and HitmanPro. (Get more detail on tinyurl.com/lzfx37v.
NB: This should help fix the issue, but if the problem persists, the only solution is to restore the web browser to its default settings.
Conclusion
If you have to acquire any technical assistance make sure the person you are consulting is licensed and runs a legal tech support merchant account.
Author Bio: Electronic payments expert Blair Thomas co-founded eMerchantBroker, the No.1 tech support merchant account Company serving both traditional and high-risk merchants. His passions include producing music and traveling to far off exotic places.