Fake Microsoft Pop Up Virus Message? Be informed!
“Microsoft” Virus Message just popped up on your screen? Before you panic and make a wrong move, read below!
When you are working on your computer the last thing that you want to see is a big disturbing pop-up message stating that “Your Computer has been infected …” Unfortunately, this nightmare scenario has come true for a lot of people in the past. Commonly referred as Microsoft Virus Message, such an alert is typically accompanied by dire threats of data loss and a “chance” to save your data if you call the phone number on the message.
Caption: Typical Windows Virus Message Alert
(Image Source: Mozilla.com)
Be Alert- the Microsoft Virus Message Alert is a Big Scam
First things first – the Microsoft Virus Message alert is an instance of a malicious adware message. In nearly all cases, there is no minor infection. Essentially you are likely to receive a message if you visit an untrusted or less reputed website which is using a malicious adware code. In some cases, the website owners too are unaware about such adverts originating from their site. Adware scripts are designed to dynamically generate ads based on user patterns
Using a virtual layer, dynamic content can be inserted in these ads and in some cases, malicious individuals use these to generate fake virus messages. As a matter of fact, absolutely avoid clicking on any such ads or calling the numbers mentioned there. Not only would it put your computer and data at risk, contacting them (the scam artists) may leave you with a lighter pocket and a huge headache.
Moreover if you hand over the control of your system to these scam artists, they may end up placing a spyware on your system, thereby posing a threat to your privacy and data.
If you see a message like this the very best thing to do is turn your first find some help, be fully informed and then turn your system completely off until the help arrives.
Previous Microsoft research into this topic has shown that tech support scammers have a special interest in targeting the elderly, due to their general lack of computer knowledge. Click here for info on why they target the elderly
The Scam is grave and widespread
The Windows Virus Message Alert scam has been in existence for some time now. In fact, the US Federal Trade Commission had to issue an alert asking computer users to refrain from clicking these ads. Losses attributed to these ads have already crossed over USD 24 million.
How to Remove the Microsoft Virus Message Alert Adware
The malicious adware application or script that has placed itself in your browser may come through several sources. One of the most common ways involves piggy backing on any regular software. For example, you might have downloaded a calendar application or a free game and the adware extension came with it. Most users do not read the fine print and additional software options while installing software and these allow unwanted programs to make a place in your system. The first thing you want to do is call one of our expert technicians and we will help you resolve the issue right away.
Step 1: Remove any Untrusted Add-On from your Browser
Depending on which browser you are using, you need to go and remove any untrusted add-on that you may have recently added immediately from the web browser. Once you do that close the browser and reopen to check if the issue persists.
Step 2: Use the Control Panel to Remove Untrusted Program
If you have installed an untrusted or a little-known software in recent past, try removing it from the Windows Control Panel. If you are Mac user, choose Finders and go to Applications and remove the suspected application.
Step 3: Resetting your Browser to Default settings
Every commercial web browser comes with an option to restore back to original settings. Once you do that it would get your browser to work as originally designed. This would change back your Home page to original and get back pre-set homepage tabs too. All settings including those for extensions revert back.
Do not call the phone number on your screen!
You must remember this, a rule of thumb when browsing the world wide web (known as the INTERNET) you must never call any phone number that ever pops up on your screen out of the blue, ever. If you see advertising you have to also push it aside and not open or suspicious links, nothing should be coming up on your screen asking you to do something or notifying you have won a price. As the saying goes ‘All that glitters is not gold’ and in a place filled with all types of information, misinformation and DISINFORMATION like the internet, this saying holds a lot of truth.
Caption: Reset your Browser Settings to get back the default options in place.
In case you are unable to rectify this issue, it is better to contact a reputed IT support company that you can trust.
Virus removal available
Have any additional questions? Need help? We can answer all your concerns in regards to the above article by calling 1-888-586-6260. Expert technicians are a call away!