This article has been created in order to explain what is the 1-888-729-6918 Microsoft Warning Alert scam and how you can remove it from your computer.
A new form of tech support scam was recently identified on by scam research specialists. The scam aims to convince users that their computer is under threat and they must call he number 1-888-729-6918 in order to convince users to pay a large sum of money in order to fix their computers. The good news is that there may be nothing wrong with your computer and your information may be just fine. However, this page may have ended up on your computer as a result of an adware or a browser hijacker application that may have brought it up as a browser redirect on your PC.
Threat Summary
| Name | 1-888-729-6918 Scam |
| Type | Tech Support Scamr |
| Short Description | Aims to trick you into calling a fake tech support number in order to extort you for money. |
| Symptoms | A web page, stating ** Microsoft Warning Alert ** ERROR # MS-SYSINFO32 asking to call the number provided. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss 1-888-729-6918 Scam. |
1-888-729-6918 Microsoft Warning Alert – Distribution Methods
The main method via which this scam may replicate could be conducted via multiple different types of websites or programs. If the page comes on your browser from visiting another site, it is usually because the site you have visited Is a low-reputation type of site, that makes it possible to perform a set of different types of activities, like causing redirects to such pages, even if you have an ad-blocking software added.
In addition to this, the scam may also be related to various different types of ad-supported programs, whose primary purpose may be to cause redirects on your web browser to such or other suspicious pages.
1-888-729-6918 Tech Support Scam – More Information
As soon as the 1-888-729-6918 tech support scam is installed on the computers of victims, users may encounter the following image:
The scam may scare victims that their following information is compromised:
- Facebook Credentials.
- Credit Card Information.
- E-mail information.
- Photos on your computer.
The full scam message states the following:
Security Warning:
** Microsoft Warning Alert **
Malicious Pornographic Spyware/Riskware Detected
Please call us immediately at: 1-888-729-6918
Do not ignore this critical alert.
If you close this page, your computer access will be disabled to prevent further damage to our network.
Your computer has alerted us that it has been infected with a Pornographic Spyware and riskware. The following information is being stolen…> Facebook Logins
> Credit Card Details
> Email Account Logins
> Photos stored on this computer
You must contact us immediately so that our expert engineers can walk you through the removal process over the phone to protect your identity. Please call us within the next 5 minutes to prevent your computer from being disabled or from any information loss.
In addition to this, a pop-up may appear with the following error message:
** Microsoft Warning Alert **
“The server microscftOxBOdeOMusgq is asking for your
username and password. The server reports that it is from
Suspicious activity detected on your IP address due to
harmful virus installed in your computer. Call Toll Free now
1-888-729-6918 2 for any assistance. Your data is at a serious
riskThene is a system file missing due to some harmfull virus
Debug malware error. system failure. Please contact
technicians to rectify the issue‘Please do not open internet
browser for your security issue to avoid data corruption on
your operating system. Please contact technicians at ToIIIree
Helpline at @ 1-888-729-6918 (Toll free) PLEASE DO NOT
SHUT DOWN OR RESTART YOUR COMPUTER. DOING THAT
MAY LEAD TO DATA LOSS AND FAILURE OF OPERATING
SYSTEM , HENCE NON BOOTABLE SITUATION RESULTING
COMPLETE DATA LOSS . CONTACT ADMINISTRATOR
DEPARTMENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE ON TOLL FREE]
As you can see, the scammers want to trick you that your device has been compromised and they also aim to request you to call the fake tech support number 1-888-729-6918. In addition to this, the scammers may also aim to motivate you into calling the number provided and convince you that your crucial and most sensitive information is also at risk. In addition to this, the scammers often aim to convince victims to install rogue and fake antivirus or fake repair programs, which ask for hundreds of dollars to buy their licensed versions. The outcome of those licensed versions may be to remove nothing but fake error detections on your device, but only take your money and having you type in your credit card to buy their full versions.
More so, since you see these redirections and pop-ups, like the Microsoft Warning Alert scam, you may also be seeing other types of pop-ups and messages to appear on your computer, since the issue may be adware-related as well. And if you have adware or another form of ad-supported program, you may also see the following:
- Pop-ups.
- Banners.
- Browser redirects.
- Ad-supported search results.
In the events that you have such programs to be added to your computer, you may also be redirected to malicious websites, that may be dangerous in more than one way and malware infection could be your least problems as a result of that.
Remove 1-888-729-6918 Tech Support Scam
If you want to get rid of the 1-888-729-6918 pages and secure your computer effectively we would suggest that you follow the removal instructions that are underneath this article. They have been created with the main idea to help you delete this unwanted program either manually or automatically from your computer. If you are unable to identify the app that is causing your browser to open pages, like the 1-888-729-6918 Microsoft Warning Alert one, we would advise what most cyber-security experts would and that is to scan your computer using an advanced anti-malware software. Such program aims to automatically detect any issues and unwanted software on your computer and remove them to secure your machine.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove 1-888-729-6918 Scam from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for 1-888-729-6918 Scam with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall 1-888-729-6918 Scam and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by 1-888-729-6918 Scam on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by 1-888-729-6918 Scam there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for 1-888-729-6918 Scam (Windows).
Get rid of 1-888-729-6918 Scam from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall 1-888-729-6918 Scam and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to 1-888-729-6918 Scam. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove 1-888-729-6918 Scam via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove 1-888-729-6918 Scam files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as 1-888-729-6918 Scam, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for 1-888-729-6918 Scam (Mac)
Remove 1-888-729-6918 Scam from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase 1-888-729-6918 Scam from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall 1-888-729-6918 Scam from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove 1-888-729-6918 Scam from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the 1-888-729-6918 Scam will be removed.
Eliminate 1-888-729-6918 Scam from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
1-888-729-6918 Scam-FAQ
What Is 1-888-729-6918 Scam?
The 1-888-729-6918 Scam threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of 1-888-729-6918 Scam?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like 1-888-729-6918 Scam?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does 1-888-729-6918 Scam Work?
Once installed, 1-888-729-6918 Scam can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
1-888-729-6918 Scam can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is 1-888-729-6918 Scam Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the 1-888-729-6918 Scam Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this 1-888-729-6918 Scam how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on 1-888-729-6918 Scam?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the 1-888-729-6918 Scam threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.