This article aims to show you how you can remove the “Microsoft Alert” scam from your computer and how you can restore it back to normal working state.
A new scamming message, called “Microsoft Alert” and displayed by a fraudulent site has been reported by security researchers to cause problems to users. The scamming pop-up’s primary purpose is to display fake details about your system being at risk with the hope to get you to call a fake tech support number in order to solve the issues. Instead, this is a tech support scam which aims to lure you into paying a huge sum of money to fix an issue that doesn’t exist. If your computer has been compromised by the “Microsoft Alert” Pop-up scam virus, it is important that you read this article and learn how to remove it from your computer completely.
Threat Summary
| Name | “Microsoft Alert” Scam |
| Type | Tech Support Scam/Adware |
| Short Description | It’s main goal is to help users call a tech support number in fear their data is compromised and pay a hefty sum to fix a problem that does not exist.. |
| Symptoms | You get redirected to the web page and it locks down your web browser shortly afterwards. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads and Potentially Unsafe Programs |
| 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 “Microsoft Alert” Scam. |
“Windows Malware Detected” Scam – Update May 2019
There is an increase in tech support scams exploiting the name of Microsoft.
A recent example of such a scam is the so-called [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/security-alert-what-is-it/”] SECURITY ALERT message. Furthermore, the SECURITY ALERT message is similar to [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/internet-security-alert-code-scam-remove/”] Internet Security Alert! Code: 055BCCAC9FEC. Both of the scareware messages will try to make you call a phone number – 1-844-313-6006 or (855)700-0815. Note that other numbers may be used as well, all claiming to be toll-free which is not true.
The SECURITY ALERT message, in particular, displays the logo and name of AVG Anti-virus but it has nothing to do with the legitimate security company. All of these scams are connected to multiple websites that push various support lines for a supposed team of Microsoft technicians. Don’t be fooled by anything such scareware messages claim, no matter how alerting they sound, as they are products of well-experienced tech support scammers.
“Windows Malware Detected” Scam – Spread
The main way via which programs, like the “Microsoft Alert” software may spread onto your computer may be via software bundling. This method is often conducted by downloading other third-party programs that include unwanted software in their setups. These program installers usually do not have the third-party PUPs embedded, but the websites that promote them may use it as a form of marketing by advertising “helper” programs which only pretend as if they work.
Such unwanted programs are often the main reason why you see such browser redirects and pop-ups that lead you to websites like “Windows Malware Detected” or other forms of advertisements and sites.
“Windows Malware Detected” Scam – Purpose and Activity
The primary goal of the “Windows Malware Detected” scam is to convince you that your computer is under threat. It works espeically well on the users who see such type of scams for the first time and the scam tricks these users by providing the following message to them:
“Microsoft Alert
Someone is Trying to steal your banking details, credit card details & other logins. Please Call Microsoft At 1-855-341-4034 Immediately to prevent data loss. Hard drive safety delete in starting in
Your Data is at high risk
To immediately rectify the issue and prevent data loss Call Toll Free:
scanning complete
The server is asking for your user name and password. The server reports that it is from your network. 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. Suspicious activity detected on your IP address due to harmful virus installed in your computer. Call Toll Free now for any assistance. Your data is at serious risk. There is a small file missing due to same harmful 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.”
The scam aims to convince the victim to call the number 1-855-341-4034 which is the reason for many phishing, scamming fraud and identity theft types of scam reports online. The main reports by the victims who have called this number are that they were contacted with tech support “employees” who pretended to be the official Microsoft Support and asked victims to give out their personal information and other details about their operating system. From there, the victim has reported that they asked her to provide an e-mail on which they send a file that aims to ensure that they gain remote access to the computers of victims. Before they pretend to “fix” the issues on the victims computers, the scammers may want a hefty price to be paid in order to remove the malware, something around $100 to $300 USD, depending on how convincing you are.
In addition to this, since the software which is related to this fake redirect is ad-supported, meaning that it is installed in the form of a browser extension or other seemingly helpful program on your PC, but in reality it aims to display different types of advertisements on your computer, such as:
- Pop-ups.
- Browser redirections.
- Banners.
- Ad-supported search results.
In addition to this, such unwanted software may also redirect you to other third-party sites that may be dangerous for your computer, like:
- Fake phishing sites that aim to steal your Facebook and other login information.
- Malicious websites that may directly infect your computer with viruses.
This is the main reason why it is important to immediately secure your computer and not call the number, associated with the “Windows Malware Detected” scam.
Remove “Microsoft Alert” from Your Computer Completely
It is often a good practice to isolate the unwanted software which may be displaying the “Windows Malware Detected” redirects on your computer and then focus on removing it. To remove the “Microsoft Alert” software manually, you can follow the manual removal instructions underneath, but if you still see those pop-ups and other adware, recommendations are that you focus on following the automatic removal instructions underneath and as experts often recommend, to download an advanced anti-malware software and run an automatic scan. Such program will remove all of the unwanted programs related to your computer and ensure that your computer is protected against future infections as well.
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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How to Remove “Microsoft Alert” Scam from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for “Microsoft Alert” Scam with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall “Microsoft Alert” 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 “Microsoft Alert” 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 “Microsoft Alert” 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 “Microsoft Alert” Scam (Windows).
Get rid of “Microsoft Alert” Scam from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall “Microsoft Alert” 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 “Microsoft Alert” 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 “Microsoft Alert” 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 “Microsoft Alert” Scam files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as “Microsoft Alert” 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 “Microsoft Alert” Scam (Mac)
Remove “Microsoft Alert” 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 “Microsoft Alert” 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 “Microsoft Alert” 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 “Microsoft Alert” 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 “Microsoft Alert” Scam will be removed.
Eliminate “Microsoft Alert” 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".
“Microsoft Alert” Scam-FAQ
What Is “Microsoft Alert” Scam?
The “Microsoft Alert” 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 “Microsoft Alert” 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 “Microsoft Alert” 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 “Microsoft Alert” Scam Work?
Once installed, “Microsoft Alert” 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.
“Microsoft Alert” 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 “Microsoft Alert” 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 “Microsoft Alert” Scam Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this “Microsoft Alert” 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 “Microsoft Alert” 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 “Microsoft Alert” Scam threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.