This blog post has been created with the main goal to explain to you what is the 1-888-917-4666 Microsoft scam and show you ways via which you can try and remove the software that is causing it to appear on your computer effectively.
A new fake tech support scam has been reported to display a fraudulent Microsoft Error messages. The error is a fake # MS-SYSINFO32 error and it’s primary purpose is to convince users to call the fake tech support number 1-888-917-4666, where the tech support scammers alegedly aim to scam victims out of their information or ask them to give them access to their computers. The scammers may pretend to fix issues for a sum of money as well, which is usually within hundreds of dollars. If you want to remove the 1-888-917-4666 fake tech support scam software from your computer, we would suggest that you read this article thoroughly.
Threat Summary
| Name | 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP |
| Type | Fake Tech Support Scam – PUP |
| Short Description | The 1-888-917-4666 Scam may display new tabs that may lock you out of your web browser and claim there is a problem with Windows. |
| Symptoms | Your web browser begins to display various types of online advertisements, including the 1-888-917-4666 Microsoft Security Warning scam. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Browser Redirects as a result of PUPs. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP. |
1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP – Distribution Methods
The primary way via which you may have begun seeing messages that warn you your system has suffered a critical error is likely conducted via having a potentially unwanted program that is added. Such programs often tend to find their ways on your computer as a result of being added unknowingly. One of the ways this could happen is via software bundling. The outcome of this is that the app may be included in the software installers of other free apps that might have been added to the victimised program. Often, when users install apps from third-party sites may encounter installation steps that may ask to add another third-party app as a free extra or an optional offer to their current installation package. These apps sometimes turn out to be PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) that display different advertisements on the computers of victims and sometimes they may lead to unwanted web pages, like the 1-888-917-4666 Microsoft Security Alert scam.
Another way via which these apps might end up on your computer system is if you have installed a PUP yourself by believing it is a legitimate program aiming to improve your web browsing experience in a way.
1-888-917-4666 Scam – More Information
The main characteristic of the 1-888-917-4666 tech support scam is it’s web page which looks like the following:
Text from image:
** Microsoft Warning Alert **
ERROR # MS-SYSINFO32
Piease call us immediately at: +1-888-917-4666
Do not ignore this critical alert.
If you close this page, your computer access will be disabled to
prevent further damage to our network.
Re mere ue mee sO ete ee mo LU
Pornographic Spyware and virus. The following information is
fete SO (-18
1.Face book Logins
2.Credit Card Details
3.Email Account Logins
4.Photos and documents stored on this computer
You must contact us immediatety 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 also appear on the victim’s browser bottom-right corner that looks like a Windows Warning Message:
All of the pop-ups aim to get users to call the number 1-888-917-4666, but the outcome of this could turn out to be very devastating for the caller. This is because the number was reported to be a part of a tech support scam:
By Anonymous
voice on computer says computer has been locked up cuz ip address has been used to gain access to illegal identity theft. it says to call this number. I call – no answer.
In addition to this, the 1-888-917-4666 scam may also request victims to pay money in order to get the “support” to fix the victimized PC, whereas in reality, all the scammers want is your money and there may be nothing wrong with your Windows OS, besides the adware that may have led to the 1-888-917-4666 web page.
Remove 1-888-917-4666 Scam and Try Restoring Files
If you want to remove the 1-888-917-4666 tech support scam from your computer, you should remove the software that is causing such windows to appear. To do this, we recommend that you follow the removal instructions that are underneath this article. They have been created with the main goal to help you delete the unwanted software either manually if you know what is causing it or automatically. For maximum effectiveness of the removal, it is reccomended to follow the instructions underneath this article and run a scan using an advanced anti-malware software. This tool’s main idea is to help you delete this software with the aid of advanced malware repository that detects all files with suspicious behaviour. The outcome of this is that your system will be fully secure and will remain protected against future infections and intrusive programs 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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- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP 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 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP 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 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP 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 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP (Windows).
Get rid of 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP 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 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP. 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 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP 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 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP, 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 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP (Mac)
Remove 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP 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 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP 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 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP 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 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP 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 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP will be removed.
Eliminate 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP 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".
1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP-FAQ
What Is 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP?
The 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP 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 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP?
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 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP?
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 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP Work?
Once installed, 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP 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.
1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP 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 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP 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 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP 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 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP?
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 1-888-917-4666 Scam PUP threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.