This article will help you to remove the Call Microsoft Helpline pop-up scam from the affected browser and system. Follow the tech support scam removal instructions given at the end of the article.
“Call Microsoft Helpline” is another pop-up message that tries to scare online users into calling a fake tech support number for help. The scam message shows up in the browser to inform users about a critical issue that endangers the overall security of their systems. In the event that you notice this scam message in the browser, you may consider it as a legit one as it impersonates the Microsoft Company. However, the Call Microsoft Helpline pop-up scam has nothing to do with the reputable Microsoft company and their support team. So don’t get tricked into calling the fake tech support number +1-888-901-0041
Security experts advise affected users to scan their systems with an advanced anti-malware tool as the Call Microsoft Helpline pop-up scam is sometimes triggered by a present undesired app.
Threat Summary
| Name | Call Microsoft Helpline scam |
| Type | Tech Support Scam |
| Short Description | A tech support scam saying that you should call a phone number to fix a problem related to visiting unsafe pornographic websites (the problem presented on the page). |
| Symptoms | Messages, pop-up boxes, and redirects could appear in your browser. Cybercriminals will try to trick you into calling a phone number, while locking your browser to a custom page. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installers, Suspicious Sites, Redirects, Spam Messages |
| 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 Call Microsoft Helpline scam. |
Call Microsoft Helpline Fake Virus Alert – What Is It About?
Call Microsoft Helpline pop-up message is another online scam that was noticed to appear in trustworthy web browsers. Its unexpected appearance may come as a result of installed third-party installations and freeware packages. It may also be injected into the code of different websites of unknown origin. The links to these pages may be spread via malvertising campaigns, instant messaging services, or website redirects.
Call Microsoft Helpline message is hosted on different websites. These websites are configured to push this technical support scam. Here is what could be seen when one of the websites that push Call Microsoft Helpline scam loads in the browser:
Soon after the scam loads, an authentication request pop-up appears. It states the following:
https://unstandardizable.host is requesting your username and password. The site says: “Suspicious movement distinguished on your IP address because of destructive infection introduced in your PC. Call Toll Free now @ +1-888-901-0041 for …”
That’s the first attempt of fraudsters to steal sensitive credentials from you. If you click Cancel the Call Microsoft Helpline will show another pop-up that claims:
support.Microsoft.com says:
** Microsoft Warning Alert **
Malicious Pornography Spyware/Riskware Detected
Error # 0x80092ee9
Please call us immediately Call Microsoft Helpline
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…
Call Microsoft Helpline
To make you more prone to follow the given instructions, Call Microsoft Helpline scam pretends to be a legitimate notification generated by Microsoft. However, it is a tech support scam that is not related to the company but to websites compromised by criminals. Even though, they claim to be certified technicians their sole purpose is to make you feel worried about the security of your system and call the provided number (+1-888-901-0041).
Does Microsoft Send Virus Warnings?
Below you can read an official statement published by Microsoft support in relation to fake tech support scams that use the name of the company:
Microsoft does not send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information or fix your computer.
One additional important notice from the Microsoft Support team:
Microsoft error and warning messages never include phone numbers.
In conclusion, you should be wary of what information you give out and should do a scan with a security software to make sure that your system is clean and nothing else but the browser is causing the messages to appear.
Remove Call Microsoft Helpline Pop-up Scam
Below are listed all the steps that will help you to remove Call Microsoft Helpline scam completely from an affected Chrome, Mozilla, Explorer, or Safari browser. The guide includes steps that reveal how to remove the nasty program from your Windows system as well. You can choose whether to follow a manual or an automatic removal. Once you complete the manual removal some leftovers may remain on the system so you need to check out whether your PC is safe or not. With a scan of an advanced anti-malware tool, you will be able to locate all harmful files and remove them completely from the PC.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Call Microsoft Helpline scam from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Call Microsoft Helpline scam with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Call Microsoft Helpline 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 Call Microsoft Helpline 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 Call Microsoft Helpline 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 Call Microsoft Helpline scam (Windows).
Get rid of Call Microsoft Helpline scam from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Call Microsoft Helpline 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 Call Microsoft Helpline 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 Call Microsoft Helpline 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 Call Microsoft Helpline scam files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Call Microsoft Helpline 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 Call Microsoft Helpline scam (Mac)
Remove Call Microsoft Helpline 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 Call Microsoft Helpline 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 Call Microsoft Helpline 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 Call Microsoft Helpline 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 Call Microsoft Helpline scam will be removed.
Eliminate Call Microsoft Helpline 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".
Call Microsoft Helpline scam-FAQ
What Is Call Microsoft Helpline scam?
The Call Microsoft Helpline 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 Call Microsoft Helpline 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 Call Microsoft Helpline 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 Call Microsoft Helpline scam Work?
Once installed, Call Microsoft Helpline 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.
Call Microsoft Helpline 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 Call Microsoft Helpline 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 Call Microsoft Helpline scam Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Call Microsoft Helpline 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 Call Microsoft Helpline 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 Call Microsoft Helpline scam threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.