This article has been created in order to explain to you what is the Hurricane Florence Relief Scam scam and how you can remove the scamming message and the potentially unwanted program that is causing it on your PC.
The Hurricane Florence Relief Scam is the type of scamming message which has been designed in order to trick users into donating to a fake charity. Interaction with its scripts may cause the infections with other threats. Our article gives an in-depth explanation of how it propagates and how victims can attempt to remove active infections.
Threat Summary
| Name | Hurricane Florence Relief Scam |
| Type | Scam Site |
| Short Description | The Hurricane Florence Relief Scam is a recent example of the scam tactic which asks the targets into donating funds to a fraud charity. |
| Symptoms | Victims will be shown a fake scam site either when opening their web browsers or viewing web content. |
| Distribution Method | Phishing emails, hijackers and other popular means. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Hurricane Florence Relief Scam. |
Hurricane Florence Relief Scam – Distribution Methods
One of the most recent threats against US computer users is the Hurricane Florence Relief Scam. It is particularly effective against those found in the affected regions of the United States by Hurricane Florence. The collected samples showcase that several distribution tactics can be considered by the hackers.
An effective attack is the one dependent on SPAM email messages making use of social engineering tactics in order to fool them into interacting with a malware element. Usually the messages are designed to appear as being sent by a legitimate site or service that the user may use.
Other areas from where the infections can be acquired include fake sites that may impersonate vendor sites, institutions or search portals. Various web elements can be used to redirect to it — banners, pop-ups, banners, ads and in-line links. Another popular tactic is the posting of links via forums, social networks other Internet communities.
Infections by the Hurricane Florence Relief Scam can be caused by running various infected payloads. One of the popular examples of this is the malicious document. Hackers can embed the virus installation code into the most popular types: text documents, spreadsheets, presentations and databases. When they are opened a notification prompt will appear asking the users to enable the built-in content. If this is done the phishing scam will be initiated on the host computer. The other mechanism is the deployment of the code in application installers — malicious copies of legitimate software setup files. They are made by taking the real installers from the official vendor sites and customizing them to include the phishing reditect scam.
Hurricane Florence Relief Scam – More Information
Classic cases of the Hurricane Florence Relief Scam is the creation of numerous web pages asking users to help victims of the Florence hurricane. All users should note that such donation pages are in fact fraudulent. The classic example of this type of infections stems from malicious browser hijackers which are a specific subset of an infected payload carrier. The criminal operators can create plugins for the most popular web browsers to the relevant repositories. They contain fake user reviews and developer credentials which are aimed to deceive the users. As a result of their installation the default web browser settings will be modified to redirect the victims to the scam site, affected values include the home page, search engine and new tabs page.
The Hurricane Florence Relief Scam is modeled using a familiar-looking template which contains all essential elements that one can expect from such addresses. The domain name is also chosen to represent the scam in a way which will not raise suspicion. All site visitors will be coerced into interacting with a PayPal donation button. The criminals have also linked the site with various social network profiles designed to further enhance the scam. Another tactic that we have detected associated with this particular scam is the linking to legitimate sites — foundations, churches and non-profit organizations that may be well-known to the users.
One of the dangers associated with such phishing scams is the fact that they can lead to the infection with other threats as well — viruses, Trojans, ransomware and miners.
The scam sites that are presented in this example can initiate an extensive data harvesting component which will extract sensitive information often grouped into two main categories:
- Private Data — The gathered information can harvest strings that can directly expose the identity of the users. The selected strings include the users real name, address, phone number, interests, location and any stored account credentials.
- Optimization Data — The module can harvest strings that can be used to optimize the attacks. This includes reports about the installed hardware components of the victim systems, operating system values and user settings.
The victim’s data may be collected in databases operated by a malicious collective, the information can then be sold to interested parties such as marketing agencies.
Remove Hurricane Florence Relief Scam Scam from Windows and Your Browser
If you want to remove the Hurricane Florence Relief Scam tech support scam from your computer, we strongly suggest that you follow the removal instructions posted underneath this article. They have been created with the main idea In mind to help you delete this virus either manually or automatically. Be advised that according to experts the best way to try and remove the software that is causing the Hurricane Florence Relief Scam scamming pop-ups is to use an advanced anti-malware software. Such program is created with the idea in mind to fully scan your computer and try to eliminate any traces of unwanted programs while protecting your computer against future infections as well.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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How to Remove Hurricane Florence Relief Scam from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Hurricane Florence Relief Scam with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Hurricane Florence Relief Scam and related software from Windows
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 Hurricane Florence Relief 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 Hurricane Florence Relief 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 Hurricane Florence Relief Scam (Windows).
Get rid of Hurricane Florence Relief Scam from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Hurricane Florence Relief 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 Hurricane Florence Relief 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 Hurricane Florence Relief 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 Hurricane Florence Relief Scam files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Hurricane Florence Relief 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 Hurricane Florence Relief Scam (Mac)
Remove Hurricane Florence Relief 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 Hurricane Florence Relief 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 Hurricane Florence Relief 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 Hurricane Florence Relief 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 Hurricane Florence Relief Scam will be removed.
Eliminate Hurricane Florence Relief 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".
Hurricane Florence Relief Scam-FAQ
What Is Hurricane Florence Relief Scam?
The Hurricane Florence Relief 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 Hurricane Florence Relief 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 Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware.
- Browser hijackers.
- Clickers.
- Fake optimizers.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Hurricane Florence Relief 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 Hurricane Florence Relief Scam Work?
Once installed, Hurricane Florence Relief Scam can collect data about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. This data is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Hurricane Florence Relief 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 Hurricane Florence Relief 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 Hurricane Florence Relief Scam Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Hurricane Florence Relief 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 Hurricane Florence Relief 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 Hurricane Florence Relief Scam threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.