What Is McAfee Renewal Notice Scam?
McAfee Renewal Notice is the name of a dangerous scam, which pretends to be the actual McAfee software. Its main goal is to get you to call a fake tech support number, pretending to be Apple Support. The scam often involves telling the victim that their McAfee software has expired or is about to expire, and they need to call a provided number to renew or pay for a new subscription.
Read this article to learn more about the McAfee Renewal Notice scam and how to remove it.
McAfee Renewal Notice – Details
Name | McAfee Renewal Notice |
Type | Scam / Phishing / PUP |
Short Description | May cause redirects to a fake type of page that aims to trick you into believing that this is a legitimate reward and you have to give your information. |
Symptoms | A scam page that may suddenly appear on your web browser, asking you to fill in your personal details. |
Distribution Method | Caused by adware or a browser hijacker PUP. |
Detection Tool |
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Is My Device Infected If I See McAfee Renewal Notice Scam?
If you see the McAfee Renewal Notice Scam, be advised that your device is not infected with a virus. This is a fake message. It is not from McAfee and is not a legitimate notification. The message likely contains malicious links that could install malware on your device if clicked. Do not click any of the links or provide any personal or financial information.
McAfee Renewal Notice Scam – How did I Start Seeing It?
Just like the OpenSea scam,METAMASK scam, UPS Rewards Scam, $1000 Amazon Scam, $1000 Walmart Scam and Visa Gift Card Scam, this one may have also arrived via one of the following methods:
- By being sent via e-mail.
- If you have been redirected to a fake web page as a result of some sort of adware or browser hijacker running on the background.
Based on reports at Apple Community forums, this scam may have been spread according to the what the following user describes:
“Your system is infected with (3) Viruses” when opening a Safari tab
This message came up when I was opening a new window in the Safari browser and makes all sorts of threats if I don’t call Apple Support at 1-866-726-**** and follow Virus removal procedure immediately. I’m always wary of these things and just want to know if anyone else has run across this particular warning.
McAfee Renewal Notice Scam – What Does It Do?
McAfee Renewal Notice is a typical fraud. Its main job is to display the following interruptive pop-ups:
This scam may also perform the following activities:
- You can get your computer infected by malware by clicking the button.
- You can give away your personal or other financial and login details, which could result in the loss of your funds.
Can McAfee Renewal Notice Scam be Dangerous?
The scam is dangerous because the fake tech support number often involves asking for personal information, such as credit card numbers, or even remote access to your computer. This could lead to identity theft, or the scammer may install malicious software on your computer.
In addition to this, it may also have tracking technologies on its web page, that may be used to get the following details:
- Obtain your IP and Mac addresses.
- Get access to your files.
- Get information about what you type on your browser.
- Download, run and update malware on your device.
- Edit and delete files.
- Gain access to your camera and microphone.
Is McAfee Renewal Notice a Virus?
McAfee Renewal Notice is not a virus. It is a fake tech support scam. that attempts to trick unsuspecting users into calling a toll-free number to purchase McAfee antivirus software. The scam is typically delivered via pop-up windows, email messages, or links in web pages. It is not a virus and does not contain malicious code.
What to Do If I See McAfee Renewal Notice?
If you see McAfee Renewal Notice scam popping up on your browser, do not call the fake tech support number, because it is a fraud and not the original McAfee software. Instead, you should check your Mac for any viruses and malware, and then remove any malicious programs that you find causing these pop-ups.
How Can I Protect Myself from McAfee Renewal Notice Scam?
To protect your Mac from scams, like the fake McAfee Renewal Notice pop-up, you should:
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or emails.
- Install and regularly update antivirus and anti-malware software.
- Install an ad-blocker to reduce the risk of malicious pop-ups.
- Be aware of potential phishing scams.
- Be cautious when downloading free software or files from the internet.
- Be wary of any requests for personal information.
- Use strong passwords for your accounts and devices.
- Keep your software up to date.
- Use two-factor authentication when available.
- Be aware of any offers that seem too good to be true.
How to Remove McAfee Renewal Scam?
Automatic and manual ways to remove McAfee Renewal Notice scam pop-ups from Mac involve first finding the source of the pop-ups. This can be done by opening the Activity Monitor application, which can be found by searching for it in the Spotlight. The best ways to do it are written in the guide below. For the automatic removal, scanning your computer with a professional anti-malware software is highly recommended.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove McAfee Renewal Notice from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for McAfee Renewal Notice with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall McAfee Renewal Notice 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:
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by McAfee Renewal Notice 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 McAfee Renewal Notice 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 McAfee Renewal Notice (Windows).
Get rid of McAfee Renewal Notice from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall McAfee Renewal Notice 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 McAfee Renewal Notice. 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 McAfee Renewal Notice 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 McAfee Renewal Notice files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as McAfee Renewal Notice, 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 McAfee Renewal Notice (Mac)
Remove McAfee Renewal Notice 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 McAfee Renewal Notice 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 McAfee Renewal Notice 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 McAfee Renewal Notice 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 McAfee Renewal Notice will be removed.
Eliminate McAfee Renewal Notice 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".
McAfee Renewal Notice-FAQ
What Is McAfee Renewal Notice?
The McAfee Renewal Notice 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 McAfee Renewal Notice?
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 McAfee Renewal Notice?
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 McAfee Renewal Notice Work?
Once installed, McAfee Renewal Notice 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.
McAfee Renewal Notice 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 McAfee Renewal Notice 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 McAfee Renewal Notice Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this McAfee Renewal Notice 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 McAfee Renewal Notice?
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 McAfee Renewal Notice threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.