A tech support scam which can remotely connect to your PC and execute commands has emerged recently. The fake tech support will put a lock screen displaying a message stating that your computer is locked, because the Zeus software is detected. This is probably referring to the Zeus Banking Trojan, but the message is not real as no Windows application will lock your screen and show such a message in case malware is found. The 1-844-324-6233 phone number is placed as a contact detail at the end of the message. The process WinCpu.exe is associated with the scam as well as some batch files.
You should read the whole article and see how to remove the scam alert lock screen.
Threat Summary
| Name | 1-844-324-6233 |
| Type | Tech Support Scam |
| Short Description | The tech support scam tries to scare while locking your screen and trying to make you call the provided phone number. |
| Symptoms | A lockscreen will block access to your computer and show a fake alert message that looks like it’s from the Windows OS. The 1-844-324-6233 phone number will be given as the only solution. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installers, Suspicious Sites, Browser Redirects |
| 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 1-844-324-6233. |
1-844-324-6233 Scam – Distribution Methods
The 1-844-324-6233 tech support scam has various distribution methods. One of the most well-known ways for distribution of this scam is through browsing suspicious websites which are unknown to you. That way, files associated with the scam will get on your computer device. Advertisements and redirects that are related to dubious websites can inject you with a PUP (potentially unwanted program) which contains the malware files WinCpu.exe.
The unwanted software that causes the 1-844-324-6233 phone number scam to appear on your computer screen could come with third-party installer packages. Freeware and bundled applications often contain such packages. The install setups could have been configured to place additional components on your PC with the default install setting. Preventing the setup from installing the extra components, can happen if you find an Advanced or Custom options menu from where you can deselect them.
1-844-324-6233 Scam – More Information
The tech support scam uses the 1-844-324-6233 phone number and that is why it is named like that. There is a message that shows, trying to scare you that the Zeus Banking Trojan is found on your computer device.
On top of it all the message tries to imitate a Windows error of the computer failing to start. Certain details give it away and the presence of a telephone number makes it blatantly obvious that this alert message is not authentic. The goal of the scam is to try and trick people into calling the provided phone number.
This is how the lockscreen looks:
The message reads:
A problem has been detected and windows has been shutdown to prevent damage to your computer.
DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LES_OR_EQUALIf this is the first time you’ve seen this stop error screen, restart your computer.
If this screen appears again, follow these steps: of Contact us 1-844-324-6233
…
[Actual copy/paste data instructions from a real Windows error message] …
Zeus was detected and put in quarentine
Zeus is a very dangerous software used by criminals to steal data such as credit card information, access to banking accounts, passwords to social networks and emails.
…
Contact us +1-844-324-6233
Despite the multiple mentions of the 1-844-324-6233 number, the mention of the Zeus Trojan and the spelling mistakes made in the text, lots of users still fall victim to the scam. The difference compared to similar tech support scams is that this one can connect its creators to your computer device, and execute commands remotely. That is possible due to the use of the following executable and batch files:
- C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\ClientProtocol\wincpu.exe
- C:\Users\Default\AppData\Local\Microsoft\ImageLoader\ImageLoader.exe
- C:\Users\Default\AppData\Local\AutoUpdate\AutoUpdate.bat\
- C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\AutoUpdate\AutoUpdate.bat
- C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\ImageLoader\ImageLoader.exe
The source code of the WinCpu.exe file can be viewed from the below image:
The WinCpu.exe file will create the following Registry entry:
→HKLM\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\wincpu C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\ClientProtocol\wincpu.exe
From the above image you can see the location used for the remote connection, which is:
→https://www.neurotechaid.com/client1.php?id=12-44-11-22-11-AD
That is the Command and Control server (C&C) that the hackers use to get inside your system. From there they can steal heaps of information. The addition of the 1-844-324-6233 phone number is in case your computer is not connected to the Internet at that time and to make the extraction of information easier. The scammers will probably introduce themselves as Microsoft representatives or other reputable support technicians.
Do NOT call the phone number in any circumstance and know not to provide any personal information over the phone unless you are completely sure you know who you are talking to. The 1-844-324-6233 phone number is not toll-free, and even the shortest communication over it will cost you a small fortune.
The cybercriminals will try to stall for time, as their C&C remote server will execute a new command every five minutes. Also, even if they cannot find any personal information on the computer machine or cannot extract it from you over the phone, they still make money. That happens through the call’s impulses, or using your PC to make revenue for an adware website or something similar. Remember that any information they can get their hands on can be sold on the black market, which might even lead to identity theft. In any case, you should remove the malware responsible for the scam. Remember to enter Safe Mode.
Remove 1-844-324-6233 Tech Support Scam (WinCpu.exe)
To remove WinCpu.exe or otherwise known as the 1-844-324-6233 Tech Support Scam, manually from your PC, follow the step-by-step removal instructions given below. If the manual removal does not get rid of the scam and redirects effectively, you should search for and remove any leftover items with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software will keep your system safe in the future.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove 1-844-324-6233 from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for 1-844-324-6233 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall 1-844-324-6233 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 1-844-324-6233 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 1-844-324-6233 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 1-844-324-6233 (Windows).
Get rid of 1-844-324-6233 from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall 1-844-324-6233 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 1-844-324-6233. 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 1-844-324-6233 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 1-844-324-6233 files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as 1-844-324-6233, 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 1-844-324-6233 (Mac)
Remove 1-844-324-6233 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 1-844-324-6233 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 1-844-324-6233 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 1-844-324-6233 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 1-844-324-6233 will be removed.
Eliminate 1-844-324-6233 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".
1-844-324-6233-FAQ
What Is 1-844-324-6233?
The 1-844-324-6233 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 1-844-324-6233?
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 1-844-324-6233?
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 1-844-324-6233 Work?
Once installed, 1-844-324-6233 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.
1-844-324-6233 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 1-844-324-6233 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 1-844-324-6233 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this 1-844-324-6233 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 1-844-324-6233?
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 1-844-324-6233 threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.