Remove 1-888-479-3649 Tech Support Malware and Unlock Your Screen

by Ventsislav Krastev | April 20, 2016 | 2 Comments Fake BSOD Alert, Lockscreen, trojan

A new hacking team has been reported to distribute a lock screen type of Trojan which impersonates a fake BSOD alert after which prompts users to call the posted number for assistance. Unlike the conventional fake BSOD tech support scams, this particular type of scam is initiated directly on the computer, instead of the web browser, locking the entire system down. All users who have seen a blue screen alert with any number, especially 1-888-479-3649 provided In it should be advised that this is a scam attempt on their money or personal information. Experts advise to use an advanced anti-malware tool and follow the instructions after the article to get rid of Buzzing Dhol tech support Trojan.

Name	1-888-479-3649 Malware
Type	Tech Support Lockscreen Malware
Short Description	The malware may lock the user’s screen displaying a fake BSOD alert and prompting to call a tech support number.
Symptoms	The user may witness a blue screen displaying a number of “customer support representatives”.
Distribution Method	Via PUPs, installed by bundling (Browser Hijackers) or by visiting a suspicious third-party site that is advertising it.
Detection Tool	Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
User Experience	Join our forum to discuss 1-888-479-3649 Malware.

1-888-479-3649 Trojan – How Does It Infect

The malware is associated with an ad-supported application, known as Buzzing Dhol. It is reported to be connected to software that claims to allow users to follow various events. This ad-supported software may have arrived on your computer, via bundling. This means that it may have been included as a free extra to a free program you may have downloaded online, similar to the example below:

Since such software may display various advertisements and cause browser redirects linking to third-party websites, you may have been transferred to a malicious URL with the 1-888-479-3649 trojan.

1-888-479-3649 Trojan In Detail

Once activated on your computer, the malware drops an image with the fake BSOD. Bleeping computer has reported the following image displaying an error that is connected to a virtual drive initialization.

The original error message looks like the following:

The fake error message that has been reported by researchers at BleepingComputer is the following:

When the cell phone number itself was researched, it was established via EveryCaller that it appears to originate from the US. However, this may not be its actual location.

Not only this, but users have also reported for the “customer representatives” who are on the other side of the phone to be posing as Microsoft Employees. Not only this, but some users have reported them to have Indian accents. This is very common for tech support scams since most scammers have such accents.

Unlike other tech support scams, for example the 1-855-213-4353 Tech Support scam, that are simply URLs that lock the browser with a reappearing pop-up and display an audio message, this particular scam is malware that is directly installed on the computer. The executable of the malware may run as an active process in the Windows Task Manager and may prevent you from accessing any other application. Not only this but since this is reported to be a Trojan Horse, it may also collect information stored on your computer such as:

Passwords.
Browsing History.
Financial Information.
Files.

Not only this, but the scammers are reported to want access to your computer, and they may install other malware such as a Banking Trojan.

Remove 1-888-479-3649 Trojan from Your Computer

Since infections by this malware may vary, we have designed a general solution to help you permanently remove this malware and unlock your screen. To do this, you need to clean up the registry entries of your computer and also remove the malicious processes. Not only this, but you may also have other malware residing on your computer. This is why it is strongly advisable to scan the infected computer in safe mode for malware and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs).

1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove 1-888-479-3649 Malware

1. Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode

1. For Windows 7,XP and Vista.

2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.

For Windows XP, Vista, 7 systems:

1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu.
2. Select one of the two options provided below:

– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.

– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.

3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.

4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account

While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.

Step 1: Open the Start Menu

Step 2: Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.

Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.

Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.

Step 6: Click on Restart.

Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.

2. Remove 1-888-479-3649 Malware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove 1-888-479-3649 Malware.

2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove 1-888-479-3649 Malware.

Step 1:Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.

It is highly recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter.

Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.

Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button.

Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any 1-888-479-3649 Malware files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently.

Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.

3. Uninstall your web browser to get it rid of 1-888-479-3649 Malware from it.

3. Remove or Uninstall Your Web Browser in Windows.

Step 1: Remove/Uninstall Your Browser using Windows Programs and Features.

Here is a method in few easy steps to uninstall your web browser. No matter if you are using Windows 8, 7, Vista or XP or 10, 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 get left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, mistakes with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities caused by the virus. The proper way to get the browser off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:

Hold the Windows Logo Button and “R” on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear (fig.1).

In the field type in “appwiz.cpl” and press ENTER (fig.2).

This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC.
Select the web browser that you want to remove, and press “Uninstall” (fig.3).

After you uninstall your web browser, you should clean up your registries before downloading it again. For more information on how to clean up your registries, proceed to the following article:
Fix Windows Registry Errors Caused by Malware

Optional: Using Alternative Anti-Malware Tools

Remove 1-888-479-3649 Malware Using Other Alternative Tools

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

STOPZilla Anti Malware

1. Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to scan for and remove 1-888-479-3649 Malware.
Step 1: Download Malwarebytes by clicking here.
Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.

Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.

Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.

Step 6: Review and click on ‘Next’ on the following 4 steps that will appear afterwards and after that click on the ‘Install’ button.

Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button and check the ‘Launch MalwareBytes AntiMalware’ check box.

2. Scan your PC with MalwareBytes to remove all 1-888-479-3649 Malware associated files automatically.

Step 1: Launch MalwareBytes if you havent launched it after install.
Step 2: Wait for the software to update and then click on the blue ‘Scan Now’ button. If it doesnt start updating automatically, click on the blue ‘Update Now’ highlighted text.

Step 3: At this point, after clicking the ‘Scan Now’ button, the system should start scanning your PC. It may take a while but be patient – it is worth it.

Step 4: After the scan has been complete and all of the threats have been identified, click on the ‘Remove Selected’ button to delete them permanently.

Step 5: Once the scan has completed, MalwareBytes will prompt you to restart your computer. It is recommended to save all your data you are working on before restarting.

1. Download and Install STOPZilla Anti-malware to Scan for And Remove 1-888-479-3649 Malware.
Step 1: Download STOPZilla by clicking here.
Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.

Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.

Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.

Step 6: Review and click on the ‘Install’ button.

Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button.

2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all 1-888-479-3649 Malware associated files completely.
Step 1: Launch STOPZilla if you haven’t launched it after install.
Step 2: Wait for the software to automatically scan and then click on the ‘Repair Now’ button. If it does not scan automatically, click on the ‘Scan Now’ button.

Step 3: After the removal of all threats and associated objects, you should Restart your PC.

NOTE! Substantial notification about the 1-888-479-3649 Malware threat: Manual removal of 1-888-479-3649 Malware requires interference with system files and registries. Thus, it can cause damage to your PC. Even if your computer skills are not at a professional level, don’t worry. You can do the removal yourself just in 5 minutes, using a malware removal tool.

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.

How to Remove 1-888-479-3649 Malware from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove 1-888-479-3649 Malware

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall 1-888-479-3649 Malware 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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by 1-888-479-3649 Malware on your computer.

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 1-888-479-3649 Malware there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.

Step 4: Scan for 1-888-479-3649 Malware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

Get rid of 1-888-479-3649 Malware from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall 1-888-479-3649 Malware and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to 1-888-479-3649 Malware:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to 1-888-479-3649 Malware. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. 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 1-888-479-3649 Malware. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

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 1-888-479-3649 Malware 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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as 1-888-479-3649 Malware. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

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 malware from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts, programs and malware, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.

Download

Combo Cleaner

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

Remove 1-888-479-3649 Malware 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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

Erase 1-888-479-3649 Malware 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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

Uninstall 1-888-479-3649 Malware 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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

Remove 1-888-479-3649 Malware 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 1-888-479-3649 Malware will be removed.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

Eliminate 1-888-479-3649 Malware 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.

2 Comments

Daniel P. Lyons May 8, 2016 at 8:01 am
I got this fake BSOD message on my computer (on April 24, 2016) when attempting to get the portable software I want. Once I finished the installation of the software I want, lots of programs that I don’t already use get on my computer. Later, I did try restarting my computer several times, and later, I got this fake BSOD yet again.
So, I have figured a problem to solve. I go to Safe Mode and remove the programs that I don’t use. And few hours later, everything on my computer is back to normal.
Reply ↓
1. Vencislav Krustev (Post author)May 11, 2016 at 8:08 am
  Hello, Daniel
  From what you said, it appears that you may have installed a so called PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) on your computer. This has most likely resulted in many advertisements and even malvertising on your computer. Such malicious adverts and browser redirects caused by the PUP may have led to an infected URL (web link) which may have caused a drive-by download or another type of attack on your computer, that may have situated a Fake BSOD Lockscreen. This threat is not that dangerous, but it may cause some headache. It is a good idea that you have entered safe mode to remove it. This means that it was actively running in your Task Manager.
  In case you still get errors while booting your PC, try the following tutorial.
  To fix your registry entries and restore settings in the registry editor see the following instructions.
  Reply ↓

1-888-479-3649 Trojan – How Does It Infect

1-888-479-3649 Trojan In Detail

Remove 1-888-479-3649 Trojan from Your Computer

1. Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode

2. Remove 1-888-479-3649 Malware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

3. Remove or Uninstall Your Web Browser in Windows.

Step 1: Remove/Uninstall Your Browser using Windows Programs and Features.

Remove 1-888-479-3649 Malware Using Other Alternative Tools

Ventsislav Krastev

How to Remove 1-888-479-3649 Malware from Windows.

Get rid of 1-888-479-3649 Malware from Mac OS X.

Remove 1-888-479-3649 Malware from Google Chrome.

Erase 1-888-479-3649 Malware from Mozilla Firefox.

Uninstall 1-888-479-3649 Malware from Microsoft Edge.

Remove 1-888-479-3649 Malware from Safari.

Eliminate 1-888-479-3649 Malware from Internet Explorer.

2 Comments

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