This article will help you remove PC-antivirus-protection.com fully. Follow the tech support scam removal instructions provided at the end of this article.
PC-antivirus-protection.com is a website which is connected with a tech support scam and hosts it on that Web address. The phone number 0-800-069-8567 is given for contacting the supposed McAfee or Norton support technicians. The scam tries to imply that your computer has malware and only the technicians, reachable on the phone line, can help you. Your screen may get locked.
Threat Summary
| Name | PC-antivirus-protection.com |
| Type | Tech Support Scam |
| Short Description | A tech support scam saying that your computer has malware and trying to fool you into calling a phone number. |
| Symptoms | Messages, pop-up boxes, and redirects could appear in your browser. Cybercriminals will try to trick you into calling a phone number, while trying to block access to your browser or locking your screen. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installers, Suspicious Sites, Redirects, Hyperlinks in forum spam posts |
| 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 PC-antivirus-protection.com. |
PC-antivirus-protection.com – Spread
Different software could cause the 0-800-069-8567 number to appear in your browsers on a page claiming to be a McAfee Support one. Those websites usually come with third-party installations and freeware packages. These packages tend to have additive features selected for the installation process. To avoid installing any such features can be done if you find an Advanced or a Custom options menu.
Unfortunately, other ways can help the distribution of this tech support scam. From surfing the Internet and reaching new and unverified websites, to clicking on advertisements or redirects related to suspicious links are one of these ways. Another way is through the crooks spamming hyperlinks in forum posts of different sites. Freeware applications, regarded as PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) could also be helping in the spread of the scam in question.
PC-antivirus-protection.com – Overview
PC-antivirus-protection.com is a website hosting a tech support scam. The scam uses the phone line 0-800-069-8567. There could be other phone numbers and websites involved with the scam. Cybercriminals who are behind the telephone can try to trick you into thinking that they are part of some tech support team, working for McAfee or Norton. The website home page looks like this:
As you can see above, the site states that the telephone is the support line for McAfee and Norton which should immediately give it away as a hoax, but strangely enough, it still works on people and they fall to the scam. Down below you can read what the message reads:
Get instant support for your Norton Antivirus & McAfee Antivirus Problems, Use Antivirus to stay safe with some easy steps.
Infection, malware and other disease issues have been tormenting the digital world for recent decades now however tragically the circumstance has gone more regrettable in the previous ten years. Consistently around a million new contaminations are skimmed on the web the whole way across the globe and these diseases have the capacity of assaulting their first casualty inside a few minutes of their discharge.
….
The UK has over 90% grown-up populace as web clients and in such a place this information can be truly risky. Norton Security & Mcfee Security has been among the most well-known projects promising thorough insurance against all such digital diseases and violations.
In case you see that message, know that your PC has been affected or you are about to fall victim to a scam. You could get bombarded with pop-ups, redirects and new windows opening on your browser to try and convince you that your PC has issues. Clicking somewhere on the page could trigger a similar effect.
The con artists want to make you believe that the only way for fixing your computer machine is by calling the 0-800-069-8567 phone number, provided on the website. They also will lie to you that they are part of the McAfee or Norton technicians team. That statement is not true and you should know that both McAfee doesn’t even have a phone number for Support, nor do they share the same phone number with Norton.
The whole charade is made in a way to convince you into calling the provided number. On top of it all, there are instructions on the site on how to deactivate and uninstall McAfee – an action you wouldn’t want to perform if you have that anti-virus. Also, whatever your security system is, do not uninstall, remove or tamper it in any way, as that may further help the cybercriminals behind the scam.
A screenshot depicting the Norton support line information on the website:
Do NOT try calling the phone number under any circumstances. It is not free as promoted on the website, and even the shortest call may be very costly. Not to mention that, while the con artists can present themselves as McAfee or Norton employees, or any other reputable partners, they will try to get personal information and financial data about you. That information can be sold, and you could get into bigger problems, such as identity theft, your bank accounts getting emptied etc.
PC-antivirus-protection.com Removal
To remove the PC-antivirus-protection.com tech support scam and its related files manually from your PC, follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided below. If the manual removal guide does not get rid of the scam and its redirects completely, you should search for and remove any leftover items with an advanced anti-malware tool. Software like that will keep your system secure in the future.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove PC-antivirus-protection.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for PC-antivirus-protection.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall PC-antivirus-protection.com 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 PC-antivirus-protection.com 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 PC-antivirus-protection.com 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 PC-antivirus-protection.com (Windows).
Get rid of PC-antivirus-protection.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall PC-antivirus-protection.com 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 PC-antivirus-protection.com. 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 PC-antivirus-protection.com 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 PC-antivirus-protection.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as PC-antivirus-protection.com, 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 PC-antivirus-protection.com (Mac)
Remove PC-antivirus-protection.com 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 PC-antivirus-protection.com 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 PC-antivirus-protection.com 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 PC-antivirus-protection.com 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 PC-antivirus-protection.com will be removed.
Eliminate PC-antivirus-protection.com 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".
PC-antivirus-protection.com-FAQ
What Is PC-antivirus-protection.com?
The PC-antivirus-protection.com 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 PC-antivirus-protection.com?
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 PC-antivirus-protection.com?
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 PC-antivirus-protection.com Work?
Once installed, PC-antivirus-protection.com 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.
PC-antivirus-protection.com 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 PC-antivirus-protection.com 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 PC-antivirus-protection.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this PC-antivirus-protection.com 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 PC-antivirus-protection.com?
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 PC-antivirus-protection.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.