Pcmethodsteadfastcloud.online is a website that is related to a tech support scam and hosts it on its main page. The phone number +61-1800-737-431 is used for contacting the supposed support technicians. The scam tries to implement that your computer has been blocked due to a problem and only the “Apple support technicians” behind that phone number can help you. The scam also uses a slightly modified message of the Error #268D3 scam. You will get redirects and pop-ups, which you cannot close that can cause an endless loop. To see how to remove the scam, its website, pop-ups, and redirects, read the article to the end.
Threat Summary
| Name | PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online |
| Type | Tech Support Scam |
| Short Description | A tech support scam stating that your computer is blocked and trying to scam you into calling a phone number. |
| Symptoms | Messages, pop-up boxes, and redirects appear in your browser. Cybercriminals will try to trick you into calling a phone number, while taking control over your mouse on the website. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installers, Suspicious Sites, Redirects, Trojan Horse |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online. |
Pcmethodsteadfastcloud.online – Spread
Surfing the Web, through unknown websites and clicking on advertisements or redirects related to suspicious links are all common ways in which this tech support scam can use to spread. PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) also distribute the scam.
Undesirable software causing the +61-1800-737-431 number to show up in your browsers or a page claiming to be connected with Apple Support. These sites usually come with third-party installations and freeware packages. The packages have more features selected for installation. To avoid installing the additional features is doable by finding an Advanced or Custom options menu.
Pcmethodsteadfastcloud.online – In Detail
Pcmethodsteadfastcloud.online is a website hosting a tech support scam. The scam uses the phone line +61-1800-737-431. There could be more phone numbers and websites involved with this scam. Criminals that are behind the telephone try to trick you into thinking that they are part of a tech support team of Apple. The website page looks like this:
As you can see the site states that “YOUR COMUTER HAS BEEN BLOCKED”, just like many other tech support scams and ransomware-like ones. You can see what exactly the pop-up message reads, right here:
Pcmethodsteadfastcloud.online says…
** YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN BLOCKED **
Error # 268D#3
Please call us immediately at +61-1800-737-431
Do not ignore this critical alert.
If you close this page, your computer access will be disabled to prevent
further damage to our network.Your computer has alerted us that it has been infected with a virus and
spyware. The following information is being stolen…>Facebook Login
>Credit Card Details
>Email Account Login
>Photos stored on this computer
You must contact us immediately so that our engineers can walk you
through the removal process over the phone. Please call us within the
next 5 minutes to prevent your computer from being disabled.Toll Free: +61-1800-737-431
We can clearly see how the text of the pop-up message is trying to imitate that of another tech support scam known as “Error #268D3”.
The message behind it that is written on the website page reads the following:
WARNING!
Your device has been blocked due to suspicious activity! Please call Support Now! Toll Free: +61-1800-737-431 To find right solution.
Are you sure you want to leave this page?
Leave Page | Stay On Page
If you click on any of the options “Leave” or “Stay” you will be bombarded with pop-ups, redirects and new windows of your browser opening and performing the same thing. If you do not click it, do not worry as this tech support scam is engineered better than others and can take control over your mouse (cursor) and click multiple times, loading many redirects, etc. If you switch off of the browser, your mouse control is regained.
That is interesting, but in actuality your mouse cursor is just hidden on pages related to the Pcmethodsteadfastcloud.online scam, which makes the other cursor on the current page active.
The con artists want to make you believe that the only way to fix your PC is calling the +61-1800-737-431 phone number. They also will lie to you that they are part of the Apple technicians team. However, that is not true. Everything is done in a way just to scare you into calling the given number.
Do NOT dial the phone number in any circumstance. It is not free as advertised, and even the shortest call may cost you lots of money. Also, while the con artists may present themselves as Apple employees or other reputable partners, they will try making you provide them with personal information and financial data. That information can be sold, and you could get into bigger trouble.
Pcmethodsteadfastcloud.online Removal
To remove the Pcmethodsteadfastcloud.online 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 PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online 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 PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online 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 PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online 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 PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online (Windows).
Get rid of PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online 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 PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online. 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 PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online 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 PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online, 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 PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online (Mac)
Remove PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online 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 PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online 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 PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online 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 PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online 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 PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online will be removed.
Eliminate PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online 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".
PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online-FAQ
What Is PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online?
The PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online 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 PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online?
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 PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online?
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 PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online Work?
Once installed, PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online 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.
PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online 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 PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online 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 PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online 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 PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online?
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 PCmethodsteadfastcloud.online threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.