If you suddenly start seeing alert messages when surfing, warning of purported threats and urging you to act quickly, there is a current scam behind all that.
Criminals currently use fake messages to try and access Internet user devices and personal data. As reported by cybercrimepolice.ch, some alarming messages can suddenly appear when visiting otherwise uncritical websites, faking purported virus infections or severe system errors.
Such warnings don’t originate from Windows, macOS or anti-virus software, but from scammers. They look deceptively real, often take up the entire screen and are often very difficult to close. Sometimes there is also a voice message asking you to ring a support number immediately.
When calling, victims end up at a call centre where attackers are impersonating support staff of such large corporations as Microsoft or Apple. They claim to have discovered a dangerous infection and demand money for repairs which are allegedly required.
They also urge their victims to install remote maintenance software, allowing them to obtain direct access to their computer. Once inside, they direct victims to payment pages or to open their e-banking facilities. They aim to trigger payments or to obtain confidential information such as credit card or access data.
This is how to protect yourself:
- Ignore such warnings. Don’t call the telephone numbers shown.
- To close these messages: Windows: Open your Task Manager using CTRL + ALT + DEL and close down your browser. Mac: Use CMD + OPT + ESC to open the “Force Quit” window and close your browser.
- In case you already disclosed data, immediately notify your financial institution, change your passwords, have your computer reinstalled and report the incident to the police.
