Threat Database Browser Hijackers '0800-014-8916' Pop-Ups

'0800-014-8916' Pop-Ups

By GoldSparrow in Browser Hijackers

The '0800-014-8916' pop-ups are part of a known telephone and online tactic. The '0800-014-8916' pop-ups are designed to trick inexperienced computer users into calling this phone number, which leads to a known fake technical support tactic. PC security analysts have also received reports that individuals have been experiencing unsolicited calls from this phone number offering this supposed technical support service. The '0800-014-8916' pop-ups are designed to target computer users in the United Kingdom, who are then asked to pay about 130 Pounds for this fake technical support service. The tactic associated with the '0800-014-8916' pop-ups also may attempt to obtain the computer users' online passwords, credit card, banking information and other information. Because of this, you should take steps to stop the '0800-014-8916' pop-ups from appearing and avoid calling this phone number.

How the '0800-014-8916' Pop-Ups and Their Associated Hoax Work

Computer users have reported that the '0800-014-8916' pop-ups will try to convince computer users that there is a severe problem with their computers. In many cases, the '0800-014-8916' pop-ups mimic legitimate Windows error messages or notifications. Some versions of the 0800-014-8916' pop-ups hoax may use a screen similar to the dreaded 'Blue Screen of Death,' which may appear when the Windows operating system crashes. The main purpose of the '0800-014-8916' pop-ups and similar hoaxes is to scare computer users, making them believe that their computers are infected severely, and it is necessary to call the phone number included in the '0800-014-8916' pop-ups. This tactic targets English-speakers and has different phone numbers depending on the computer user's location. The '0800-014-8916' pop-ups, in particular, are designed to trick computer users located in the United Kingdom.

The '0800-014-8916' Pop-Ups may Scare Inexperienced Computer Users

The '0800-014-8916' pop-ups may be caused by a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) installed on the user's computer. This PUP may cause the '0800-014-8916' pop-ups and other messages to interrupt the computer user. These messages tend to contain bogus technical information and error codes as a way of confusing computer users and giving the '0800-014-8916' pop-ups an air of legitimacy. The following is an example of a typical message that may be part of the '0800-014-8916' pop-ups or similar tactics:

0x000000CE DRIVER_UNLOADED_WITHOUT_CANCELLING_PENDING_OPERATIONS
WINDOWS HEALTH IS CRITICAL
DO NOT RESTART BSOD : Error 333 Registry Failure of operating system - Host:
Blue Screen Error 0x000000CE

Other versions of the '0800-014-8916' pop-ups and similar tactics may claim to be associated with Windows in some way, either by claiming to be pop-ups from Windows Defender or Security Essentials or claiming that the included telephone number is a way to contact 'Microsoft engineers' or technical support. For example, the message below claims to have found a threat and be associated with the Windows security software:

Windows Detected a Potential threat on your computer
Windows Security Essential wasn't able to block virus. Windows detected potential threats that might compromise your privacy or damage your computer. Error code: 0x8024402c, windows couldn't install the definition updates.

When PC users call the phone number included in the '0800-014-8916' pop-ups, they are asked to disclose their credit card information and pay several hundred dollars. Apart from this, computer users are asked to install a RAT (Remote Access Tool) or similar Remote Desktop application. This gives the con artist complete access to the user's computer. Under the pretext of carrying out maintenance or removing some supposed threat or error from the user's computer, the fraudsters may use this access to collect credit card information, online passwords and other data. It is common for these con artists to collect the computer user's online contact lists from both email and social media. These contact lists may be used to continue spreading PUPs associated with the '0800-014-8916' pop-ups to the computer user's email contacts and online friends.

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