Threat Database Browser Hijackers '844-872-8686' Pop-Ups

'844-872-8686' Pop-Ups

By GoldSparrow in Browser Hijackers

Malware analysts have received reports of the '844-872-8686' pop-ups, which alert computer users that code or serial number is required to fix a supposed problem on affected computers, and display a phone number for the computer user to call for further assistance. The '844-872-8686' pop-ups are, of course, a complete nonsense and are part of a well-known tactic that relies on inexperienced computer users calling this phone number and spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a fake technical support service.The '844-872-8686' pop-ups do not make sense, and there is no truth to any of their messages. The '844-872-8686' pop-ups are not related to Microsoft directly, regardless of what they claim, or to any other reputable entity. The '844-872-8686' pop-ups may be caused by a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) installed on the affected computer. When computer users affected by the '844-872-8686' pop-ups call this phone number, a con artist may try to sell them a fake anti-virus program and technical support service. They also may attempt to gain access to the affected computer remotely to collect valuable data or install threats.

How the '844-872-8686' Pop-Ups Work

The '844-872-8686' pop-ups may use social engineering to take advantage of inexperienced computer users. When computer users affected by the '844-872-8686' pop-ups call this phone number, they may be asked for their credit card information and be charged hundreds of dollars for this bogus technical support. The hacker may use scary language to convince the users that their computers are infected severely with threats or that it contains a severe error, which requires payment and the installation of a fake security program. Apart from paying large amounts of money, computer user affected by the '844-872-8686' pop-ups may be asked to install a RAT (Remote Access Trojan) or a Remote Desktop utility. Using these components, the supposed 'technician' may access the user's computer. However, rather than fixing some supposed issue, the con artist may use this access to collect additional data, such as mining the computer user's Web browser for login information and online banking credentials. This access also may be used to install threats or additional PUPs on the user's computer and to attempt to spread the '844-872-8686' pop-ups and similar tactics to the computer user's email and social media contacts.

How the '844-872-8686' Pop-Ups may Enter a Computer

The '844-872-8686' pop-ups may be caused either by a PUP on your computer or indicate that a particular website has unsafe advertising content (if the '844-872-8686' pop-ups appear only when you visit one particular website, then it is unlikely that the cause is on your Web browser). PUPs associated with the '844-872-8686' pop-ups may take the form or Web browser toolbars, extensions or add-ons. PUPs associated with the '844-872-8686' pop-ups are not considered threatening. However, these PUPs may cause numerous symptoms that may be threat-like, including the '844-872-8686' pop-ups and other irritating pop-up content. PUPs associated with the '844-872-8686' pop-ups may cause additional symptoms, which may include the following:

  • The '844-872-8686' pop-ups may be linked to poor system performance. If your Web browser is affected by the '844-872-8686' pop-ups, it may be the case that it also may slow down, crash frequently and freeze unexpectedly.
  • PUPs associated with the '844-872-8686' pop-ups may alter a Web browser's settings. Some changes associated with these components may include changes to the affected Web browser's default search engine and homepage.
  • If the '844-872-8686' pop-ups are appearing on your Web browser, it is unlikely that these are the only messages interrupting your activity. The '844-872-8686' pop-ups tend to be accompanied by other irritating advertisements and pop-up messages, as well as Web browser redirects and other unwanted advertising and pop-up content.

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