Threat Database Browser Hijackers '866-836-6745' Pop-Ups

'866-836-6745' Pop-Ups

By GoldSparrow in Browser Hijackers

The '866-836-6745' pop-ups are annoying messages that alert computer users of nonexistent problems on their Web browser. The purpose of the '866-836-6745' pop-ups is to convince computer users to call this phone number for a fake technical support. The text of the '866-836-6745' pop-ups themselves may claim that the messages are associated with Microsoft or a reputable security provider. However, there is no truth to the '866-836-6745' pop-ups, and they are part of well-known online tactics. The purpose of the '866-836-6745' pop-ups is to trick inexperienced computer users so that they may pay large amounts of money for bogus anti-virus software and fake technical support.

In most cases, the '866-836-6745' pop-ups are caused by a Possibly Unwanted Program (PUP) installed on the affected computer. PUPs are Web browser extensions from questionable sources that may be used to make Web browsers behave in unwanted ways. The '866-836-6745' pop-ups also may appear on websites that have poorly regulated advertising content, be associated with websites that contain potentially threatening content such as file sharing websites, or pornographic Web pages. The '866-836-6745' pop-ups are a lie and are merely a vehicle designed to trick inexperienced computer users into falling for a classic phone hoax.

What may Cause the '866-836-6745' Pop-Ups to Appear on a PC?

Most of the '866-836-6745' pop-ups may be a consequence of poorly regulated advertisement content on a website. However, they also may indicate the presence of a PUP on a computer. It may not be difficult to detect the difference: if the '866-836-6745' pop-ups are appearing only on a specific website, then this may mean that the website is problematic rather than a PUP. The '866-836-6745' pop-ups that may appear on various websites, regardless of the content being viewed on the affected Web browser, may indicate that a PUP has been installed on the affected Web browser. In these cases, the PUP should be removed at once with the help of a reliable, fully updated security program. Malware analysts advise against interacting with the '866-836-6745' pop-ups. Computer users should never call the phone number advertised on the '866-836-6745' pop-ups.

The Well-Known Tactic Used by the '866-836-6745' Pop-Ups

The tactic associated with the '866-836-6745' pop-ups is becoming ever more common. When the phone number advertised in the '866-836-6745' pop-ups is called, the person that answers will offer a technical support service to solve supposed issues on the user's computer. This technical support may involve the fraudster installing a Remote Desktop Application, or a RAT (Remote Access Tool or Trojan), to access the user's computer remotely. Con artists want to gain access to the infected computer because they may then carry out a variety of actions. As part of the '866-836-6745' pop-ups tactic, fraudsters may try to disable legitimate security software on the user's computer. They also may try to collect any sensitive data they can find, particularly looking for a credit card or online banking information. Contact lists also may be valuable to this people since they may be used to continue spreading the '866-836-6745' pop-ups tactic. Any supposed problems on the user's computer may be caused by the '866-836-6745' pop-ups perpetrators themselves or by a PUP causing these '866-836-6745' pop-ups to appear in the first place.

What should PC Users Do When Been Harassed by the '866-836-6745' Pop-Ups

If you have allowed the '866-836-6745' pop-ups con artists to have access to your computer, it is necessary to take steps to safeguard all of your information and uninstall any software that they may have installed. PC security researchers recommend that computer users also uninstall any PUPs using the Windows Control Panel. If you have shared your credit card information to purchase this expensive, useless tech support 'service,' malware analysts strongly advise calling your credit card company or bank and flagging the purchase as a hoax.

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