'Epw3.com' Pop-Ups

PC users that are infected with a browser hijacking application and are presented with pop-ups by Epw3.com should not call the 800-283-5196 toll-free phone line. The Epw3.com domain is registered on the 66.170.180.172 and the 209.143.158.10 IP addresses and is associated with uncertified technical support services. The browser hijacking application on your machine may have been listed under the 'Advanced' or 'Custom' option of a freeware installer as an optional offer. The 800-283-5196 phone line that is promoted as a help-line for users to seek technical assistance is operated by con artists that strive to convince users to pay $200 for a lifetime computer support. The 'Epw3.com' pop-ups may be preceded by a dialog box that says:

'It appears that your computer and Internet browser have POP UP SOFTWARE enabled. Please call TOLL-FREE to DSIABLE POP-UP AD SOFTWARE NOW: 1-800-283-5196.'

Moreover, the Epw3.com site is coded to simulate human interaction and may convince users that they are communicating with a person called Molly Jefferson that wants to help them. In reality, Ms. Jefferson is a chatbot that is programmed to type in predefined text messages, and you may be provided with a text field to respond, but your input does not matter. In a few sentences, the chatbot will direct users to call 800-283-5196 and ask for assistance. Security researchers reveal that the browser hijacker linked to the Epw3.com domain is designed to display customized messages from Epw3.com and users may be welcomed to ask for help from chatbots named Gregg Foster, Jake Anderson, etc. The Epw3.com browser hijacker may run as an executable DLL to avoid raising alarms and bypass built-in browser defenses. Computer users should install a renowned anti-malware suite to benefit from advanced protection and purge the Epw3.com browser hijacker.