'855-855-6173' Pop-Ups

The '855-855-6173' pop-ups are designed to trick inexperienced computer users into calling this number for a fake technical support company. The '855-855-6173' pop-ups claim that the message is associated with Microsoft and try to convince computer users that their machines are infected with threats severely. The '855-855-6173' pop-ups cannot be closed normally, and may give the impression that the affected computer is completely frozen. When computer users call the phone number provided by the '855-855-6173' pop-ups, they are answered by a person that will try to convince them to pay for bogus anti-virus software. Computer users also may be invited to install a RAT (Remote Access Tool) on their computers, supposedly to allow the technicians to check up on the machine (they may collect data and install additional unwanted components instead). If the '855-855-6173' pop-ups are appearing repeatedly in your Web browser, it is highly likely that a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program), is causing them. The removal of the PUP will stop the '855-855-6173' pop-ups from continuing to appear on affected Web browsers.

The 855-855-6173 Pop-Ups and Their Related Tactic

The '855-855-6173' pop-ups and similar messages are known tactics that may trick inexperienced computer users into paying hundreds of US dollars. As part of the '855-855-6173' pop-ups tactic, computer users may be asked to disclose their credit card information, as well as letting a third party have access to their computers. There is no connection between the '855-855-6173' pop-ups and Microsoft, or any other legitimate company. These claims are just designed to trick inexperienced computer users into agreeing to call this number. PC security researchers strongly advise computer users never interact with the '855-855-6173' pop-ups, to decrease the chances of installing unwanted components on their computers. Computer users should also refrain from calling the phone number included in the '855-855-6173' pop-ups or following any of the instructions in these messages. The appropriate response to the '855-855-6173' pop-ups is to remove the PUP causing them from the affected computer.

How Con Artists Related to 855-855-6173 Pop-Ups may Attack Your Computer

If you allow the 'technicians' associated with the '855-855-6173' pop-ups to have access to your computer, they may perform several actions, none of which will involve improving your computer in any way. They may disable any legitimate security software found on the affected computer, installing fake security software instead, PUPs or threats on the affected PC. Then they may search for any important, potentially lucrative data such as online banking credentials, credit card numbers, or passwords for email or other online accounts. As part of the attack, the con artists may try to obtain the computer user's contact lists from their email and social media. These contact lists allow them to continue spreading the '855-855-6173' pop-ups to your contacts.

Do Not Pay For the 'Service' Advertised in 855-855-6173 Pop-Ups

Computer users may be asked to pay between $200 and $700 USD for the 'threat removal' they offer. The problems may be caused by the con artists or the PUP associated with the '855-855-6173' pop-ups themselves. If you have contacted this phone number and fallen for this tactic, you should do the following immediately:

1. Disconnect your PC from the Web, so that the con artists can no longer access it through their RAT.
2. Change all login credentials and passwords, ideally using a different computer.
3. Using a reliable anti-malware application, perform a full scan of your hard drives.
4. Inform your credit card company that your credit card may have been accessed automatically. Report the hoax and try to undo the charges made to your card or bank account without your permission.
5. Inform your contacts about the situation so that they know to disregard suspicious emails that appear to come from your computer.