'Access to This MAC Has Been Blocked' Pop-Up Scam

The 'Access to This MAC Has Been Blocked' pop-up is a actic that is designed to deceive unsuspecting visitors into calling a provided number. Users should recognize that the messages found on the page are not real and should be ignored entirely. In short, the site is propagating a technical support fraud in an attempt to take advantage of unsuspecting visitors.

Fake Messages Shown as Part of the 'Access to This MAC Has Been Blocked' Scam

This misleading page displays a false macOS Security alert, claiming that access to the Mac has been blocked for security reasons. It also warns that the computer is infected with Trojan Spyware and that email credentials, banking passwords, and the Facebook login information have been compromised. The site then encourages people to call 808-400-0297 (purportedly to contact 'Mac Support').

The operators behind this technical support fraud attempt to get credit card details, ID card information or other sensitive data from the victims who call the number. They also may try to persuade them to pay for fake or unnecessary products or services. Additionally, the fraudsters may ask users to install remote administration/access tools to gain access to their computers. Once the remote connection has been established successfully, they can collect sensitive information or deploy threatening malware like ransomware or crypto-miners on the victim's system.

Common Consequences of a Technical Support Tactic

Technical support tactics are all too common, and you need to be capable of recognizing the characteristics that make them stand out from legitimate technical support.

• Trick Victims into Downloading Malware

One of the most favored tactics used by technical support fraudsters is to try and get you to download threatening software. They may use deception or pressure tactics, such as telling you that your computer is infected or even generating fake system error messages, to get you to accept the download.

• Promise Quick Results with High-Pressure Sales Tactics

Once they have made contact with potential victims, technical support scammers will typically try and 'sell' their services--offering quick results for their customers without providing any proof that the problem can be fixed. They also often employ high-pressure sales tactics by claiming that your computer needs urgent repair and increasing the urgency by talking about threats such as identity theft or data loss.

• Request Remote Access to Your Computer

Once potential victims have been convinced that their computers need urgent repairs, technical support scammers will usually request remote access to gain control of their PCs and run additional diagnostic tests or apply 'repairs' that will not really help anything other than wasting your money. Do not give access to anyone unless you know what they're doing is legitimate, and only do it when it is absolutely required.