'Error Code:022-023-251' Pop-Ups
Error code messages are common these days and serve to address various issues relating to a user's PC. More often than not, they are genuine notifications triggered by the Operating System or other software installed on the computer. Sometimes, however, they are mere tactics, as is the case with the 'Error Code 022-023-251' alert. Masked as a warning about a serious system crash due to either a virus or illicit downloads, this error message also contains a toll-free telephone number, urging the user to make a call to get specialized assistance in fixing the issue. Here is the complete text of the warning:
'SECURITY WARNING
Error Code 022-023-251
Do not ignore this critical alert.
If you close this page, your PC access will be disabled to prevent further damage to our network.
Your PC has alerted us that it has been infected with a virus and spyware. The following information is being stolen…
Facebook Login
Credit Card Detail
Microsoft Account Login
Photos stored on this PC.
You must contact us immediately so that our engineers can walk you through the removal process over the phone. Please call Microsoft within the next 5 minutes to prevent your PC from being disabled.'
Now here is WHY you should NOT make the call at any cost. For a start, it is against the Microsoft's policy to send unsolicited emails, and the same goes for making unsolicited calls to their customers. By including a telephone number, the sender of this security warning aims to get in contact with the PC users, gain remote access to their PCs, perform a series of Windows-related software operations, request payment for the services rendered, and collect credit card details on top of it all. Indeed, this is exactly what a seemingly innocuous error code may do if it is in the wrong hands and succeeds in taking advantage of your gullibility.
