'Threats Detected' Pop-Ups

The 'Threats Detected' pop-up windows that suggest your system is in critical condition should not be trusted. The 'Threats Detected' pop-up windows are produced by phishing pages and aim to confuse users. The layout of the 'Threats Detected' pop-ups is made to incite distress and make users question the security of their systems. The pages that generate the 'Threats Detected' messages are utilized by con artists who wait for the users to pick up the phone and call the phone line listed on the 'Threats Detected' messages. The 'Threats Detected' fake security warnings are observed on newly registered pages that have not been checked by reputable browser and AV vendors. Ironically, the 'Threats Detected' messages are designed to display logos from trusted AV companies and convince users that they need to call a respected help desk. The 'Threats Detected' warnings are reported to feature the following brand names and phone lines:

• Avast! Support Line — 855-615-2468
• McAfee Support Line — 855-378-1203
• Norton Support Line — 844-444-9933

You should note that the phone lines may be different on the various phishing pages employed by the 'Threats Detected' con artists. Respected brand names are likely to be listed on the top and bottom of the pages that host the 'Threats Detected' fake security alerts. Web surfers who stumble upon the 'Threats Detected' pop-ups may be presented with the following text:

'Action Required [RANDOM BRAND NAME]
Threats Detected! Call Toll Free Support: [RANDOM PHONE NUMBER]
SYSTEM CRITIALLY INFECTED! CONTACT SUPPORT IMMDIATELY
DO NOT TRY TO MANUALLY REMOVE THE VIRUS,
HARD DRIVE MIGHT FAIL [RANDOM BRAND NAME]'

A disturbing audio record and an Adobe Flash animation might be played in the background of the 'Threats Detected' alerts. You need to close the 'Threats Detected' pop-ups even if you have to use the Task Manager and kill the browser's process. The content presented with the 'Threats Detected' warnings may include an automated download of a remote desktop tool. Needless to say, it is a bad idea to follow the instructions displayed on the phishing pages linked to the 'Threats Detected' technical support tactic. A few tips on how to use the major Internet clients for reporting suspicious content can be found below:

• Edge: Open the browser's menu and click 'Send Feedback' then choose 'Report site issue,' enter the URL and add a short explanation about your experience.
• Internet Explorer 11: Click on the gear icon, chose 'Safety' and then click 'Report unsafe site,' in the pop-up window mark the category of the site and complete the CAPTCHA challenge.
• Google Chrome: Click on the three dots icon, mark 'Help' and chose 'Report an issue.' You can append a few sentences as a comment and click 'Send.'
• Mozilla Firefox: Open the browser's menu and navigate to 'Help' (the question mark icon) and click on 'Report Deceptive Site.'
• Opera: Click on the site's badge located in the URL bar and click 'Details' then load the 'Fraud and Malware Protection' tab and click 'Report Site.'