“Cyber Guy”: Don’t take the bait
Kurt Knutsson gives advice on how to identify secure email links and tips for protecting your email accounts from phishing attacks.
Warn you about scams you may encounter while browsing the web. A McAfee antivirus pop-up suddenly appears on your computer claiming that your device is infected and your McAfee subscription has expired.
It may look legit, but it’s actually a scam. Susie, who lives in Loudon, Tennessee, wrote to us saying she is experiencing the same thing.
“I’m trying to get rid of annoying McAfee Google Chrome ads from my new computer that tell me it’s infected with a Trojan horse virus. My new computer has an expired McAfee account. I’m not covered by them. Hmm. According to all my virus coverage, I don’t see any infections, but this threat keeps showing messages like I’m going to lose my Windows 10 license and wipe my computer completely, even in full screen mode. Shut down… This pest needs to be exterminated. I’m ready to send this pest to the graveyard – Ashes, baby!”
Fortunately, Susie, we have a solution to ensure you don’t put your information, finances, and security at risk.
Unraveling the McAfee pop-up scam
McAfee scams use fear and panic to make you a victim. The goal is to be able to act quickly. When the pop-up appears, you will know that this pop-up indicates that your computer is infected with a virus and that your McAfee subscription has expired.
First, ask yourself if you ever had McAfee software to begin with. This should be your first red flag. Scammers take advantage of your fear and hope that you will fall into their trap and click somewhere on the screen. It’s tempting to click the button to continue and subscribe to what looks like genuine antivirus software. After all, it uses the McAfee logo, which is synonymous with internet security.
fake McAfee pop-up (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
This scam uses two methods to obtain information. In some cases, when you click on a pop-up like the fake pop-up above, you may be directed to a website that asks you to resubscribe. Enter your data thinking you are getting real antivirus software. However, in reality, given to scammers credit or debit card information, address, etc.
Additionally, clicking on options like “Continue,” “Get Protection,” or “Scan” can lead to the scam downloading malicious software. That software is automatically downloaded onto your computer and becomes accessible to hackers.
There are several ways to break into a new computer. You may have downloaded a malicious file or browser extension. Visiting suspicious websites and allowing notifications can also infiltrate your computer.
Read more: This Facebook Messenger phishing scam is stealing millions of passwords
Is it a real popup on my computer?
No, you might think these are genuine warnings from your system or legitimate websites like McAfee, but they are actually fake pop-ups trying to trick you into clicking. These pop-ups are not sent from your computer, but from malicious files that are built into your browser and display images that look like pop-ups. Clicking on them could result in you downloading more malware, divulging your personal information, or paying money to a fake service.
How to protect yourself from McAfee pop-up scams
If you see these pop-ups in your browser, don’t worry. Here’s what to do.
1. Don’t click on suspicious links or pop-ups.
First, whatever you do, don’t click on links or pop-ups that appear to come from a legitimate source, such as McAfee, unless you’re sure it’s legitimate. As mentioned above, these links and pop-ups can lead you to malicious websites or download harmful software to your computer. To avoid this, always check the URL before clicking on a link or pop-up. If in doubt, don’t click. You can also view the actual URL by hovering over the link or popup. Do not click if it does not match the source.
2. Close your browser
Then, the best way to avoid these pop-ups is to close your browser. You should also avoid reopening the same website or tab that triggered the pop-up, as the pop-up may be compromised or malicious. Sometimes all you need to do is close your browser. Also, this pop-up page may reappear, so be sure to delete any files in your browser’s cache.
3. Clear cache
If these fake pop-up screens reappear in your browser for a day or a week, try clearing your cache. Here’s how to do this on your computer:
- open on computer chromium
- in the top right three dots icon
- Tap Clear browsing history data
- [閲覧データの消去]In the window time range. To remove everything, forever
- Next to “Cached images and files”, Please check the box
- click Clear data.
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Clear browsing history data (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
You can also clear your cache iPhone or android.
Clear browsing history data (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
4. Remove extensions
If you’re seeing these fake pop-ups after you’ve already cleared your cache, try disabling your browser extensions and see if that solves the problem. Here’s how to do it:
- open Chrome browser Click three dots icon It’s in the top right corner of the screen.This will open a menu with various options
- From the menu, Extensions
- then click Manage extensions. This will take you to a page where you can see all the extensions installed on your browser.
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Steps to remove Google Chrome extensions (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
- On the extensions page, you’ll see a toggle switch next to each extension. If the switch is blue, it means the extension is enabled. If the switch is gray, it means the extension is disabled.
- To disable the extension, toggle switch And make it gray.under extensions[削除]You can also completely uninstall it from your browser by clicking the button. For now, let’s disable the extension.
- Repeat this process for every extension you want to disable or remove. You may need to restart your browser for the changes to take effect.
5. Use genuine antivirus software
Having good antivirus software installed can prevent hackers from getting into your device. Installing antivirus software on your device will ensure that you are prevented from clicking on malicious links that can install malware on your device and allow hackers to access your personal information.
Read my expert reviews on the best antivirus protection for you. Windows, Mac, Android, iOS devices
6. Report a scam
If you come across this or any other scam, you should report it to the authorities so they can take action against the scammers and warn others.You can report a scam Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can also report it to your local police department or consumer protection agency. By reporting a scam, you can help prevent others from falling victim to it.
More information: How hackers can send text messages from your phone without your knowledge
What should you do if you clicked a link and installed malware on your device?
If you’ve been hacked, it’s not too late. Even if a hacker gains access to your information, there are several ways to protect yourself from them.
Scan your device for malware
First, scan your computer using a reliable and genuine antivirus program. Read my expert reviews on the best antivirus protection for you. Windows, Mac, Android, iOS devices
Please change your password immediately
If you inadvertently provide information to hackers or other malicious actors, they can gain access to your social media and bank accounts. To prevent this from happening, you should change the passwords for all important accounts as soon as possible. However, do not do this on an infected device as hackers may view your new password.Instead, you should use another deviceChange passwords on your laptop, desktop, etc. Use strong, unique passwords that are difficult to guess or destroy.You can also use password manager Generate passwords and store them securely.
Monitor your account and transactions
You should regularly check your online accounts and transactions for suspicious or fraudulent activity. If you notice anything unusual, please report it to your service provider or authorities as soon as possible. You should also check your credit report and score for the following signs: identity theft Or fraud.
Use identity theft protection
McAfee pop-up scam targets your personal information. Hackers can use this information to create fake accounts in your name, access existing accounts, and impersonate you online. This can cause serious damage to your identity and credit score.
To avoid this, you should use an identity theft protection service. These services track personal information, such as household title, social security number, phone number, and email address, and notify you if they detect suspicious activity. It can also help freeze bank and credit card accounts to prevent them from being used by hackers. Read more about my reviews of the best identity theft protection services here.
Please contact your bank or credit card company
If a hacker obtains your banking or credit card information, they can use it to make purchases or withdrawals without your consent. You should contact your bank or credit card company and let them know the situation. We can help you freeze or cancel your card, dispute fraudulent charges, and issue a new card.
Alert a contact
If a hacker gains access to your email or social media accounts, they could use them to send spam or phishing messages to your contacts. They may also pretend to be you and request money or personal information. You should alert your contacts and warn them not to open or reply to messages from you that seem suspicious or unusual.
Restore your device to factory settings
If you want to make sure your device is completely free of malware and spyware, you can restore your device to factory settings. This will erase all data and settings and reinstall the original version.you should Back up Restore important data before doing this and only restore from trusted sources.
Read more: How hackers target X-authenticated accounts to trick you
Cart important points
McAfee pop-up scams seem to prey on your fears and want you to panic. It’s important to stay calm when faced with hackers and make sure you’re taking proper precautions. When downloading software, always make sure it comes from a trusted and real software developer.
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Don’t download software or browser extensions from questionable sources. Downloading may put you at risk. Easier said than done, but you should always be cautious when downloading anything or visiting questionable websites.
Phishing scams like the McAfee pop-up scam are ubiquitous, but it’s easy to make sure you’re not a victim. All you need to do is be careful.
Have you seen this scam? If not, please email us at How can I protect myself when using the web? Cyberguy.com/Contact
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