"Windows Alert" online pop up ?

[JD]

Every now and then on several different sites I go to keep changing into a different page with a voice saying that it is a "windows alert" and it has a bit screen of scrolling text behind it. As soon as it pops up I close the tab and reload the page. Is this something I need to be worried about? The first few times I popped up I closed my internet and did a McAfee scan, but it's never found anything, so now I just close the tab and reload the page. It mainly happens either here or on Comic Book Resources.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

It's a scam. They're trying to get you to call them, so they can trick you into installing malware on your system. There is no real alert.

 

[Marc]

Every now and then on several different sites I go to keep changing into a different page with a voice saying that it is a "windows alert" and it has a bit screen of scrolling text behind it. As soon as it pops up I close the tab and reload the page. Is this something I need to be worried about? The first few times I popped up I closed my internet and did a McAfee scan, but it's never found anything, so now I just close the tab and reload the page. It mainly happens either here or on Comic Book Resources.

Could be a nasty ad that's hijacking. if it happens on Trekbbs, made a note of the details and get a screen grab is possible (use the Windows Snipping Tool) and then post in the relevant threat in QS&F so the admins can look into it.

Secondly download the malwarebytes software and run a scan though I suspect it's more a rogue ad given it only appears when you access a couple of sites., A malware infection would impact on pretty much everywhere you try and go.

 

[JD]

It's a scam. They're trying to get you to call them, so they can trick you into installing malware on your system. There is no real alert.

Thanks. So as long as I don't call them it's not actually doing anything to my computer?

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

^ I don't think so, no.

Of course, regular virus scanning and cleaning is always recommended. But as far as I know, the various tech support scams subsist on people actually calling them first.

 

[JD]

Ok, that's what I thought. Thanks for the info.

 

[Asbo Zaprudder]

Don't call them. They'll likely start phishing for information or try to get you to install dodgy software that could well be used to spy on you and/or steal from you. Remove the malware asap and rescan your PC for other malware and viruses.

 

[Santaman]

What kind of browser do you use? also what kind of protection does your browser have?
You need at least something like Privacy Badger to protect your browser and if you're more savvy Noscripts is a MUST to keep crap from messing with your browser.

 

[JD]

McAfee comes with our Cox account so I use that. The last couple times I got it I scanned and nothing was found.

 

[Marc]

McAfee comes with our Cox account so I use that. The last couple times I got it I scanned and nothing was found.

try malwarebytes as well.

 

[Asbo Zaprudder]

Unfortunately, you get variable results using different antivirus and antimalware software.

 

[Marc]

Unfortunately, you get variable results using different antivirus and antimalware software.

On the other hand there's no guarantee that a particular package will pickup a given infection and malwarebytes is regarded as best going for pickup malware (as opposed to AntiVirus) so I always give it a run.

 

[Santaman]

Malwarebytes also gets my vote, also you could use Spywareblaster, it's freeware and instead of scanning it prevents stuff from installing to begin with and it is free use for home users.
https://www.brightfort.com/spywareblaster.html

 

[Gingerbread Demon]

Interesing one of the sites I frequent for game trainers is in a fight with Malwarebytes... Something to do with them blocking their website.