Windows Operating System Alert Scam - How to remove

Windows Operating System Alert is another attempt at scamming people out of their money by scaring them into calling fake tech support. The scammer behind Windows Operating System Alert seeks to steal private data, steal money, do whatever it takes to profit. Adware, malicious email spam, shady links in social media can lead to scam sites. If you encounter Windows Operating System Alert, just close it. Use web security to block malicious sites. And if you find yourself in the middle of a scam, bail immediately.

About the Windows Operating System Alert scam:

Classification	Scam (tech support, phishing).
Signs that Windows Operating System Alert is a scam	The URL doesn’t match any Microsoft websites, the phone number does not match Microsoft support phone numbers, some anti-malware programs detect the site as dangerous.
How scams are dangerous	Manipulation used to steal money from people, stolen passwords can be used to hack accounts, criminals can gain remote access to the victim’s computer and download malware on it.
How to deal with the Windows Operating System Alert scam	Close the browser, look for malware on your computer (Spyhunter, Malwarebytes, others), set new passwords, secure your bank account.

How Windows Operating System Alert tries to scam people

Windows Operating System Alert is another scam page that promotes a fake tech support phone number. It was discovered recently by a scam hunter, and it’s similar to a few other Windows support scams, like the “Windows was blocked due to questionable activity” and “Windows 10 License Has Been Corrupted”.

These and other malicious sites only exist to take advantage of people. This is how they do it:

• The scammer makes a website where they claim that your computer needs to be fixed or is in danger somehow.
• The website is decorated with Windows logos. Microsoft’s font, style, and color scheme are copied. This makes the scam site appear similar to a real Microsoft website.
• The scammer puts their phone number on the site and says its the Windows support number.
• The fake site is then promoted online through malicious ads, online redirects, spam emails, and social media comments.

Calling the fake support number (in the case of Windows Operating System Alert, it was +1-855-632-6628) connects you to the scammer who plays the part of a Microsoft employee. The scammer may tell you to go on a site like Helpme.net or Fastsupport. These are legitimate tech support sites that are routinely abused by malicious actors to gain direct access to people’s computers. It’s about as bad as letting the scammer sit in front of your computer.

Windows Operating System Alert isn’t content with just showing a webpage. It constantly spams a browser pop-up that asks for your username and password. This is just the scammer phishing for people’s credentials to use in later attacks or to sell to other cybercriminals. Real tech support never ask you to give your login credentials.

On top of that, Windows Operating System Alert automatically downloads a text file that, if you open it, starts a script that changes some browser settings. This file’s name is a long string of random letters and numbers. If you find it in your Downloads folder, don’t open it, just delete it.

Dangers of tech support scams

Windows Operating System Alert and scams like it are potentially dangerous to people’s wallets and their privacy.

People who fall for tech support scams are usually cheated out of at least a couple hundred dollars, though the amount of money varies. If the scammer thinks that the victim is rich, they’ll try to get more money. For example, scammers tell people to access their bank account on their computer and then manipulate the webpage to show wrong numbers (you can fix that by reloading). They pretend to have accidentally wired you too much money and ask you to return it.

Besides money, cybercriminals are after private information. Windows Operating System Alert prompts you to type in your username and password, which could be used to hack your online accounts. People who contact the scammer behind Windows Operating System Alert also have their phone number, location, and some other information revealed. Those who allow remote access to their computer have their privacy breached even further.

At worst, Windows Operating System Alert could result in loss of money, hacked accounts, trojan infections, more malware, and spam phone calls.

How to avoid the Windows Operating System Alert scam

Windows Operating System Alert tries to lock up your web browser and to make it hard for you to close the tab. You can press the Alt and F4 buttons to close the browser. Pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc opens Task Manager, which allows you to select your web browser and quit it.

You could also use antivirus programs to block malicious sites. Windows Operating System Alert’s site is already detected as malicious by a few security tools.

I’d also advise you to scan your computer with an anti-malware program, such as Spyhunter, Malwarebytes, or another. A scan will tell you if there are any malicious apps on your device that could be causing problems. If you see frequent pop-ups and redirects in your web browser, malware is likely the cause.

If you fell for a tech support scam, Windows Operating System Alert or another, there are a few things to do. Check out the advice compiled by consumer protection agencies. If you installed anything that the scammer wanted you to install, remove it. If you paid, apply for a refund. If you revealed your passwords, change them. If you think that your payment information has been compromised, contact your bank and ask for help, they’ll know what to do.

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