Home Malware Programs Browser Hijackers '844-307-1890' Tech Support Scam

'844-307-1890' Tech Support Scam

Posted: September 15, 2016

The '844-307-1890' tech support scam is an attack that imitates Windows system alerts to redirect computer users towards a fake technical support number. Con artists manning these lines may request information or try to gain access to your computer, which could help them launch other attacks. Besides recognizing the clear signs of an '844-307-1890' tech support scam, you can best protect your PC by having anti-malware tools for blocking the '844-307-1890' tech support scam and removing threatening software related to it.

A Blue Screen that's Less than It Seems to Be

Even as modern standards in OS stability have phased out the 'Blue Screen of Death,' its presence in the popular consciousness has refused to fade. Threat authors and con artists are just aware of this fact as anyone else, and sometimes include attacks formatted deliberately similarly to these once-common error messages. The '844-307-1890' tech support scam is a typical example of such an attack.

Current versions of the '844-307-1890' tech support scam verifiable by malware researchers take only a single format, implicating a system crash related to the Windows boot loader (the winload.exe file). It also includes a hexadecimal error code and generic recommendations on repairing your PC in imitation of a real BSoD. However, in contrast with an actual system error, the displayed content also recommends calling a 'toll-free' number for technical support.

The responses of con artists posing as remote technical support companies are not always predictable. In similar attacks, malware researchers see con artists using these tactics to gain remote desktop access or sell fake system repair services. Most goals centralize around encouraging cash transfers for 'buying' a fake service or product, but a backdoor connection also could let a con artist collect information or install new threats besides any Trojan responsible for the appearance of the '844-307-1890' tech support scam.

Erasing the Color of Threats Off Your Screen

Many technical support tactics may distribute themselves on the backs of Web advertising networks. While you may see an '844-307-1890' tech support scam in a browser pop-up, malware researchers also can confirm them launching through locally-installed software. Trojans may use an '844-307-1890' tech support scam to block your desktop or the rest of your Windows UI, and, in the most extreme cases, auto-terminate the memory processes of most other software.

If possible, you should block any automatically-starting threat that impedes your integral system usability from the system booting process. Malware researchers recommend following Microsoft's instructions for your version of Windows on rebooting into Safe Mode, which will refrain from loading any unnecessary programs or processes. Using either Safe Mode or booting from an external drive, you can run an anti-malware product of your choice to delete the source of an '844-307-1890' tech support scam screen.

Although hoaxes like the '844-307-1890' tech support scam are as numerous as the sands on a beach, they always show telltale signs of being threatening. Remember that no Blue Screen of Death ever will ask you to call a number, and familiarize yourself with the real BSoD format your version of Windows uses, and these attacks will have one less potential target.

Loading...