Home Malware Programs Browser Hijackers '866-291-9960' Pop-Ups

'866-291-9960' Pop-Ups

Posted: April 4, 2016

The '866-291-9960' pop-ups are phishing tactics that promote fake PC repair, diagnostics or anti-virus services. These attacks may implement themselves through non-consensual browser content, which may load exploits that block you from closing their windows. PC owners can protect themselves by avoiding providing information to associated con artists, and using standardized anti-malware strategies for removing the '866-291-9960' pop-ups, or threats related to them.

The Hoax So Nice They Told It Twice (or More)

Web-based threats may require a level of complicity from the person using the computer to fulfill their aims, even if it's something as minor as surfing the Web without any protection from scripts. The technical support tactic is one favorite implementation of such attacks, which one may see in numerous campaigns like the March-dated '866-291-9960' pop-ups. However, the '866-291-9960' pop-ups also may include content other than their tactics that complicate the usual recovery solutions and tempt victims into falling for the phishing lure.

The '866-291-9960' pop-ups may load through a compromised Web domain, via compromised advertising server, or as part of the browser-redirecting attacks of threatening software. Once they load, the '866-291-9960' pop-ups may deliver fake system information implicating your PC in a threat infection or associated hardware failure. They recommend calling their toll-free phone number for fixing your PC, which gives the con artists direct contact with the Web surfer. They then may ask for upfront purchases of PC repair services or software, neither of which they may provide.

Besides their standard phishing attack, the '866-291-9960' pop-ups also may use script-based browser exploits, potentially locking you out of your computer. Symptoms may include being unable to switch windows, having unrelated programs blocked, and being prevented from minimizing, resizing or closing the '866-291-9960' pop-ups.

Dialing Your Way out of a Phone Help Line's Hoax

Due to the relative newness of their attack campaigns, the '866-291-9960' pop-ups have yet to show a preference for an individual browser or OS. Similar threats may format themselves in ways appropriate for most browsers although some programs responsible for delivering them (such as adware) may express preferences for specific browsers, like Chrome. In almost every case, protecting yourself from the in-browser exploits of threats like the '866-291-9960' pop-ups requires both safe Web-browsing behavior and accompanying security steps, such as a script blocker or live fake domain-blocking tools.

You may be forced to reboot your computer to resume standard OS functionality after contacting any '866-291-9960' pop-ups. However, even if you're allowed to close their windows, the '866-291-9960' pop-ups may be vehicles for other threats. Always use anti-malware tools for scanning systems after exposure to these attacks, or other, corrupted pop-ups. If, after restarting, your browser loads additional the '866-291-9960' pop-ups, removing the '866-291-9960' pop-ups permanently may require browser-specific solutions, as well. Consult your browser company's recommendations on clearing cookies and other, temporary data that misleading pop-ups may use for hostile purposes.

As usual, the greatest danger of tactics like the '866-291-9960' pop-ups lies in their victims, who may panic and provide con artists with money, information, or remote computer access, all of which are desirable targets during phishing attacks.

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