Browser based Tech Support Scammers keep coming up with new and innovative methods to prevent users from closing their browsers.
While Tech Support Scam Trojans are more difficult to remove then their browser based counterparts, browser based tech support scams are still worrying to many people who encounter them. For many who are not experienced in computers, when they see a fake browser tech support scam message, they become concerned that there is something wrong with their computer.
While people are becoming more educated and realize that they are simply no more than an advertisement, tech support scammers are coming up with trickier methods to prevent a user from closing their browser. For example, while recently looking for adware bundles, I ran into a browser based tech support scam that I have not seen before. In this scam, when you move your mouse cursor over the web browser showing the scam, the mouse cursor disappears. Instead you will see a mouse cursor moving randomly over the page, which is the scammers trying to trick you into thinking your mouse is not working properly.
This is illustrated in the video below.
As you can see from the above video, I have full control over my mouse when outside the browser Window. You can also see a mouse cursor moving around on its own in the Window. When I move my mouse into the browser window, though, I no longer have control over the mouse cursor. This makes it difficult to close the alerts being shown and thus the browser window.
Ultimately, Browser Tech Support Scams are still really easy to close.
Thankfully, no matter what tricks a browser tech support scammer throws at us, there is always a simple weakness. If the browser is closed, the alert goes away with it.
With that said, if you are affected by a browser tech support scam in the future, do not worry and instead simply close the process associated with your browser. To do this you should open task manager by right-clicking on the time displayed in the Windows taskbar as shown below. Then select the Task Manager option.
When Task Manager opens it will display a list of applications that are currently running. Look for the application that is currently showing the tech support scam and select it by left-clicking on it once. For example, in the image below I have selected the Google Chrome applications. To close the application simply click on the End task button as indicated by the blue arrow below.
Your browser should now close. When you next start the browser, if the browser prompts you to restore any previously open Windows, do not allow it to do so as this will just reopen the tech support scam site.
If for some reason you continue to see these types of fake security alerts in your browser, you may be infected with adware. In that case you can try AdwCleaner or ask for help in the Am I Infected forum.
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Comments
greyfoxx - 9 years ago
even though the Mouse has lost control by some trick, I found that the 'Ctrl W' keys will also close that offending window. (Windows X OS)
Those perpetrator people are really obnoxious! They are nothing more than thieves.
pcpunk - 9 years ago
That's some crazy stuff, thanks Lawrence! This site is invaluable.
mikeloeven - 9 years ago
honestly good ol' ALT-F4 usually does the trick no need for task manager
Lawrence Abrams - 9 years ago
That works when certain dialogs are present. If they show certain javascript dialogs, Alt F4 may not work.
linuxmaster - 9 years ago
Poor Winblows users
James_Robinson - 9 years ago
Its funny how Linux and Mac users believe their Operative Systems are so safe and they even think there are no Virus or Malware that could possibly compromise their security.
Well its time to wake up and realize that Linux and Mac OS have vulnerabilities too and many types of Malware and Ransomware have been created for this platforms too.
And this type of Web Based scams can affect Linux and Mac users too if instead of using Windows BSOD they use the respective Screens of Death and error dialogues for Mac or Linux.
So @linuxmaster before you start making fun of Windows users inform yourself about IT Security and learn how Linux is also vulnerable to certain types of attacks, in fact all OS are vulnerable.
And if Windows is currently the most targeted platform for attacks, malware, scams, etc... its due to its popularity, but if it was the other way around, for example if Linux becomes the most popular OS then in that case it would become the most targeted platform for attacks, same would happen with Mac OS.
Also the lack of proper education in IT Security has lead to a common ignorance where a considerable amount of users are not careful enough with the websites they visit, the ads they click, the stuff they download and so on.
For cyber-criminals to take advantage of this naive users has never been so profitable as it is nowadays.
blitz_76 - 9 years ago
You need to chill out man, do you not think @linuxmaster would be aware of all you just said? Most Linux users like myself started using Windows and moved over due to privacy etc which is something you fail to mention. Yes Windows is the most targetted OS due to popularity however there is no mention of Microsoft stealing everyones data!
Its not a lack of education in IT Security, there is tons of info out there, its the lack of interest that people have.
I still don't get why people join forums just to have a dig, like seriously whats the point? Forums are meant for sharing information, not having a go at someone for simply saying 'Poor Winblows Users'.
SomewhatNerdy - 9 years ago
Actually @James_Robinson is trying to further the knowledge and education. if you want to point a finger and snap at someone who's "trying to dig" then its @linuxmaster. His comment was unneeded, immature and intentionally composed to make a stab at others with no intentions of being helpful, meanwhile @James_Robinson was trying to help educate, or at least bring information to the surface to, someone who may not have known the said knowledge.