“Free Security Scan” Scam Costs Money and Time

August 25th, 2011  |  Published in free security scan

There seem to be messages everywhere telling you to install and update security software for your computer.  It might be tempting to take up an offer of a “free security scan,” especially when you get a pop-up, an email, or an ad that claims “malicious software” has already been found on your machine. More likely the scary message is a con.

Your free security scan naturally claims to find a bunch of problems, and within seconds, you’re getting important pop-ups to buy security software. After you shell out $40 or more on the software, the program tells you that your problems are fixed. The problem is there was nothing to fix in the first place.  Worse, now you've got some dangerous program installed on your computer.

Here's the problem.  Though the “alerts” look like they’re being generated by your computer, they actually are created by a con artist and sent through your Internet browser.

These scams have many variations, but there are some telltale signs. For example

  • You could get pop-ups that claim your security software is out-of-date and your computer is in immediate danger.
  • You may get ads that promise to “delete viruses or spyware,” “protect privacy,” “improve computer function,” “remove harmful files,” or “clean your registry;” 
  • You may be invited to download free software for a security scan or to improve your system; 
  • You may get “alerts” about “malicious software” or “illegal pornography on your computer;”
  • You may suddenly encounter an unfamiliar website that claims to have performed a security scan and prompts you to download new software;
  • Your search results redirected to strange pages.

What to Do

If you’re faced with any of the warning signs of a scam or suspect a problem, shut down your browser. Don’t click “No” or “Cancel,” or even the “x” at the top right corner of the screen. Some of these programs are designed so that any of those buttons can activate the program. If you use Windows, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to open your Task Manager, and click “End Task.” If you use a Mac, press Command + Option + Q + Esc to “Force Quit.”

If you get an offer, check out the program by entering the name in a search engine. The results can help you determine if the program is on the level.

If you find your search results redirected, you may be infected with a redirecting virus.  You may need a stand-alone tool designed specifically to remove this stubborn virus.  One tool guaranteed to do the job is Fix Redirect Virus. 

>>>Click Here to Download Fix Redirect Virus.<<<

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Google Redirect Virus Removal for Free

May 21st, 2011  |  Published in Google Redirect

Product Information

Product: Fix Redirect Virus
Website: www.fixredirectvirus.org
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Price:  $29.99 (Click Here For This Special Price)
Return Policy: 60 Day Money Back Guarantee

 If you find your search results redirected to websites other than where you wanted to go, you may be a victim of a redirect virus.  This is sometimes called the google redirect virus.

Scammers use malicious code to hijack your computer’s browser and change how and what it displays when you’re surfing the internet.

You may be able to remove this yourself using some free software.

First step is to reboot your computer into Safe Mode.  To do this, restart it, and press the F8 key when it starts up.  Then choose the "Safe Mode with Networking" choice.

Next, log on with an account that has administrator privileges.  Open a web browser and download Malwarebytes.  The free version is good enough.

Install Malwarebytes.  When you are finished installing, check both boxes to download updates.  Start the program.

Use the scan option to run a full system scan.  When finished remove any infections or viruses that are present and shut down the program.

Go to the Trend Micro House Call website. Use the free online virus scanner.  Follow the directives and do a full system scan. Be advised this can take several hours.  Once done, remove any viruses that are there.,

Last step is to restart your computer in the normal manner. Open your Web browser and check  that you are no longer affected by the redirect virus. If you are, you can repeat these steps again. 

If you are still infected you may have to go to a stand alone tool designed specificially to remove this virus such as Fix Redirect Virus .

>>Click Here To Get Instant Access to FixRedirectVirus.org<<

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Google Redirect Virus Removal – Free Options

March 29th, 2011  |  Published in Google Redirect

If you find your search results redirected to websites other than what you intended, you may be a victim of browser hijack.

Scammers use malicious software to take control of your computer’s Internet browser and change how and what it displays when you’re surfing the web.

Symptoms your browser has been hijacked: Home page or other settings change on your computer. Links are added that point to websites that you’d usually avoid. You can’t navigate to certain web pages, such as antispyware and other security software sites. A seemingly endless barrage of ads pops up on your screen. New toolbars or Favorites are installed that give you icons and links to web pages that you don’t want.

If you are being redirected there is a good chance your browser is not only hijacked by a Trojan, but your computer is infected with a TDL3 or TDSS rootkit as well.

The bad news is this particular virus is tough to get rid of completely. The good news is you have some Google Redirect Virus removal options.

Free option number one – Reboot. I doubt very highly this will fix your search redirect problem, but it won’t hurt to try. Or, if your computer won’t start in normal mode, reboot your computer, press F8 during the boot process, use the arrow keys to highlight Last Known Good Configuration, and then press ENTER.

Free option number two – Run a scan using an anti-malware program, such as Malwarebytes, free or paid version. This is available at http://www.malwarebytes.org. This may work to remove the redirect virus. This may also find other virus lurking on your computer.

Free option number three — If for some reason that didn’t work, another Google Redirect Virus removal option is TDSSKiller by Kaspersky Labs.

If none of these options work for you, you may have to go to a stand alone tool designed especially for this problem.

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