'YOUR APPLE COMPUTER HAS BEEN LOCKED' Pop-Up Scam

The fake pop-up error message "YOUR APPLE COMPUTER HAS BEEN LOCKED" falsely claims that a system infection has occurred and personal data has been stolen. The message is displayed by a malicious website that users often visit inadvertently, after being redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that infiltrate systems without permission.

Research indicates that PUPs not only cause unwanted redirects, but also deliver intrusive online advertisements and constantly monitor Internet browsing activity. The message "YOUR APPLE COMPUTER HAS BEEN LOCKED" is unique as it only targets the Mac OS. It instructs victims to immediately remove the virus by calling a telephone number provided by certified technicians ("1-877-271-8604").

However, this message is a scam, and the virus does not exist. The pop-up is designed solely to deceive victims into calling fake technical support and paying for unnecessary services. Therefore, it is important to ignore this pop-up and never attempt to contact the individuals behind it.

It is crucial to note that potentially unwanted programs distribute pop-up ads, coupon banners, and other similar ads using a 'virtual layer', which is a tool that enables the placement of third-party graphical content on any site. These ads often hide underlying content on visited websites, which significantly diminishes the user's browsing experience. Additionally, some of these ads lead to malicious websites, and even accidental clicks can result in high-risk computer infections.

Moreover, potentially unwanted programs collect data on Internet browsing activity, including IP addresses, search queries, and URLs visited, that may contain personal information. This data is shared with third parties, including cybercriminals, who misuse personal details to generate revenue.

What Are the Top Three Signs of an Online Scam?

The top three signs of an online scam are:

Unrealistic promises or offers: Scammers often make unrealistic promises, such as making a lot of money quickly or winning a prize for a competition that you didn't enter. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Requests for personal information: Scammers may ask for personal information, such as your name, address, phone number, or bank details. They may use this information to steal your identity or money. Be cautious about giving out personal information online, especially to people or websites that you don't know or trust.

Urgency or pressure tactics: Scammers may use urgency or pressure tactics to try and get you to act quickly, such as telling you that you need to act now to avoid missing out on an opportunity. They may also create a sense of fear or panic, such as threatening legal action or claiming that your computer is infected with a virus. Always take your time to verify the legitimacy of an offer or request before taking any action.