Hello. I think I have virus on my computer. Lately, I got Windows notifications all the time since I clicked on a link from Hallmark which told there was an ecard for me. At the beginning, it said Hallmark eCard that has expired. After that, my computer has been suffered from a flood of ads and alerts about Critical System Failure every time I login my account. It told me that I could get help from tech support by providing a number. And it’s (855) 518-8366. I did call, they told that they would fix my computer with a fee, but I can’t afford. I mean I would like to pay, but it was too much for me. Is there any cheaper way to fix my problems? Would you please help me? I know little about computer. Thank you in advance.
Hallmark eCard Tech Support scam virus belongs to the tech support scam Trojan family. Usually, it is bought by the third party programs. Once it is installed, it starts performing various activities without your knowledge to help its owner generate revenue. Do not trust it and allow it to stay on your computer. It makes up fake Windows notifications to scare unexpected users into calling fake tech support for help. In fact, the alerts it shows you do not exist. There is no need to worry about the fake serious problems. To avoid being scammed, it is necessary to note that no Windows notification will ask you to call a number for tech support. Do not call the number or buy software of the suspicious tech support. The most important thing you need to do right now is to remove Hallmark eCard Tech Support scam virus completely. Do not give it any chance to ruin your computer any further.
Many computer users wonder why their computers get infected with viruses so easily while they only use the computer to browse, play game and check email. We have to tell you that virus can hide anywhere on the Internet. When you visit porn websites or other malicious websites, virus can attack your computer secretly. The cyber criminals convert pictures and other programs with virus into hyperlinks on the targeted websites. Once you click on them, virus will be downloaded. You may download game software and other software to relax yourself. We don’t suggest you download free software from unknown stores or websites. It is because the hackers would like to bundle virus with unknown free software. When you install the malicious program, it does not disclose that adware or bad plug-in will be installed along. In this case, virus is installed by you. Hallmark eCard Tech Support scam virus can be spread via spam. Not all the official-like emails are legit. The cyber criminals dispatch phony thousands of emails to trick users download virus every day. You must be very carefully.
If your computer is infected with Hallmark eCard fake Tech Support virus, you will see notification like this, “Your Hallmark eCard is expired.” Malicious plug-in and adware are installed to support its task. Your browser will be compromised. Unknown extensions and toolbars appear on the browser to slow down computer performance. New tabs are opened without your permission. Also, you are redirected to unknown websites frequently. Your screen will be filled with fake ads about Hallmark eCard and other useless information. To make you believe that something bad and serious have happened to your computer, it displays fake alerts saying about critical system errors occur. It asks you to call a toll free number for tech support. It lists different numbers on different devices. Some of the tech support companies are fake. They do not have the ability to remove virus. They only want money under the cover of fake tech support company. Some of the tech support companies are innocent. They do not make virus or attack computer. In order to confuse you, they list legit companies’ phone numbers on the alerts. It is very important for you to figure which one is legit. Once you call the tech support, they will persuade you to download useless software with a fee. After they receive the money, they may simply withdraw the fake alerts they released. In fact, we don’t know whether it will bring more malware to help its developer access your computer remotely. Your data will be at considerable risk. The cyber criminals can make more money with your precious data.
You may see notification like this:
Critical System Failure
Compromised Windows Security
Technical Support: Call Toll Free (855) 518-8366
Computer ID:
Response Code:
1. Clean Add-ons and Extensions
* Internet Explorer:
(1). Click Tools in the Menu bar and then click Internet Options
(2). Click Programs tab, click Manage add-ons and disable the suspicious add-ons
* Firefox:
(1). Click Tools in the Menu bar and then click Add-ons
(2). Click Extensions, select the related browser add-ons and click Disable
* Google Chrome:
(1). Click Customize and control Google Chrome button → Tools → Extensions
(2). Disable the extensions of Redirect Vrius
2. End Relevant Processes
(1). Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc together to pop up Windows Task Manager, click Processes tab
*For Win 8 Users:
Click More details when you see the Task Manager box
And then click Details tab
(2). Find out and end Hallmark eCard Tech Support scam virus’s processes
3. Show Hidden Files
(1). Click on Start button and then on Control Panel
(2). Click on Appearance and Personalization
(3). Click on Folder Options
(4). Click on the View tab in the Folder Options window
(5). Choose Show hidden files, folders, and drives under the Hidden files and folders category
(6). Click OK at the bottom of the Folder Options window
*For Win 8 Users:
Press Win+E together to open Computer window, click View and then click Options
Click View tab in the Folder Options window, choose Show hidden files, folders, and drives under the Hidden files and folders category
4. Delete Relevant Registry Entries and Files
(1). Delete the registry entries related to the Hallmark eCard Tech Support scam virus through Registry Editor
Press Win+R to bring up the Run window, type “regedit” and click “OK”
While the Registry Editor is open, search and delete its registry entries
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\[RANDOM CHARACTERS].exe
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run ‘Random’
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Random
(2). Find out and remove the associated files
%AllUsersProfile%\random.exe
%AppData%\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Templates\random.exe
%Temp%\random.exe
As we talked above, Hallmark eCard Tech Support scam virus is harmful to your system. It is able to change settings and important files on your computer without your approval and knowledge. Browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Edge are hijacked by fake alerts. They make it very difficult to close the page. Users always get stuck while using the Internet. You must get rid of Hallmark eCard Tech Support scam virus before it can steal your personal information. The important thing you need to keep in mind is your computer is fine apart from this scam virus. Do not pay to install the suspicious virus removal tool. It may damage your computer further. Locate related files and remove them manually to protect your computer.
Published by & last updated on November 5, 2016 6:06 am
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