Botscan.store scam (fake) - Free Instructions

What is Botscan.store scam?

Botscan.store falsely claims virus infections were found on the system and asks to enable push notifications to deliver ads

Botscan.store deceives visitors using alarming fake alerts designed to instill fear. Many users arrive at the site either through adware on their devices or more likely, via infected links and automatic redirects from other sites. Those who end up on the website are often caught off guard by an unexpected 'system scan,' making the deception quite effective.

The fraudulent scheme displays false results of a system security scan, warning that multiple threats have been detected and suggesting that protective measures are outdated or missing. Visitors are then prompted to click on a link to purchase a full security service, based on these counterfeit findings.

Importantly, Botscan.store has no legitimate affiliation with any reputable security vendors it might claim to represent; its sole purpose is to profit from affiliate link clicks. There is also a risk that following links from the site could result in downloading malware instead of genuine security software.

Our recommendation is to avoid downloading anything prompted by Botscan.store. If you suspect your system may be compromised or if you have inadvertently downloaded suspicious software, follow the steps outlined below to protect your personal information and secure your computer.

How people fall for fake virus alerts

To make the scam effective, fraudsters need to convince users that purchasing the advertised security software is essential for staying safe online. Scammers create a sense of urgency and authenticity by simulating a security scan, capitalizing on the trust people typically place in renowned security brands.

Botscan.store engages users with an abrupt redirect that can catch them off guard, leading them to take the displayed information at face value. Upon visiting the site, users are presented with what appears to be a security scan, quickly producing this alarming message:

Scan results: 2024_TROJAN virus, password_SPY, AdSwitcher detected

• Trojan found on this PC will most likely copy and delete all data from hard drives.
• Spyware will attempt to collect logins, passwords, and banking details.
• Adware usually replaces search results with false and scammy websites.

It is highly recommended to use an antivirus immediately!

This message, however, is entirely fabricated. No website can determine the presence of malware on a system unless a security tool is already installed and operational.

The trend of websites mimicking legitimate security scans, like those from McAfee or Norton, has been increasing. Sites such as Botscan.store employ the same scare tactics and visuals, always concluding with the claim that multiple viruses have been detected on the user's device.

Check your system for adware and clean your browsers

To counteract the impact of stumbling upon the deceptive Botscan.store website, it's crucial to start with an adware scan. The most straightforward and effective way to clear your system of any adware is to perform a comprehensive system scan using reliable security software, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes, for example. This method allows users to quickly and effectively remove all harmful elements at once.

While it's feasible to manually delete unwanted programs, opting for an automatic removal process is both easier and faster. Manual removal risks the deletion of necessary programs, which could inadvertently damage your system.

After ensuring your device is free of malware and adware, it's important to thoroughly cleanse your browser of cookies and other tracking mechanisms. You can use a specialized tool FortectIntego for this purpose or follow the provided steps below to clean your browser manually:

Google Chrome

• Click on Menu and pick Settings.
• Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
• Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
• Click Clear data.

Mozilla Firefox

• Click Menu and pick Options.
• Go to Privacy & Security section.
• Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
• Click on Clear Data…
• Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content, and press Clear.

MS Edge (Chromium)

• Click on Menu and go to Settings.
• Select Privacy and services.
• Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
• Under Time range, pick All time.
• Select Clear now.

Safari

• Click Safari > Clear History…
• From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
• Confirm with Clear History.

If you suspect that you've disclosed your personal information, be aware that your contact details might have been passed to individuals with harmful intentions. This could raise the likelihood of you receiving additional phishing emails or unsolicited phone calls going forward, so stay alert.

Don't forget to disable push notifications

When you visit Botscan.store, you may encounter a prompt asking you to activate push notifications. Should you agree to this, whether intentionally or by mistake, you will begin receiving notifications that can appear even when your browser is closed, popping up over any other applications you might be using.

These notifications are not only disruptive but also carry misleading claims about virus threats, promote quick-money scams, and include links to harmful websites. If you ever receive one of these notifications, it's crucial not to interact with them. Instead, you should go directly to your browser settings and remove Botscan.store from the list of sites permitted to send notifications.

Google Chrome

1. Open the Google Chrome browser and go to Menu > Settings.
2. Scroll down and click on Advanced.
3. Locate the Privacy and security section and pick Site Settings > Notifications.
4. Look at the Allow section and look for a suspicious URL.
5. Click the three vertical dots next to it and pick Block. This should remove unwanted notifications from Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Mozilla Firefox and go to Menu > Options.
2. Click on Privacy & Security section.
3. Under Permissions, you should be able to see Notifications. Click the Settings button next to it.
4. In the Settings – Notification Permissions window, click on the drop-down menu by the URL in question.
5. Select Block and then click on Save Changes. This should remove unwanted notifications from Mozilla Firefox.

Safari

1. Click on Safari > Preferences…
2. Go to the Websites tab and, under General, select Notifications.
3. Select the web address in question, click the drop-down menu and select Deny.

MS Edge (Chromium)

1. Open Microsoft Edge, and go to Settings.
2. Select Site permissions.
3. Go to Notifications on the right.
4. Under Allow, you will find the unwanted entry.
5. Click on More actions and select Block.