Safe-secure-protect.com scam (fake) - Free Guide
Safe-secure-protect.com scam Removal Guide
What is Safe-secure-protect.com scam?
Safe-secure-protect.com promises protection from non-existent viruses only to scam users
Safe-secure-protect.com is a fake website designed to trick users into thinking that their systems are infected with dangerous malware. Right after the opening of the website, users face a fake alert that looks very much like a genuine McAfee security warning. This fake notification claims that the computer is infected by viruses and poisonous content, something that is obvious in order to panic them.
Let me set the record straight: This is an absolutely false alarm message that has nothing to do with any valid McAfee security products. In contrast, the scammers at Safe-secure-protect.com use this as one of their methods to tout their own software and make money through questionable ads and affiliate marketing schemes.
Also, it tries to hijack Safe-secure-protect.com users into clicking the allow button for push notifications. Allowing this will generally clutter up the device with more scam virus alerts that will further hinder a user from avoiding these fraudulent contents. Because of these incidents, one is discouraged from interacting with this website and encouraged to run an in-depth scan for potential adware. Being on high alert and very careful would help one to avoid these kinds of scams and thus keep the system safe.
| Name | Safe-secure-protect.com |
| Type | Scam, phishing, redirect, fake alert |
| Scam content | Claims that the antivirus software license has expired and that the computer is exposed to various malware |
| Distribution | Redirects from other malicious websites, adware |
| Risks | Those who have malicious software installed on their systems are more likely to encounter dangerous websites, resulting in financial losses, malware infections |
| Removal | Make sure you scan your system with SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner – especially if you downloaded and installed software from a scam site |
| Other tips | To make sure that third parties can no longer track your online activities, we suggest clearing browser caches and other leftover PUP files with FortectIntego |
Plenty of social engineering used by Safe-secure-protect.com
Several manipulation techniques could be identified in the scam operation performed via Safe-secure-protect.com. The most important method of manipulation involves fake pop-up warnings impersonating well-known brands, such as McAfee. These are created to make users panic by faking the situation that the computer is infected with viruses or malware; one needs to take immediate action. Here's a detailed look at the techniques.
- Fake security alerts
When users enter unsecured web pages, they immediately are shown annoying pop-up windows that are made to resemble real McAfee security alerts. These alerts notify the user of a possible compromisation of their computer and hint with urgent messages: “Your personal data is in danger!”, “Viruses detected!”, and so on. Most of them include a bunch of scariness, such as the user's IP address and geographical location, to make it look more plausible. Several of the variants display a fictional scan result showing dozens of “threats” that allegedly have been detected on the device. - Inducing panic and urgency
The scam relies on urgency. Users may be confronted with a countdown timer or a message stating that sensitive data, such as banking details, will be compromised if action is not taken immediately. This means that users are forced into action without actually being able to question the validity of the alert. - Redirecting to malicious or affiliate sites
Click any button on this phony alert-like “Run a Quick Scan” or “Start McAfee Total Protection”-and users get transferred to a third-party site where they will be offered to download rogue programs or buy superfluous goods or services. The best scenario would be that the scammers cash in on some affiliate commissions for driving referrals, while the worst would be tricking the user into downloading some real malware masquerading as some sort of antivirus tool. - Abusing push notifications
Most of the scammers ask users to enable browser push notifications. Once enabled, those notifications will keep popping up and nag a user even more with more phony alerts, saying that there is some security risk. That means they are keeping them further entangled with scam sites or installations of undesired programs. - Data harvesting
Identity Theft-the other variants are for data harvesting. Victims might be misled to give their email addresses, telephone numbers, or even financial information in the course of a supposed subscription or renewal for antivirus services or an expired McAfee license for subsequent phishing campaigns, identity theft, or fraud.
By combining these tactics above, namely, spoofed alerts, urgency, and trickery, the scammers have been able to devise an effective method to keep users fooled into downloading unwanted software or giving out sensitive information that may result in both financial loss and leakage of personal data.
Removing potential threats
An adware scan is the first step in the recovery process after encountering the Safe-secure-protect.com scam website. By running a comprehensive system check using reliable security software like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes, you can quickly and effectively eliminate all unwanted components, ensuring your system is free from harmful adware.
While manual removal of undesirable programs is an option, automated tools make the process faster and more efficient. Attempting manual removal can also carry the risk of accidentally deleting important files, which may worsen the issue. Once you're confident your device is free from malware and adware, it’s essential to clear your browsers of cookies, trackers, and other unwanted data. You have two ways to complete this task: either use trusted cleaning software like FortectIntego or follow the steps below to do it 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.
Turning off unwanted push notifications
Websites that present misleading information about users' computers often use various monetization strategies to maximize their profits. Upon visiting such sites, like Safe-secure-protect.com, visitors are prompted to allow push notifications. Alongside attempts to sell fake software, this notification prompt is another tactic to generate revenue.
While many users may ignore the notification request, some may unintentionally click the “Allow” button. This leads to constant pop-up ads on their desktop, displaying inappropriate or deceptive content, which may even include dangerous links. Responding to these pop-ups is highly discouraged, as interacting with them could compromise your device's security and expose sensitive information. Instead, follow the steps outlined below to block these intrusive notifications and enhance your online safety.
Getting rid of Safe-secure-protect.com scam. Follow these steps
Stop browser notifications
Remove unwanted notifications from Google Chrome (desktop):
- Open Google Chrome browser and go to Menu > Settings.
- Scroll down and click on Advanced.
- Locate Privacy and security section and pick Site Settings > Notifications.
- Look at the Allow section and look for a suspicious URL.
- Click the three vertical dots next to it and pick Block. This should remove unwanted notifications from Google Chrome.
Remove unwanted notifications from Google Chrome (Android):
- Open Google Chrome and tap on Settings (three vertical dots).
- Select Notifications.
- Scroll down to the Sites section.
- Locate the unwanted URL and toggle the button to the left (Off setting).
Remove unwanted notifications from Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox and go to Menu > Options.
- Click on Privacy & Security section.
- Under Permissions, you should be able to see Notifications. Click the Settings button next to it.
- In the Settings – Notification Permissions window, click on the drop-down menu by the URL in question.
- Select Block and then click on Save Changes. This should remove unwanted notifications from Mozilla Firefox.
Remove unwanted notifications from Safari:
- Click on Safari > Preferences…
- Go to the Websites tab and, under General, select Notifications.
- Select the web address in question, click the drop-down menu and select Deny.
Remove unwanted notifications from MS Edge:
- Open Microsoft Edge, and click the Settings and more button (three horizontal dots) at the top-right of the window.
- Select Settings and then go to Advanced.
- Under Website permissions, pick Manage permissions and select the URL in question.
- Toggle the switch to the left to turn notifications off on Microsoft Edge.
Remove unwanted notifications from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Microsoft Edge, and go to Settings.
- Select Site permissions.
- Go to Notifications on the right.
- Under Allow, you will find the unwanted entry.
- Click on More actions and select Block.
Remove unwanted notifications from Internet Explorer:
- Open Internet Explorer, and click on the Gear icon at the top-right of the window.
- Select Internet options and go to the Privacy tab.
- In the Pop-up Blocker section, click on Settings.
- Locate web address in question under Allowed sites and pick Remove.
How to prevent from getting adware
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
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