How to remove “Security Center Code 0x268d3 Services” scam

Security Center Code 0x268d3 Services is a scam and has nothing to do with Microsoft or any other legitimate body

“Security Center Code 0x268d3 Services” is a fake pop-up message that might abruptly show up on your browser while browsing the web on Google Chrome, MS Edge, Mozilla Firefox, or any other web browser. Usually, this happens when a malicious link on another website is clicked, although persistent redirects might be a sign of adware^[1] infection.

Once the scam website is reached (note that there are many URLs that spread this scam), users are immediately presented with what looks like a warning from Microsoft, and visitors are told that their computers have been locked due to virus infections and illegal version of Windows operating system.

“Security Center Code 0x268d3 Services” attempts to imitate the official Microsoft website by using identical formatting, logos, and similar attributes resembling the tech giant. In reality, the whole scheme is entirely fabricated and its main goal is to make people call the fake tech support numbers in order to extort money for fake services.

If you have encountered this message and aren't sure what it means, you should check this article to find that out. We also explain how to deal with infections if such are present in the system – so follow the removal instructions below.

Don't be scared of full-screen mode or other used tricks

There could be myriad different URLs associated with the “Security Center Code 0x268d3 Services” scam page. The first hint that the message is not real is the web address which is shown right upon entry – it might use familiar words such as “Microsoft” or “Security,” but you should always keep in mind that the official page is Microsoft.com, and everything else is fabricated, regardless of how accurate it looks.

There could be a few different scam messages where the fake error code 0x268d3 is used. Here's one example:

VIRUS ALERT FROM MICROSOFT
This computer is BLOCKED | ERROR 268D3
Do not close this window and restart your computer
Your computer's registration key is Blocked.
Why we blocked your computer?
The window's registration key is illegal.
This window is using pirated software.
This window is sending virus over the Internet.
This window is hacked or used from undefined location.
We block this computer for your security.
Contact microsoft helpline to reactivate your computer.
Microsoft Security Tellfree: +1-855-913-7111
Enter Windows registration key to unblock.

Scammers use typical tropes which manifest as “Virus alert from Microsoft” or “Your computer has been blocked.” These messages are meant to scare visitors and make them believe that something is very wrong. In addition to this, scam pages often play an alarm sound (if the sound is turned on), access the browser's full-screen mode, or prevent the closure of certain pop-up windows.

How to deal with the scam message

Evidently, the main goal of crooks is to make people panic and call the fake tech support number. This is why they are using messages that create a sense of urgency (virus infections, locking of the PC, etc.) – they want people to call immediately. Even if users would realize the message is fake, they might struggle with handling it correctly.

If your browser has been set to a full-screen mode, you must press F11 on your keyboard (this works for any browser). This would immediately exit the full-screen mode and you will be able to close down the browser tab that's showing all the fake pop-up messages. If you are unable to close down the tab that accommodates the  “Security Center Code 0x268d3 Services” scam, you should call up the Task Manager and shut down the process of the browser.

It is worth noting that many users are concerned whether their systems are infected just by accessing the scam page. Luckily, this possibility is almost non-existent, and all the claims about infections and error codes are fake. The only way your system could get infected is if your machine would have vulnerable software installed, and the page hosting the scam would has a malicious script that would interact with that particular vulnerability. As long as you keep your software up-to-date and run powerful security software such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, you should be protected from such an attack.

If you have called scammers

In case you are here after you already communicated with crooks, there's something you can do about it. First of all, if you have transferred money via your bank, you will likely be able to revert the transactions – all you have to do is contact your bank and explain the situation. Unfortunately, if you have used gift cards and similar untraceable method (which is commonly used by malicious actors), it would be impossible to return your money.

If you have provided your personal information during the call or when visiting the website, you should expect further phishing^[2] attempts coming your way. For example, if you have provided your email, expect to receive fake emails that might look legitimate – never open attachments and allow macros to be run on your system – you could get infected.

Finally, if you have downloaded software from the site or allowed remote access to your machine, you should immediately uninstall it and check the system for infections as we explain below.

Access to scam sites stems from fake links or adware

While all the reported errors and virus infections by the Security Center Code 0x268d3 Services message are fake, you should not dismiss the possibility of an infection. Those who encounter scam sites regularly are more likely to be affected, although you can never be sure until proper checks are made. Thus, the best thing to do immediately after encountering the scam is to perform a full system scan with powerful anti-malware software, such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner.

Cleaning web browsers from cookies and other trackers is also extremely important to secure your privacy and reduce the probability of a dangerous session hijacking^[3] attack. You can do that more efficiently with FortectIntego repair and maintenance utility, which can also help you fix any virus damage automatically. Alternatively, follow the instructions below to get rid of adware and clean your browsers manually.