Wisstux.info e-mail scam: how to spot it and what to do
Wisstux.info is a deceptive website presenting false security alerts to its visitors. The intention behind these messages is to prompt a sense of urgency, leading users to follow a link to a payment page where they may be misled into purchasing services or software.
Facts checked October 7, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Wisstux.info e-mail scam: summary
| Name | Wisstux.info |
|---|---|
| Type | Scam, ads, redirect, rogue website |
| Infiltration | Compromised websites, pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications |
| Dangers | Installation of other potentially unwanted software or malware, personal information disclosure to cybercriminals, financial losses due to scams, etc. |
| Symptoms | A phishing e-mail asking you to sign in |
| Evidence | One write-up by a security site; details still limited |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 6 more facts
| Arrives as | |
|---|---|
| Pretends to be | A well-known company |
| Claim | Your account needs urgent attention |
| Asks for | Your password |
| First seen | 7 November 2023 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
What the Wisstux.info e-mail scam e-mail looks like
Your antivirus subscription has expired! Y
our subscription to Online Total Protection has expired on .
After the expiration date, your computer becomes vulnerable to viruses, malicious software, and identity theft.
Protect your computer and your family from ever-evolving threats.
You are eligible for a discount -> 70% OFF.
How to tell the Wisstux.info e-mail scam e-mail is fake
From our report of Nov 2023 · not reviewed since
- The website incorrectly informs users that their McAfee antivirus software has expired and their computer is at risk of virus infection.
- It then offers a fraudulent discount on McAfee products to resolve this nonexistent issue.
- The notifications displayed by Wisstux.info are entirely fictitious and are in no way associated with the actual McAfee brand.
- Scammers report that their alleged security software - McAfee - has expired and that their systems are in danger.
- They immediately recommend downloading software from the affiliated link
- Upon successful removal of adware and other potentially unwanted programs, it is recommended to clear your browser of cookies and other tracking elements.
- The tool can be instrumental in facilitating this cleansing process
- By fraudulently claiming an association with McAfee, a known and trusted brand, the scam gains credibility.
Is Wisstux.info e-mail scam dangerous? What the senders want
From our report of Nov 2023 · not reviewed since
Wisstux.info scam claims antivirus has expired to trick them into downloading and paying for software
Wisstux.info is a deceptive website presenting false security alerts to its visitors.
The intention behind these messages is to prompt a sense of urgency, leading users to follow a link to a payment page where they may be misled into purchasing services or software.
Users should be aware that the Wisstux.info website's claims are unfounded, and any redirection to this site may indicate the presence of adware or other potentially unwanted programs on their system.
It is advisable for users to perform a thorough scan of their system using legitimate antivirus software to detect and remove any such infections. This step is crucial to safeguard against possible threats and ensure the integrity of their system's security.
From our report of Nov 2023 · not reviewed since
Online fraud is relatively prevalent
Online fraud is a significant source of illicit earnings for criminals.
The internet's anonymity allows for deceptive practices, including fraudulent advertising. While online advertising can be profitable, some individuals choose to employ phishing content as it can be particularly effective.
There is a range of online scams, with technical support scams and fake virus alerts being especially common. These scams typically allege that a user's system is infected or at risk, prompting the purchase of security software. This method exploits the trust of users, especially those who may not be well-informed about such deceptive tactics.
Instances like Wisstux.info are not isolated; they represent a broader trend of fraudulent online activity. This typical scam model relies on creating a false sense of urgency to manipulate users into buying products or services they do not need.
It is a deliberate attempt to take advantage of users' fears regarding system security and data integrity. Therefore, education about online scams is critical for internet users to protect themselves from these fraudulent schemes.
From our report of Nov 2023 · not reviewed since
The scheme explained
The creators of Wisstux.info employ several psychological tactics to manipulate visitors into believing that their computer's security is compromised.
The strategy is designed to create a sense of urgency and fear, pushing the user to take immediate action to 'resolve' the issue. This is a classic example of a social engineering attack, where the perpetrator uses psychological manipulation to trick people into making security mistakes or giving away sensitive information.
Upon visiting Wisstux.info, users are confronted with the following alarming message:
The message is designed to alarm the user by suggesting that their protection is no longer active, making their system vulnerable to a host of cyber threats, including viruses, malware, and identity theft. The use of a specific expiration date adds to the legitimacy of the claim, while the offer of a significant discount creates a compelling call to action.
Here's how the manipulation tactics work:
The red flags indicating that this message is part of a scam include:
By recognizing these tactics and red flags, users can better protect themselves from becoming victims of online scams like Wisstux.info. It is essential for users to remain skeptical of any unsolicited claims made through pop-ups or websites and to verify any such information through official channels.
- Sense of urgency. The message implies that the computer is currently unprotected, making immediate action seem necessary.
- Fear of loss. By mentioning threats like malware and identity theft, the scam plays on the fear of potential financial and personal data loss.
- Appeal to authority.
- Financial incentive. The promise of a substantial discount serves as an additional enticement, making the scam appear as a beneficial opportunity rather than a risk.
- Unexpected alerts. Legitimate antivirus software alerts typically occur within the application itself, not via web pages.
- Pressure tactics. Genuine security providers do not pressurize customers with urgent pop-ups claiming immediate danger.
- Unsolicited discounts. Authentic software companies do not randomly offer substantial discounts through pop-up alerts.
- Request for immediate Action. Any legitimate technical support would guide you through a diagnostic process, not rush you to make a purchase.
- Grammatical and spelling errors. While not mentioned in the message, such errors are common in scam messages and are a critical indicator of fraud.
From our report of Nov 2023 · not reviewed since
Checking the device for infections after encountering a scam site
Users most often come across scam websites like Wisstux.info when accessing high-risk websites, such as illegal streaming platforms or torrent sites.
These types of websites are notorious for embedding deceptive "Download" buttons and potentially harmful scripts. Such elements can redirect users to scam sites without their consent.
Moreover, if your browser consistently redirects you to websites filled with ads or to sites that seem suspicious, it may be time to examine your device for potential infections. Adware is a type of unwanted software that specializes in delivering a continuous stream of deals, offers, pop-ups, redirects, and other intrusive advertisements. It also typically collects user data without consent.
To eliminate redirects to Wisstux.info, you should identify and remove any adware present on your system. Conducting a system scan with robust anti-malware applications like or is an efficient way to address this. These tools are designed to detect and remove malware from an infected system promptly.
While using reliable security software usually makes manual removal steps unnecessary, it is still beneficial to clear your web browsers of any remaining data that may compromise your privacy. For those looking for an automatic fix that can also correct system inconsistencies and repair damage caused by infections, can be a valuable solution. This type of utility is tailored to optimize your device's performance while ensuring your system is secure.
What to do after the Wisstux.info e-mail
If you only received the message and clicked nothing, step 3 is all you need.
If you clicked the link or typed anything on the page it opened, do every step, starting with the password.
Step 1: Change the password you typed on the fake page
If you entered a password after clicking the link in the Wisstux.info message, treat that account as known to the sender.
Open the provider's real site by typing its address yourself, not through any link in the e-mail, and change the password there. Choose a new one you have never used before, and change it on every other account that shared the old one.
Then use the option to sign out of all other sessions or devices, if the provider has one. This works the same in any browser on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Microsoft account, Security page (account.microsoft.com/security): Change password. Full procedure with screenshots: Turn on two-step verification / secure a hacked account
Step 2: Turn on two-step verification
Two-step verification asks for a code from your phone or an authenticator app whenever someone signs in from a new device. A stolen password alone is then not enough to open the mailbox.
Turn it on in the security settings of the e-mail account first, then for the bank, shop and social accounts that send their reset links to that address.
While you are there, check the recovery e-mail and phone number and the forwarding rules, which attackers sometimes change to keep access. The settings pages look the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Microsoft account: Manage how I sign in, where two-step verification and the sign-in methods are. Full procedure with screenshots: Turn on two-step verification / secure a hacked account
Step 3: Report the e-mail and delete it
Report the message instead of only deleting it. In Outlook choose Report > Report phishing, in Gmail the three-dot menu > Report phishing; the provider then blocks the same message for other people.
Do not reply and do not click anything else in it. On a work account, forward it to your IT team as an attachment first. Web mail and the mail apps on Windows 11 and Windows 10 offer the same options.
New Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web: Report > Report phishing. Full procedure with screenshots: Report a phishing e-mail
Step 4: Scan the PC if you opened a file from the message
A page that only asked for a password installs nothing, so most readers can skip this step.
If the Wisstux.info e-mail or the page it opened made you download or open a file, delete it and run a full scan, then a Microsoft Defender Offline scan.
In Windows 11 and Windows 10 open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now. The PC restarts and the scan takes about 15 minutes, so save your work first.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Uninstall from Windows
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.
Remove from Google Chrome
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from 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.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click Remove.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data...
- Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Delete from Safari
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.
Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.
Delete from macOS
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).
Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.
- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Protect your privacy - employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private - you can access an incognito tab.
However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise.
Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers - human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence.
In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market - it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
Questions about Wisstux.info e-mail scam
Can reading "Your antivirus subscription has expired!" infect my computer?
Reading it cannot. An e-mail is text and pictures, and current versions of Outlook, Gmail and other web mail services do not run code from a message just because you opened it. What can cause harm is an action:
- signing in on the page the link opens
- opening an attachment
- enabling macros in a document
The message "Your antivirus subscription has expired!" was built to lead you to one of those steps. If you stopped at reading, delete it and use the report button so the provider can block the same wave for others. Nothing needs to be removed from Windows.
I typed my password after "Your antivirus subscription has expired!". What now?
Act within the hour. From another device, open the real site of the account the message "Your antivirus subscription has expired!" imitated and change the password. If the same password is used anywhere else, change it there too.
Sign out of all other sessions, check the recovery e-mail and phone number, and look for mail forwarding rules or filters you did not create. Then turn on two-step verification with an authenticator app or a passkey.
If the fake page also asked for a card number or a bank login, call your bank and ask them to block the card. Finally, report the e-mail so others are warned.
Is Wisstux.info really from a well-known company?
No. It is sent by scammers who copy the name and look of a well-known company. The sender address and the links do not belong to it, and the message asks for your password, which a real company does not request through an unexpected message.
If you want to be sure about your account, open the website or app of a well-known company the way you normally do, not through the message, and look for notices there. Then delete the message and report it as phishing. If you already followed its instructions, use the steps in this guide for your case.
Is it true that your account needs urgent attention?
No. The claim that your account needs urgent attention is the hook of Wisstux.info, invented to give you a reason to act quickly. Scammers pick a story that could plausibly apply to many people, so it may feel relevant to you, but nothing in the message is based on your real accounts or devices.
If the claim concerns a service you use, check it there directly, by opening the website or app yourself. You will find no such problem. Then delete the message and report it as phishing.
What happens if I do what Wisstux.info asks?
The scammers get your password, and they use it quickly. Passwords are tried on the real service within minutes, cards are charged or added to phone wallets, remote access is used to open your bank, and crypto is moved on at once.
Documents surface later as accounts in your name. If you already did what the message asked, do not wait to see what happens; follow the steps in this guide for your case today. Speed matters more than anything else here.
Will a well-known company refund me if I fell for Wisstux.info?
A well-known company did not send the message and is not responsible for it, so a refund usually comes from your bank or card issuer, not from the brand. Call the bank first if you paid.
It still helps to tell the real company: they can secure your account, add notes for their fraud team and take down pages that use their name. Contact them through their official website or app only, never through the message or a search ad. Keep the message as evidence.
How can I spot messages like Wisstux.info in future?
Check the sender's actual address, not only the name. Hover over links before clicking and compare the domain with the real one. Be suspicious of urgency, threats, prizes, unexpected invoices and requests for passwords, codes, card data or crypto.
Do not call phone numbers from unexpected messages; use the number on the official site or your card. When in doubt, go to the service directly through its app or a bookmark. Phishing protection and two-step verification limit the damage when a scam gets through.
How do I report Wisstux.info to my mail provider?
Use the built-in button. In Outlook, select the message and choose Report > Report phishing. In Gmail, open the message, click the three-dot menu and choose Report phishing.
Scam text messages can be forwarded to your carrier's spam number, which is 7726 in the US and the UK.
On social networks, use the report option on the message or the profile. Reporting trains the filters that protect you and other users, and it takes a few seconds. Then delete the message.
How quickly do scammers use a phished password?
Often within minutes. Phishing kits send each password to the operators as soon as it is typed, and many test it automatically on the real service. Some kits also pass the two-step code through in real time.
That is why the first hour matters: change the password, end all sessions and check that the recovery details are still yours. If nothing has changed by then, you were probably fast enough, but keep watching for login alerts and password-reset e-mails for a few weeks.
Will Fortect remove Wisstux.info?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Wisstux.info, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- FTC: How to recognize and avoid phishing scams (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: Recognize and report phishing (read October 7, 2026)
- Microsoft Support: Protect yourself from phishing (read October 7, 2026)
- NCSC: Phishing attacks, dealing with suspicious e-mails and messages (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)