Error: Ox800VDS Pop-up Scam
While exploring suspicious websites, we encountered one hosting the "Error: Ox800VDS" technical support scam, which aims to deceive users into calling a fraudulent Microsoft helpline through scare tactics. This deceptive scheme falsely asserts that the visitor's device is infected with malware and has been locked.
It is important to stress that all information provided by "Error: Ox800VDS" is fabricated, and this scam is not affiliated with Windows or Microsoft. The "Error: Ox800VDS" scheme mimics the graphics and color scheme of the Windows operating system, presenting users with multiple pop-ups. Among these is a simulated interface of the Microsoft Defender Antivirus conducting a system scan.
Overlaying this pop-up is another alerting the user of an error labeled as "Ox800VDS". The user is informed that the scan has failed, multiple infected files have been detected but not removed, and they are urged to perform a manual scan and contact "Windows Support". The user is continuously pressured to call the fake helpline throughout the scam page.
A prominently displayed pop-up indicates that the operating system has been locked due to suspicious activity and prompts the user to sign in using their Microsoft ID and password, as well as contact "Microsoft Support". Should this page be a phishing website, any entered login credentials would be captured and sent to the scammers.
As reiterated in the introduction, all claims made by this scheme are false and it has no affiliation with any Microsoft products or services. The objective of "Error: Ox800VDS" is to deceive users into calling the fraudulent support line. The progression of the scam following the call may vary; nevertheless, this deceitful content poses numerous severe threats.
How Do Technical Scams Similar to Error: 0x800VDS Operate?
Tech support scams can occur entirely over the phone, with scammers posing as "expert technicians," "Windows support," or "Microsoft-certified technicians." During these calls, cybercriminals employ various tactics to deceive users into divulging sensitive information, downloading/installing fraudulent or malicious software, making monetary transactions, or performing other actions under the guise of harmless activities.
In many instances, support scammers request remote access to victims' devices, often using legitimate software such as AnyDesk, UltraViewer, or TeamViewer. Once access is granted, criminals may disable or remove genuine security tools, install fake antivirus software, or introduce malware like trojans, ransomware, or cryptominers onto the system.
Victims may also be manipulated into disclosing sensitive information or sending money to scammers. This could include login credentials for various accounts (e.g., online services, emails, social media), personally identifiable information (e.g., ID card details, passport scans), or financial data (e.g., banking account details, credit/debit card numbers).
In addition to obtaining information over the phone, scammers may acquire it through phishing websites/files or information-stealing malware.
Moreover, the "services" offered by tech support scammers (such as "malware/hacker removal" or "product installation") often come with inflated fees. Cybercriminals employ difficult-to-trace methods to acquire funds, reducing the risk of prosecution and money recovery. Victims may be asked to pay in digital currencies, prepaid vouchers, gift cards, or cash concealed in innocuous parcels.
