“Your Windows Subscription Has Expired” is a scam that spreads through malicious ads, phishing emails, and compromised websites. It ingeniously manipulates users by displaying fake security alerts and subscription expiration notices, exploiting fears of virus threats and identity theft.
The scam’s key actions include redirecting to bogus pages and offering fraudulent discounts on security subscriptions. Its widespread methods and convincing mimicry of legitimate alerts make it a significant threat to online safety, emphasizing the need for cautious web navigation.
“Your Windows Subscription Has Expired” Scam Overview
“Your Windows Subscription Has Expired” scam using a deceptive page that displays fake messages with scare tactics to manipulate visitors into taking specific actions. The page also asks for permission to show notifications. Users should ignore these sites and close them immediately. Also, users may stumble upon scam sites through malicious ads, by accidentally visiting compromised websites, or via phishing emails that lead them to deceitful websites. Some scams manipulate search engine optimization, redirecting users searching for specific terms to malicious sites.
Screen of malicious scam notification
| Name | “Your Windows Subscription Has Expired” scam |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Related Domain | protectionreal[.]space |
| Symptoms | Fake error messages, fake system warnings, pop-up errors, hoax computer scan. |
| Distribution methods | Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications. |
| Similar Behavior | “Your computer is disabled. Please call Microsoft”, “Error Code: 0x80073b01”,“Your Windows 10 is infected with viruses” |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, possible malware infections. |
| Fix Tool | In order to get rid of any potential malware infections, it is recommended that you use a trustworthy antivirus software. |
How does “Your Windows Subscription Has Expired” Scam works?
The scam page falsely claims that the user’s Windows subscription has expired, making the system vulnerable to viruses, malicious software, and identity theft. It uses scare tactics, claiming the system is unprotected and at risk. The page offers a so-called 70% discount on a fake Windows Security subscription (version 20.9.139 for three devices) and provides a bogus serial number to trick users into renewing their subscription. The presence of a “Marketing Disclosure” tries to lend false legitimacy.
Fake McAfee page
Clicking the “Renew Subscription” button leads users to a fake McAfee page, where a sham system scan pretends to find multiple threats. This scam likely involves affiliates promoting legitimate software, like McAfee antivirus, to earn commissions. They usually exploit the urgency created by fake security threats to push users into buying a subscription through their affiliate links.
How serious is this?
This scam is particularly serious due to its multifaceted approach to deception. By employing scare tactics and faking legitimacy, it preys on users’ fears about system security and personal data safety. Through the use of manipulated search results, rogue advertising, and phishing methods broadens its reach, increasing the potential for victimization. Its ability to mimic reputable companies and fabricate urgency around subscription renewals or system threats compounds the risk. This could potentially lead to financial losses and compromised personal information. Vigilance and skepticism towards unsolicited messages and offers are essential defenses against such sophisticated scams.
Remove 'Your Windows Subscription Has Expired' scam with Gridinsoft Anti-Malware
We have also been using this software on our systems ever since, and it has always been successful in detecting viruses. It has blocked the most common Adware as shown from our tests with the software, and we assure you that it can remove 'Your Windows Subscription Has Expired' scam as well as other malware hiding on your computer.
To use Gridinsoft for remove malicious threats, follow the steps below:
1. Begin by downloading Gridinsoft Anti-Malware, accessible via the blue button below or directly from the official website gridinsoft.com.
2.Once the Gridinsoft setup file (setup-gridinsoft-fix.exe) is downloaded, execute it by clicking on the file.
3.Follow the installation setup wizard's instructions diligently.
4. Access the "Scan Tab" on the application's start screen and launch a comprehensive "Full Scan" to examine your entire computer. This inclusive scan encompasses the memory, startup items, the registry, services, drivers, and all files, ensuring that it detects malware hidden in all possible locations.
Be patient, as the scan duration depends on the number of files and your computer's hardware capabilities. Use this time to relax or attend to other tasks.
5. Upon completion, Anti-Malware will present a detailed report containing all the detected malicious items and threats on your PC.
6. Select all the identified items from the report and confidently click the "Clean Now" button. This action will safely remove the malicious files from your computer, transferring them to the secure quarantine zone of the anti-malware program to prevent any further harmful actions.
8. If prompted, restart your computer to finalize the full system scan procedure. This step is crucial to ensure thorough removal of any remaining threats. After the restart, Gridinsoft Anti-Malware will open and display a message confirming the completion of the scan.
Remember Gridinsoft offers a 6-day free trial. This means you can take advantage of the trial period at no cost to experience the full benefits of the software and prevent any future malware infections on your system. Embrace this opportunity to fortify your computer's security without any financial commitment.
Trojan Killer for "'Your Windows Subscription Has Expired' scam" removal on locked PC
In situations where it becomes impossible to download antivirus applications directly onto the infected computer due to malware blocking access to websites, an alternative solution is to utilize the Trojan Killer application.
There is a really little number of security tools that are able to be set up on the USB drives, and antiviruses that can do so in most cases require to obtain quite an expensive license. For this instance, I can recommend you to use another solution of GridinSoft - Trojan Killer Portable. It has a 14-days cost-free trial mode that offers the entire features of the paid version. This term will definitely be 100% enough to wipe malware out.
Trojan Killer is a valuable tool in your cybersecurity arsenal, helping you to effectively remove malware from infected computers. Now, we will walk you through the process of using Trojan Killer from a USB flash drive to scan and remove malware on an infected PC. Remember, always obtain permission to scan and remove malware from a computer that you do not own.
Step 1: Download & Install Trojan Killer on a Clean Computer:
1. Go to the official GridinSoft website (gridinsoft.com) and download Trojan Killer to a computer that is not infected.
2. Insert a USB flash drive into this computer.
3. Install Trojan Killer to the "removable drive" following the on-screen instructions.
4. Once the installation is complete, launch Trojan Killer.
Step 2: Update Signature Databases:
5. After launching Trojan Killer, ensure that your computer is connected to the Internet.
6. Click "Update" icon to download the latest signature databases, which will ensure the tool can detect the most recent threats.
Step 3: Scan the Infected PC:
7. Safely eject the USB flash drive from the clean computer.
8. Boot the infected computer to the Safe Mode.
9. Insert the USB flash drive.
10. Run tk.exe
11. Once the program is open, click on "Full Scan" to begin the malware scanning process.
Step 4: Remove Found Threats:
12. After the scan is complete, Trojan Killer will display a list of detected threats.
13. Click on "Cure PC!" to remove the identified malware from the infected PC.
14. Follow any additional on-screen prompts to complete the removal process.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer:
15. Once the threats are removed, click on "Restart PC" to reboot your computer.
16. Remove the USB flash drive from the infected computer.
Congratulations on effectively removing 'Your Windows Subscription Has Expired' scam and the concealed threats from your computer! You can now have peace of mind, knowing that they won't resurface again. Thanks to Gridinsoft's capabilities and commitment to cybersecurity, your system is now protected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Reformatting your storage device should only be considered as a last resort for removing “Your Windows Subscription Has Expired” scam malware. Prior to taking such drastic action, it is advisable to perform a comprehensive scan using trustworthy antivirus or anti-malware software.
Malware poses a significant risk to the security and privacy of sensitive information, potentially leading to identity theft, financial loss, and unauthorized access to personal accounts. Furthermore, it can disrupt the normal operation of a system, causing performance issues, system crashes, and data corruption.
The purpose of “Your Windows Subscription Has Expired” scam is to enable remote access and control of compromised devices. It allows threat actors to perform various malicious activities, such as unauthorized access, data theft, system manipulation, and disabling security measures, potentially causing significant harm to individuals and organizations.
Gridinsoft Anti-Malware has the ability to identify and eliminate most malware infections. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that sophisticated malware can remain hidden deep within the system. Consequently, conducting a complete system scan is imperative to detect and eradicate malware.
