A security warning with the title “Windows Defender Security Center – Error Code…” as shown in the screenshot image below is a fake message that purported to be from the Windows operating system. Hence, it is clear that this bogus page is originating from an unknown website. This particular pop-up alert further deceives users by displaying bogus scan results showing a number of identified threats.
To further mislead the web users, the pop-up scam may appear authentic due to the error code that is presented in the warning, which is what most legitimate Windows pop-ups have. Here is the sample message that shows up on our screen:
Windows Defender Security Center
Error_code: GUI45WGV0001
This system has been infected by malware, which was introduced through visiting websites, downloading suspicious files or clicking on malicious links. This type of malware can compromise system security, steal personal information, and potentially spread to other connected devices.
Other misleading pop-up contents
Aside from the main pop-up window, it occasionally shows a web page containing other misleading information, such as the following:
Access to this computer has been blocked due to security reasons. Do not shut down or restart this computer. Ignoring this critical warning may result in loss of data.
Another one is:
Microsoft
Someone is trying to steal your banking details, credit card details, and other logins.
Your data is at high risk.
For safety, hard drive delete will start soon.
Why should you not contact the Toll-Free number?
Unlike some fake online system scanners that have the main objective of selling counterfeit programs, this Windows Defender Security Center pop-up scam was published to persuade victims into calling provided toll-free numbers. In this type of fraudulent scheme, attackers intend to generate revenue via customer support service that charges users per minute or for every supposed successful remote fix of a troubled computer. The pop-up instructs the web users to contact the purported Windows support Toll Free: +1 (833) 7346732.
Keep in mind that online security notices like this fake Windows Defender Security Center were designed to show misleading messages as a primary tactic to influence users. Generally, threats identified by this scam alert are nonexistent, and in fact, they may appear even on a brand new or clean Windows system. Actually, closing the browser window may stop the pop-up. But sometimes, this stubborn alert can only be terminated via the MS Windows Task Manager function.
Can you close the pop-up window?
Definitely yes. The Windows Defender Security Center scam pop-up window seems to be stubborn and cannot be closed by tapping the “Esc” (escape) keyboard button. The trick to get rid of this kind of pop-up can be done in two ways:
- Simply press and hold the “ESC” key until the window minimizes. Then, you can now close it by clicking on the “X” button of the browser window.
- Right-click on the Windows taskbar and select Task Manager from the list. Under the Processes tab, select the affected internet browser, and then click the End Task button.
Is my computer infected?
The whole blunder is caused by the webpage that you have visited or are currently viewing. It acts aggressively and disguises itself as a Windows Defender Security Center to trick the web users. Usually, this scheme does not cause malware infection unless the web user clicks or downloads something from the page.
If you are unsure of the security status of the computer after encountering this pop-up scam, we recommend scanning the computer with an efficient antivirus application like Combo Cleaner.
About the Scanner: Combo Cleaner is a trusted computer security and optimization tool equipped with a powerful virus and malware detection engine. This program can guard the device against pop-ups, redirects, and similar threats, whether it is PC, Mac, Android, or iOS. It is available on the Google Play Store and App Store.
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