Remove “Apple Support Center – Attention” Pop-up (Support Scam)

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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If your web browser is constantly being redirected to sites that display an “Apple Support Center – Attention” notification, asking you to call a support number to fix it, then it is possible that you have an potentially unwanted application installed on your device.

These “Apple Support Center – Attention” alerts are nothing more a scam. Apple does not send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information or fix your computer. Treat all unsolicited phone calls or pop-ups with skepticism. Do not provide any personal information.

Apple Support Center - Attention Scam Virus

The bogus “Apple Support Center – Attention” alert is shown in such a way as to trick the user into thinking their computer has crashed or that a virus has been detected on the computer. It does this to try and scare the infected user into calling one of the listed numbers in order to receive support. In reality, though, they will only be greeted with people who are trying to sell them unneeded support contracts and services.

The “Apple Support Center – Attention” pop-up will have this message:

For Support Call (Toll Free)
Communities Contact Support
Apple Support Center-Attention!!!
Apple Warning Alert !! Apple cloud scan has detected critical vulnerabilities in your device. And only Apple-certified repairs that are backed by Apple can resolve the issue. Start your repair request now by calling
Critical Warning Alert !! Apple Device Infected
Error Code: 268D3 System ID:
Status: Call for immediate support
Malicious Pornographic Spyware/Riskware/Ransomware Detected
Do not ignore this critical alert.
If you close this page, your computer access will be disabled to prevent further damage to our network.
Call +
Where to get a repair
Whichever option you choose, you’ll get your product back working exactly the way it should.

Call Apple Repair Center
Start online or give us a call and we’ll arrange shipment for your product to an Apple Repair Center — all on your schedule and without an appointment. This service is available for most Apple products.

Call and then Visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider
We created our network of Apple Authorized Service Providers to give you a great selection of nearby locations for Apple-certified repairs. All repairs are done by technicians we train so that you’ll receive the same quality of service you get from Apple.

Call with a Genius at an Apple Store
You can do more than shop and learn in an Apple Retail Store. Make a reservation with a Genius to get help with a hardware repair. Our team will take great care of your product and make sure you get the help you need.
Get a repair
Tell us a little about what’s going on and we’ll help you get the repair you need.
Start a repair request

The scammer will typically attempt to get the victim to allow remote access to their computer. After remote access is gained, the scammer relies on confidence tricks typically involving utilities built into Windows and other software in order to gain the victim’s trust to pay for the supposed “support” services, when the scammer actually steals the victim’s credit card account information.

You should not purchase anything from numbers listed in these “Apple Support Center – Attention” alerts. Whatever you do, please do not call the phone number for support because it is not Apple’s but rather a group of scammers waiting to rob you of hundreds of dollars under false pretenses.

How to remove Apple Support Center – Attention Adware from Apple Mac OS (Guide)

This malware removal guide may appear overwhelming due to the amount of the steps and numerous programs that are being used. We have only written it this way to provide clear, detailed, and easy to understand instructions that anyone can use to remove malware for free.
Please perform all the steps in the correct order. If you have any questions or doubt at any point, STOP and ask for our assistance.
To remove “Apple Support Center – Attention” Fake Alerts, follow these steps:

This step is needed if the malicious “Apple Support Center – Attention” pop-ups will not allow you to close your browser.

  1. Press Command + Option + Escape simultaneously. This will open the open the Force Quit Applications window.
    [Image: Press Command + Option + Escape to start Force Quit menu]
  2. Select Safari, Chrome, Firefox or any other browser in which your are seeing the Tech Support Scam – Call for Support ransomware notification.
    [Image: Select Firefox, Chrome or Safari from Force Quit menu]
  3. Click the button that says “Force Quit“. This will forcefully end your browser program, thus removing the Tech Support Scam – Call for Support browser hijacker.
    [Image: Click on the Force Quit button to remove Eu-security-dangerous-alert-01.in virus]
    If you cannot switch from the unresponsive app, press Command + Option + Shift + Esc for three seconds to force it to quit. This key combination tells macOS to force quit the frontmost app.Alternatively, if you are using Safari or any other browser, you can disconnect your Internet, then open the web browser, navigate from the malicious web page, then reconnect to the Internet.

STEP 1: Uninstall the malicious apps from macOS

In this first step, we will try to identify and remove any malicious apps that might be installed on your device. The bellow video will explain how to remove unwanted apps from your macOS.

Known malicious apps: MacSaver, MacVX (and variants like MacVaX), MacCaptain, MacPriceCut, SaveOnMac, Mac Global Deals or MacDeals, MacSter, MacXcoupon, Shop Brain (or variants like SShoP Braaiin), PalMall, MacShop, MacSmart, News Ticker Remover, Shopper Helper Pro, Photo Zoom, Best YouTube Downloader, ArcadeYum, Extended protection, Video download helper, FlashFree or GoldenBoy.

The malicious app may have a different name on your device. If you cannot find any unwanted apps on your device, then you can proceed with the next step.

STEP 2: Remove the unwanted extensions from your Web Browser

Safari

  1. From the Safari menu, select “Preferences“.
    Safari macOS Preferences
    In the Safari Preferences window, click the “Extensions” tab. Find any unknown plugin, then click on the “Uninstall” button.

    This infection can add more than one extension, it is recommended that you remove all unknown extensions from Safari.

    Known malicious extensions: MacSaver, MacVX (and variants like MacVaX), MacCaptain, MacPriceCut, SaveOnMac, Mac Global Deals or MacDeals, MacSter, MacXcoupon, Shop Brain (or variants like SShoP Braaiin), PalMall, MacShop, MacSmart, News Ticker Remover, Shopper Helper Pro, Photo Zoom, Best YouTube Downloader, ArcadeYum, Extended protection, Video download helper, FlashFree or GoldenBoy.

    Delete

  2. Next, select “Preferences“, go to the “General” tab and change the “Default Search Engine” to Google. Then, in the “General” tab, find the “Home Page” and change it to “google.com”.Remove

Google Chrome

  1. Click on Chrome’s main menu button, represented by three horizontal lines. When the drop-down menu appears, select the option labeled Settings.
    [Image: Click on Settings button]
  2. Chrome’s Settings should now be displayed in a new tab or window, depending on your configuration. Next, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the Show advanced settings link (as seen in the below example).
    [Image: Click on Show advanced settings link]
  3. Chrome’s advanced Settings should now be displayed. Scroll down until the Reset browser settings section is visible, as shown in the example below. Next, click on the Reset browser settings button.
    [Image: Click on Reset browser button]
  4. A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue on with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, click on the Reset button.
    [Image: Click on Reset button to restore Chrome to default settings]

Mozilla Firefox

  1. In the Firefox’s address bar type: about:support, then click on Enter.
  2. Click the “Reset Firefox” button in the upper-right corner of the “Troubleshooting Information” page.
    [Image: Reset Firefox to its default settings]
  3. To continue, click on the “Reset Firefox” button in the new confirmation window that opens.
    [Image: Click on the Reset Firefox button]
  4. Firefox will close itself and will revert to its default settings. When it’s done, a window will list the information that was imported. Click on the “Finish“.

STEP 3: Perform a system scan with Malwarebytes for Mac Free

Malwarebytes for Mac quickly scans your Mac for malware and adware and then lets you remove it with just a few clicks.

If you are still experiencing issues with the Apple Support Center – Attention Ads on your Mac OS, we will need to perform a system scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac for malware.
This step should be performed only if your issues have not been solved by the previous steps.
  1. You can download Malwarebytes fro Mac Free from the below link:
    MALWAREBYTES FOR MAC DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a new web page from where you can download “Malwarebytes for Mac”)
  2. Install Malwarebytes for Mac on your device, then click on the “Scan” button to perform a system check-up.
    Scan with Malwarebytes for Mac
  3. When the scan has completed, click on the “Remove Selected Items” to remove all the malware that Malwarebytes has detected.
    Malwarebytes For Mac Removal
You Mac OS should be malware free, and the Apple Support Center – Attention Adware completely removed. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove Apple Support Center – Attention adware from your device, you can ask for help in our Malware Removal Assistance For Mac forum.
How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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