Security Center Total Protection Scam

The “Security Center Total Protection” scam is a prime example of how cybercriminals manipulate users through fear-driven social engineering. Disguised as a legitimate antivirus alert, this fake warning page simulates a system scan and falsely claims that your device is infected with five dangerous viruses. Its goal? To pressure users into clicking a misleading “renew protection” button, which redirects them to affiliate websites selling real antivirus software—like Total AV—under deceptive pretenses.

While the software being promoted may be legitimate, the method used to drive traffic and sales is not. The “Security Center Total Protection” site relies on panic and fabricated warnings to trick users into making hasty decisions, which can lead to financial losses, stolen credentials, and in some cases, exposure to malware.

How the Scam Works

Once a user lands on the page—often via rogue pop-up ads, compromised websites, or shady redirects—a fake system scan is automatically triggered. The scan concludes by showing a dramatic warning that five viruses have been detected on the device. Users are then urged to take immediate action by renewing their antivirus subscription or downloading a suggested tool.

The scam falsely claims that the user’s Mac or PC is at risk of serious data breaches, such as:

• Tracking of internet activity
• Theft of banking credentials
• Hijacking of login data for online accounts

These fabricated alerts are part of a phishing and affiliate fraud campaign. If a user clicks the call-to-action button and completes a purchase, the scam operators earn a commission—at your expense.

Scam Details

Attribute	Details
Threat Name	Security Center Total Protection Scam
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Affiliate Fraud
Disguise	Fake system scan and security warning
Fake Claim	System infected with 5 viruses
Related Domain	check-windows-ai[.]xyz
Detection Names	ESET (Malware), full list available on VirusTotal
Symptoms	Fake error messages, hoax virus scan, pop-up warnings
Distribution Methods	Rogue pop-ups, compromised websites, potentially unwanted apps
Damage Potential	Financial loss, identity theft, stolen private data, potential malware
Danger Level	High
Associated Emails	None reported
Recommended Removal Tool	SpyHunter

Why You Should Be Concerned

This type of scam can affect anyone—even cautious internet users—because it capitalizes on urgency and fear. Even though Total AV, the antivirus promoted on some of these pages, is a legitimate product, users are deceived into interacting with it through illegitimate and unethical means.

The danger doesn’t stop at scare tactics. Some versions of these scams may redirect to malware-laden pages or lead to phishing attempts. The longer a user stays on such a page or follows its prompts, the higher the risk of infection or financial exploitation.

Dealign with Crypto Scams – Method 1: Manual Removal Guide

Follow these steps to manually remove crypto scams and protect your system.

Step 1: Identify the Crypto Scam Source

• Check if you’ve been contacted by a scammer through email, Telegram, Discord, WhatsApp, or social media.
• Identify any malicious software installed on your system, such as fake wallet apps or browser extensions.
• Scan your browser history and emails for phishing links.

Step 2: Report and Freeze Crypto Transactions (If Possible)

• Contact your crypto exchange immediately if you suspect fraud.
• Check if your transaction is pending (some blockchains allow canceling or replacing a transaction).
• Report the scam to authorities such as:
  • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
  • U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Step 3: Remove Malicious Software and Fake Wallet Apps

1. Windows Users:
   • Open Control Panel > Programs and Features
   • Look for unknown apps related to crypto wallets or trading bots.
   • Click Uninstall.
2. Mac Users:
   • Open Finder > Applications
   • Locate suspicious apps and drag them to the Trash.
3. On Mobile (Android & iOS):
   • Go to Settings > Apps (Android) or General > iPhone Storage (iOS).
   • Uninstall any unrecognized crypto wallet apps.

Step 4: Clear Browser Data and Remove Malicious Extensions

1. Google Chrome:
   • Go to chrome://extensions/
   • Remove unfamiliar or suspicious extensions.
2. Firefox, Edge, Safari:
   • Open settings and remove unauthorized extensions.
3. Clear Cache & Cookies:
   • Open browser settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data

Step 5: Reset Passwords & Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

• Change passwords for your crypto exchanges, wallets, and emails.
• Use a strong, unique password for each account.
• Enable 2FA on all critical accounts (Google Authenticator or YubiKey recommended).

Step 6: Scan for Malware and Keyloggers

Even if you removed software manually, some malware can still lurk in your system. Use a security tool to perform a deep scan (see SpyHunter method below for an automatic removal process).

Step 7: Monitor Your Accounts & Funds

• Track your crypto wallet transactions using Etherscan or Blockchain Explorer.
• Keep an eye on email login alerts from suspicious locations.
• Use a hardware wallet (Ledger, Trezor) for better security.

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Method 2: Automatic Removal Using SpyHunter

For a fast and reliable way to remove crypto scam-related malware, use SpyHunter.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Run the SpyHunter setup file.
2. Follow the on-screen installation steps.
3. Open SpyHunter once installed.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on "Start Scan Now" to analyze your system.
2. Wait for the scan to detect crypto scam malware, spyware, keyloggers, and phishing trojans.

Step 4: Remove Threats Automatically

1. Click "Fix Threats" after the scan completes.
2. SpyHunter will eliminate malware, fake apps, and browser hijackers.

Step 5: Protect Your System from Future Crypto Scams

• Enable SpyHunter's Real-Time Protection to block phishing sites and prevent future infections.
• Regularly scan your system for new threats.

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Prevention Tips: How to Avoid Crypto Scams in the Future

• Always verify website URLs before logging into exchanges or wallets.
• Avoid unsolicited investment offers on Telegram, Discord, and email.
• Never share your private keys or recovery phrases with anyone.
• Use a hardware wallet instead of online wallets.
• Regularly update your antivirus and anti-malware software.
• Be skeptical of high-return crypto investment schemes.

Conclusion

The “Security Center Total Protection” scam is a manipulative and deceptive campaign that abuses users’ trust in antivirus alerts. It’s important to recognize that even when the product being promoted is real, the tactics used to lure you into installing it may not be. Always verify security alerts through your actual installed antivirus software and avoid clicking suspicious links or pop-up warnings.

To protect your system from further exposure to such scams or potential malware, consider scanning your device with a trusted anti-malware tool like SpyHunter.

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