www.helpme.net is a legitimate platform being abused by cybercriminals in a tech support scam scheme
www.helpme.net is a legitimate website but used by crooks to gain remote access to victim’s machine
www.helpme.net is a legitimate website but used by crooks to gain remote access to victim’s machine
www.helpme.net is a cleverly engineered tech support scam[1] that has been terrorizing internet community for the past few years, and complaints from users recently renewed, meaning that it is still actively used. Those who try to access the website are redirected to fastsupport.com, which is a legitimate platform powered by LogMeIn. Unfortunately, unfair individuals seek to gain access to the targeted computer using this service. www.helpme.net can only materialize once the users contact fake tech support by a provided number on a bogus website, claiming that their device is damaged by malware or that important sensitive data is at the risk of being stolen. These redirects are usually caused by adware – an ad-supported software that initiates redirects, pop-ups, ads and various other unwanted content on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, or any other popular browser.
| SUMMARY | |
| Name | www.helpme.net |
| Category | Adware |
| Type | Tech support scam |
| Infiltration | Software bundling, unsafe sites |
| Symptoms | Countless redirects to scam, phishing, malware-laden sites, increased amount of advertisement on all web browsers |
| Elimination | Use our instructions below and then scan your machine using Reimage Reimage Cleaner to fix the damage done by the virus |
As a general rule, adware is not a malicious program by itself, but it can be associated with several unsafe activities that are almost virus-like. For such reasons, users who end up on the scamming site call it www.helpme.net virus. Nevertheless, adware is usually propagated with the help of unfair advertisement techniques and bundled software.
Because adware can redirect users to questionable sites, users can be easily deceived. This activity can result in malware infections, such as ransomware or trojans. These malicious programs can inflict much more significant damage than the www.helpme.net website itself (for example, ransomware can lock up all personal files and hold them hostage until payment is made).
Adware can cause various disturbances during web browsing sessions, including:
- Redirection to unsafe sites;
- Sponsored links appear in web search results;
- Pop-ups, banners, offers, deals, coupons, auto-play ads are presented using the virtual layer, covering the contents of legitimate websites;
- Slow response/loading time of web pages.
Additionally, adware like www.helpme.net is known to gather a significant amount of non-personally identifiable information in order to create a targeted advertisement, which helps sponsors to produce ads that are related to the computer owner’s interests.
Therefore, do not hesitate if you think whether or not you should remove www.helpme.net scam your browsers, think no further. Check our instructions below for full guide, and then scan the PC using Reimage Reimage Cleaner , it will fix all the unwanted changes performed by adware.
www.helpme.net scam is initiated by an adware program that usually sneaks in bundled with free applications
www.helpme.net scam is initiated by an adware program that usually sneaks in bundled with free applications
Peculiarities of www.helpme.net scam
There were several reports from users on Reddit[2] and Microsoft forums[3] about the www.helpme.net scam being active. Many users use ad-block or similar applications to stop pop-ups and sponsored links from plaguing their browsers.
However, quite a few are also no using such programs. One of the users explained that he searched for “Amazon” in the search bar, and the first link led him to amazon.com/DEALS. Consequently, he was asked to call a technical support number because of the allegedly stolen personal data and potential malware risks. Reddit user then called and recorded the conversation with the alleged technician in what turned out to be a hilarious prank on scammers themselves.
The user was aware of the scam and decided to prank fake technicians. They immediately asked for remote access to the PC with the help of www.helpme.net website, which redirects to the fastsupport.com. Those who follow directions of unknown individuals, i.e., enter the Support Key provided by them, end up granting permission for scammers install malware, steal personal data and perform many other shady activities.
Additionally, users said that, after allowing the remote access and visiting www.helpme.net site, they were left with a wholly broken computer. While it might be possible to fix it, victims might have to reinstall the entire Windows operating system.
Therefore, do not trust these scammers, as they might steal your money, disrupt the operation of your PC and leave you feeling betrayed and well… scammed.
Once you encounter one of these fake messages, close down your browser, and take care of www.helpme.net adware removal – we explain how to do so below. Never give access to your computer to unknown individuals. Remember that Microsoft does not ask users to call the tech support in their error messages.
Users reported that, once the fake technicians are contacted, they keep getting returning phone calls
Users reported that, once the fake technicians are contacted, they keep getting returning phone calls
Beware of potentially unwanted programs that are hidden in software bundles
It can sometimes be difficult to determine whether or not the computer is affected by adware or other PUPs. Therefore, users might keep using their device for a while before they realize that there is something wrong. Thus, it is best to avoid unnecessary applications in the first place – they only clutter the computer and bring no benefit to the end user.
Experts[4] recommend following these simple rules when browsing the internet and installing applications:
- Select a trusted source for your downloads, i. e., official websites instead of third-party ones;
- Avoid file-sharing and torrent sites – downloads from there can result in malware infections;
- Before proceeding with the program installation, read through ToS and Privacy Policy carefully (never install anything that does not provide these documents prior to installation);
- When prompted, select Advanced or Custom installation settings and never pick Recommended/Quick ones;
- Remove all the pre-ticked box marks before finalizing the process.
Uninstall adware related to www.helpme.net scam
If you encountered a suspicious alert on your browser, stating that your machine is infected with multiple viruses, simply ignore it. However, if you are forced to face such redirects regularly, you need to make sure you remove www.helpme.net adware from your machine.
We suggest you first try to eliminate the unwanted application by following our detailed guide below. If not successful, you can make use of automatic www.helpme.net virus removal. All you have to do is install reputable security software and perform a full system scan.
Remember that, if you opt for manual www.helpme.net scam elimination, you will have to reset each of the affected browsers as explained below.
Get rid of the adware that causes HelpMe.net scam with video guide
Since www.helpme.net virus is the intrusive program that comes to your system and causes various symptoms, affects parts of the machine, you need to clean the infected computer as thorough as you can. This process of HelpMe scam removal may appear difficult, but it only requires paying attention to the details. You should watch this video guide that provides all the steps and follow them closely.
You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner . SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
