Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Safari-Alert ?scam?

I was browsing Safari on my IMac today when I suddenly got a dialogue box supposedly from Apple Security called Safaro-Alert. It claims suspicious activity detected. Your browser might have been hijacked and then it gives a number to call 1-866-782-9**8 (Not Apple)

Since then I cannot quit Safari on the IMac and when I force quit it returns as soon as I open it.

Anyone else had this experience. Bob (Using my wife's MacBook)


<Personal Information Edited by Host>

iMac (21.5-inch Late 2009), OS X Mavericks (10.9.4)

Posted on Sep 3, 2014 3:29 PM

Reply
100 replies

Sep 5, 2014 1:25 PM in response to cathy fasano

I reported the issue to my bank and requested an stop payment to my card, they then gave me a new cad, and also recommended to change my passwords with them , which I did.

I also immediately reported to Apple the issue to: reportphishing@apple.com, and asked for their instructions or recommendations to be sure which information on my mac they may have accessed and that no suspicious or remote control application was installed during the so called "service", so they can gain access again to my mac without my authorization.Unfortunately I have had not received any answer at this point.

Thank you all for the advise

Sep 5, 2014 5:13 PM in response to stevejobsfan0123

I allowed access to them too... I closed the page where they were controlling my mac. Do they still have control of my mac? If they do, how do i completely disconnect with them. I gave them my number n my email address. I hung up before making payments, so i didnt give them the credit card info and stuff. By the way they didnt install any app. They downloaded some webpage tho. I force quit safari and now its working properly. But the problems are, that I agreed to what they said once, and its probably recorded. and the other one is, that they once had control of my pc. plz help

Sep 6, 2014 1:21 PM in response to marlenefromdenver

I had the same thing happen with the pop up and the number to call. I did call the number out of desperation to fix the problem, was on hold for 30 minutes, and then spoke to someone. I was suspicious if it was a legitimate apple number or not, so I asked and the 'tech" told me it was. The "tech" asked for my computer make (MacBook Pro), my first/last name, my birthdate, and email/username. This information I gave. He didn't ask for my social security # or password and I wouldn't ever give those anyways. He also never asked me to buy anything and I don't believe anything was installed. He told me to shut the computer down and hold the shift bar down and then log back on. The pop-up remained after I did this. I was put on hold again and eventually we were disconnected. I went on this site on my iPhone and fixed the problem with help from here......A BIG THANKS! I am worried now if I gave too much information to that number that I could now be a victim of identify theft. Thanks for any help and advice on what to do now!

Oct 19, 2014 8:22 AM in response to marlenefromdenver

Hi all,


Just got the problem on Yosemite this morning. First, this is clearly a SCAM, and a pretty frustrating one. As previously mentioned, legitimate company don't block your application/system in order to force you to call them and get your money. Also the domain name is NOT a legitimate apple domain name. The most significant information on a domain name is at the right (not at the left). So if it does not END with apple.com then beware.


The problem on Yosemite is a bit more resistant. None of the techniques above worked for me.

But I managed to escape anyway by combining multiple techniques.


  • First, quit Safari. To do this, press COMMAND, OPTION and ESC keys together to bring the Force Quit windows. Select Safari in the list and press the Force Quit button.
  • Second: disconnect your mac COMPLETELY from the internet (WiFi, Ethernet cable, anything).
  • Third: erase the following file ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.Safari/Cache.db

    You can do this using

    • (a) a terminal windows that you can find under the utilities folder in the application folder.
      • Then type in the command rm ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.Safari/Cache.db
    • (b) you can use the Finder window.
      • Go under <your home directory> and then select Go-->Go to Folder (in the menu bar)
      • Type in the following directory Library/Caches/com.apple.Safari and delete the Cache.db file.
  • Four, restart Safari,
    • Then close ALL Safari windows except for the main window (keep only one Safari window).
    • In the Safari main windows, delete ALL tabs.
  • Five, you can now restart your internet connection and continue browsing and have a normal life with ALL your money and pride intact.


Cheers !

/Stephane.

Oct 19, 2014 2:31 PM in response to Stephisa

My wife just got it (again) now. To fix it without disconnecting the internet and without going "under the hood", I just restarted Safari while pressing the shift key then use the new "Clear history and Website Data..." in the Safari menu and selected clear the past hour. After restating Safari normally (not pressing the shift key), the problem is gone.

Edit: to quit Safari when the problem is there, I simply used Command-Q (no need for Force-Quit)

Safari-Alert ?scam?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.