Possible scam/phishing warning

[The Spin Meister]

I use Mozilla's Firefox for my web browser and keep several windows open at the same time. About a half dozen times in the past month while on this site (and once or twice on other sites) the screen suddenly shows what appears to be an official Mozilla/Firefox screenshot complete with the fox wrapped around the planet as in their logo. It looks just like a Mozilla/Firefox page but the URL is always different and never from Mozilla. It states that I must immediately download a new security update. I have my Firefox set to automatically update so I shouldn't be getting such warnings. I suspect is it is a phishing scam and I just close the window.

One time I also got a screen stating it was from Microsoft and it was similar including audio telling me I had a major security issue and to call some 800 number. Again the URL was not from Microsoft so I closed that window.

Anyone else getting these? Just wanted people to be careful.

 

[artsandletters]

I use Mozilla's Firefox for my web browser and keep several windows open at the same time. About a half dozen times in the past month while on this site (and once or twice on other sites) the screen suddenly shows what appears to be an official Mozilla/Firefox screenshot complete with the fox wrapped around the planet as in their logo. It looks just like a Mozilla/Firefox page but the URL is always different and never from Mozilla. It states that I must immediately download a new security update. I have my Firefox set to automatically update so I shouldn't be getting such warnings. I suspect is it is a phishing scam and I just close the window.

One time I also got a screen stating it was from Microsoft and it was similar including audio telling me I had a major security issue and to call some 800 number. Again the URL was not from Microsoft so I closed that window.

Anyone else getting these? Just wanted people to be careful.

You mispelled 'fishing'. Just sayin'.

 

[ThePennsyOracle]

I use Mozilla's Firefox for my web browser and keep several windows open at the same time. About a half dozen times in the past month while on this site (and once or twice on other sites) the screen suddenly shows what appears to be an official Mozilla/Firefox screenshot complete with the fox wrapped around the planet as in their logo. It looks just like a Mozilla/Firefox page but the URL is always different and never from Mozilla. It states that I must immediately download a new security update. I have my Firefox set to automatically update so I shouldn't be getting such warnings. I suspect is it is a phishing scam and I just close the window.

One time I also got a screen stating it was from Microsoft and it was similar including audio telling me I had a major security issue and to call some 800 number. Again the URL was not from Microsoft so I closed that window.

Anyone else getting these? Just wanted people to be careful.

It sounds like you have spyware/malware on your computer.

Download and run Malwarebytes' free version.

 

[84Lion]

I get these all the time. I just delete the download window and navigate back off the fake Firefox page. It's a known issue, and I believe there is a (or maybe more than one) fix for it - but I've never got it to work permanently. I'd use another browser but I like Firefox. Very frustrating and it would be nice if someone could come up with a conclusive, permanent fix for this issue.

 

[ThePennsyOracle]

I get these all the time. I just delete the download window and navigate back off the fake Firefox page. It's a known issue, and I believe there is a (or maybe more than one) fix for it - but I've never got it to work permanently. I'd use another browser but I like Firefox. Very frustrating and it would be nice if someone could come up with a conclusive, permanent fix for this issue.

I use Firefox and have never had this problem.

You should download Malwarebytes too.

 

[kgilbert78]

Had one try to hijack Safari once. Just closed safari and cleared cache. That took care of it. When I have something like that happen at work, I just call our tech hotline.

 

[The Spin Meister]

You mispelled 'fishing'. Just sayin'.

Its spelled 'phishing' and I ain't talking about catching slimy, scale covered critters.

Just sayin'

 

[artsandletters]

Its spelled 'phishing' and I ain't talking about catching slimy, scale covered critters.

Just sayin'

Just tried to brighten your day.

 

[Art]

Had the Microsoft security screen once or twice. Thankfully, never encountered the first.

 

[mmp121]

If you don't already, install Ad Block Plus (its an addon) for FireFox.

https://addons.mozilla.org/En-us/firefox/addon/adblock-plus/

Also if you are savvy enough, you may also want to install NoScript as well.

https://addons.mozilla.org/En-us/firefox/addon/noscript/

Lastly I would uninstall and never install again Adobe Flash, Adobe AIR or JAVA. Those 3 piece of software are the most bug riddled and exploited stuff on the internet (followed closely by Adobe Acrobat).

If you NEED to have either of the 3 above mentioned programs (I haven't run into anything that NEEDS it in my 3 years w/o them) I would seriously consider switching away from whatever program or website requires you to use them.

Good luck!