Google Chrome Support Centre POP-UP Scam

What is Google Chrome Support Centre?

"Google Chrome Support Centre" is a fake error message displayed by various deceptive websites. In most cases, users visit these sites inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) or intrusive ads delivered by other malicious websites.

Intrusive advertisements typically infiltrate systems without permission and, as well as causing redirects, deliver intrusive advertisements and gather various sensitive data.

This error states that Windows Firewall has detected a type of malware and, for this reason, the system has been blocked. Users are encouraged to immediately contact 'tech-support' via a toll-free telephone number ("+61-1800-875-384") provided.

The malicious site also displays a fake "Application Has Stopped" pop-up (which appears when the software crashes), making this message even more believable. In fact, the "Google Chrome Support Centre" error is fake and a scam.

Cyber criminals generate revenue by scaring and tricking users into calling the aforementioned telephone number and paying for support that is not required. Therefore, ignore the "Google Chrome Support Centre" error. Remove it simply by closing the web browser. Some rogue sites employ scripts that prevent users from closing browsing tabs/windows.

In this case, terminate the browser via Task Manager or simply reboot the system. After re-running the browser, do not restore the previous session, otherwise you will end up returning to the malicious sites.

PUPs are likely to deliver various intrusive advertisements, such as coupons, banners, pop-ups, and similar. These are delivered using various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any visited website. Therefore, delivered ads often conceal underlying website content, significantly diminishing the browsing experience.

Furthermore, some lead to malicious websites and execute scripts that download and install other PUPs (or even malware). Even a single accidental click result in high-risk computer infections. Another important issue is information tracking.

Research shows that most PUPs gather information such as Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, queries entered into search engines, keystrokes, geo-locations, etc. Collected data often includes personal details that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

These people generate revenue by misusing personal data. Therefore, the presence of data-tracking apps can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. You are strongly advised to uninstall all potentially unwanted programs immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Google Chrome Support Centre" virus
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Symptoms	Unauthorized online purchases, changed online account passwords, identity theft, illegal access of one's computer.
Distribution methods	Deceptive emails, rogue online pop-up ads, search engine poisoning techniques, misspelled domains.
Damage	Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft.
Malware Removal (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

"Google Chrome Support Centre" is virtually identical to Computer Detected To Be Corrupted, COMPUTER BLOCKED, RDN/Trojan.worm!055BCCAC9FEC Infection, and many others. All claim that the system is damaged (e.g., infected, missing files, etc)., however, these claims are merely attempts to extort money from unsuspecting users.

All PUPs are very similar. By offering "useful features", they attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than delivering any real value for regular users, PUPs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.

How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?

Some potentially unwanted programs have official download websites, however, due to the lack of knowledge and careless behavior of many users, PUPs typically infiltrate systems without permission. These programs are often distributed using intrusive advertisements and the "bundling" method (stealth installation of third party software with regular apps).

Developers know that users often rush download/installation processes and skip steps. Therefore, they hide "bundled" apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes.

By clicking on various advertisements and skipping download/installation steps, many users expose their systems to risk of infection and compromise their privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

The key to computer safety is caution. Therefore, to prevent PUP infiltration, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and especially when downloading/installing software. Intrusive ads typically seem legitimate, but once clicked, redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious sites.

If you encounter these ads, immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins. Furthermore, carefully analyze each step of the download/installation processes and opt-out of all additionally-included programs.

We also advise you to download your programs from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers typically include rogue apps, and thus should never be used.

Text presented in "Google Chrome Support Centre" pop-up:

Please call Google Support Centre Immediately at +61-1800-875-384
A Porn Virus has been detected by firewall.
Do not press any key or ignore this critical alert.
Your computer access is disabled for security reasons and to prevent from further damage to your device. Call right now +61-1800-875-384 to Google Technical Support immediately so that our engineers can walk you through the removal of this porn virus over the phone. Call Right Now at Google Technical Support TOLL FREE NO:- +61-1800-875-384

Text presented in "Application Crashed" pop-up:

Application.exe has stopped working
Windows can check online for a solution to the problem.
Check online for a solution and close the program.
Close the program.
Call Toll Free: +61-1800-875-384
Login Failed. Computer Locked. Call Support at +61-1800-875-384

The appearance of "Google Chrome Support Centre" pop-up (GIF):

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Quick menu:

• What is "Google Chrome Support Centre" virus?
• How to identify a pop-up scam?
• How do pop-up scams work?
• How to remove fake pop-ups?
• How to prevent fake pop-ups?
• What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?

How to identify a pop-up scam?

Pop-up windows with various fake messages are a common type of lures cybercriminals use. They collect sensitive personal data, trick Internet users into calling fake tech support numbers, subscribe to useless online services, invest in shady cryptocurrency schemes, etc.

While in the majority of cases these pop-ups don't infect users' devices with malware, they can cause direct monetary loss or could result in identity theft.

Cybercriminals strive to create their rogue pop-up windows to look trustworthy, however, scams typically have the following characteristics:

• Spelling mistakes and non-professional images - Closely inspect the information displayed in a pop-up. Spelling mistakes and unprofessional images could be a sign of a scam.
• Sense of urgency - Countdown timer with a couple of minutes on it, asking you to enter your personal information or subscribe to some online service.
• Statements that you won something - If you haven't participated in a lottery, online competition, etc., and you see a pop-up window stating that you won.
• Computer or mobile device scan - A pop-up window that scans your device and informs of detected issues - is undoubtedly a scam; webpages cannot perform such actions.
• Exclusivity - Pop-up windows stating that only you are given secret access to a financial scheme that can quickly make you rich.

Example of a pop-up scam:

How do pop-up scams work?

Cybercriminals and deceptive marketers usually use various advertising networks, search engine poisoning techniques, and shady websites to generate traffic to their pop-ups. Users land on their online lures after clicking on fake download buttons, using a torrent website, or simply clicking on an Internet search engine result.

Based on users' location and device information, they are presented with a scam pop-up. Lures presented in such pop-ups range from get-rich-quick schemes to fake virus scans.

How to remove fake pop-ups?

In most cases, pop-up scams do not infect users' devices with malware. If you encountered a scam pop-up, simply closing it should be enough. In some cases scam, pop-ups may be hard to close; in such cases - close your Internet browser and restart it.

In extremely rare cases, you might need to reset your Internet browser. For this, use our instructions explaining how to reset Internet browser settings.

How to prevent fake pop-ups?

To prevent seeing pop-up scams, you should visit only reputable websites. Torrent, Crack, free online movie streaming, YouTube video download, and other websites of similar reputation commonly redirect Internet users to pop-up scams.

To minimize the risk of encountering pop-up scams, you should keep your Internet browsers up-to-date and use reputable anti-malware application. For this purpose, we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.

What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?

This depends on the type of scam that you fell for. Most commonly, pop-up scams try to trick users into sending money, giving away personal information, or giving access to one's device.

• If you sent money to scammers: You should contact your financial institution and explain that you were scammed. If informed promptly, there's a chance to get your money back.
• If you gave away your personal information: You should change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication in all online services that you use. Visit Federal Trade Commission to report identity theft and get personalized recovery steps.
• If you let scammers connect to your device: You should scan your computer with reputable anti-malware (we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows) - cyber criminals could have planted trojans, keyloggers, and other malware, don't use your computer until removing possible threats.
• Help other Internet users: report Internet scams to Federal Trade Commission.

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