Avoid getting scammed by "Chrome is infected with Trojan:SLocker" sites
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is the "Chrome is infected with Trojan:SLocker" pop-up?
We discovered the "Chrome is infected with Trojan:SLocker" scam while inspecting deceptive websites. This scheme claims that users' devices are infected. Typically, scams of this kind are designed to promote untrustworthy, fraudulent, and even malicious software.
"Chrome is infected with Trojan:SLocker" scam overview
This scam is disguised as a service from Google; however, it must be emphasized that this deceptive content is in no way associated with the real Google LLC.
The scheme claims that the user's device might be infected with adware or malware. It first requests the user to complete a short survey. After the questionnaire is completed, it states that based on the results - a "quick Google scan" is recommended.
The fake system scan lists multiple advertising-supported software and malicious program detections. Afterwards, the scam displays a pop-up window stating that the Chrome browser is infected with the "trojan:SLocker" ransomware. The pop-up urges the user to press the "REMOVE THREATS" button and follow the instructions provided next.
It has to be stressed that no website is capable of performing system scans or detecting present treats. Therefore, any sites that make such claims - are scams.
This content typically promotes fake anti-viruses, adware, browser hijackers, and various PUAs. In rare cases, fake threat scams are employed to proliferate trojans, ransomware, and other malware.
To summarize, by trusting the "Chrome is infected with Trojan:SLocker" scam - users can experience system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Chrome is infected with Trojan:SLocker scam website |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | Chrome is infected with trojan:SLocker ransomware. |
| Disguise | |
| Related Domains | device-spam-shield[.]com |
| Detection Names (device-spam-shield[.]com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (device-spam-shield[.]com) | 23.106.248.15 |
| Symptoms | Fake error messages, fake system warnings, pop-up errors, hoax computer scan. |
| Distribution methods | Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications. |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, possible malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Online scams in general
We have analyzed countless online scams; "Windows Firewall Protection - Your PC is infected with 5 viruses!", "TROJAN Zeus2021 spyware adware detected", and "Your Windows 10 is infected with viruses" are just a few examples of those similar to "Chrome is infected with Trojan:SLocker".
The Internet is rife with deceptive/malicious material. Popular scam models include fake virus alerts, outdated software warnings, hoax lotteries and giveaways, and so on. Due to how widespread scams are on the Web, we strongly advise exercising caution when browsing.
How did I open a scam website?
Deceptive sites are typically accessed inadvertently. Mistyping a URL can result in a redirect to such a webpage. Online scams are also promoted through intrusive advertisements and spam browser notifications.
Webpages using rogue advertising networks can force-open scam websites when accessed or cause redirects to them when hosted ads, buttons, links, or similar are clicked. Additionally, adware can display ads endorsing scams or force-open the sites running them.
How to avoid visiting scam websites?
Scam websites are usually entered via redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware.
Therefore, we advise against using sites that offer pirated software/media and questionable services (e.g., Torrenting, illegal streaming/downloading, etc.) - as they are known to employ rogue advertising networks.
We recommend entering website URLs with care. To avoid receiving scam-promoting browser notifications - do not permit suspicious webpages to deliver them (i.e., do not click "Allow", "Allow Notifications", etc.). Instead, we advise ignoring or denying notification delivery (i.e., pressing "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.).
Another recommendation is downloading only from official/verified sources and approaching installation processes with caution. If your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate all threats.
Screenshot of the "Chrome is infected with Trojan:SLocker" scam's fake system scan:
Text presented on this page:
FREE DESKTOP SPAM SCANNER
Malware threats
Threats found
Trojan.Funweb.A - delivers advertising content to the user. It is usually annoying but harmless, unless it is combined with spyware or trackware.
Trojan:BaseBridge.A - forwards confidential details to a remote server.
Trojan:SLocker - is reportedly the first Android ransomware that uses file encryption. It is also noted for its use of the TOR anonymizing network to communicate with its controller.
3 found
Adware threats
Threats found
Adware:W32/Bestofer - delivers advertising content to the user. It is usually annoying but harmless, unless it is combined with spyware or trackware.
Adware:AdShooter - is a trackware and an Ad-client.
Adware:Airpush - contains a third-party advertising component which displays advertising content in the device's notification panel. The module may also silently gather and forward details from the device.
Adware.Webext - tracks keywords entered into Android and displays targeted advertisements based on this information
Adware:Maxit.A - gathers information from a device, and stores the details in a location accessible to the application developer.
5 found
Spyware threats
Finished
0 found
Screenshot of the fake scan results and pop-up displayed by "Chrome is infected with Trojan:SLocker" scam:
Text presented in this pop-up window:
WARNING!
This Google Chrome is infected with trojan:SLocker, a dangerous ransomware and it will lock your phone! Virus must be removed immediately!
Click on REMOVE THREATS and continue with instructions to fix phone.
OK
The appearance of "Chrome is infected with Trojan:SLocker" pop-up scam (GIF):
Another example of "Chrome Is Infected With Trojan:SLocker":
Text presented within:
Security notification!
Due to COVID-19, data theft incidents via a fraudulent advertisement that injects adware to your browser Google Chrome have increased by 624%.Because of this, we recommend a security application that can remove Adware and Malware for you.
The app can also speed up your browser, blocks aggressive ads, and a lot more. Please answer the following questions to proceed.
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. 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.
Quick menu:
- What is Chrome is infected with Trojan:SLocker scam website?
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a pop-up scam?
Pop-up scams are deceptive messages intended to entice/scare users into performing certain actions like downloading/installing and/or purchasing software, making monetary transactions, disclosing private data, calling fake helplines, and so on.
What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?
Pop-up scams are designed to generate revenue. Scammers can profit by obtaining funds through deception, earning commissions from product promotion, abusing or selling vulnerable information, proliferating malware, etc.
Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?
Pop-up scams are promoted on various rogue websites. Users typically access such pages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?
Combo Cleaner can scan the websites you visit and detect deceptive/malicious ones. Hence, you will be warned immediately. Furthermore, Combo Cleaner is capable of restricting access to such sites.
Outstanding!
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