How to remove fake Coinbase Wallet extension from your browser
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is a fake Coinbase Wallet extension?
Fake Coinbase Wallet extension - refers to a rogue browser extension disguised as a Coinbase product. Unwanted software often uses the names, graphics, and other content belonging to legitimate products - in order to trick users into download/installation.
Typically, software that uses deceptive tactics to infiltrate users' devices has harmful functionalities. These functions can vary as the same disguises can be used by a multitude of rogue apps and browser extensions/plug-ins.
Our researchers found the fake Coinbase Wallet extension while inspecting sites offering "cracked" software downloads. After analyzing this browser extension, we learned that it operates as adware.
Fake Coinbase Wallet extension overview
The fake Coinbase Wallet extension that we analyzed had adware-type functionalities. Advertising-supported software is designed to enable the placement of ads on visited websites (or other interfaces).
In addition to diminishing the browsing experience, the displayed advertisements promote online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous webpages and software, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive adverts can perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Note that adware might not run intrusive advertisement campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unmet. However, regardless of whether the fake Coinbase Wallet extension displays ads - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Rogue browser extensions commonly employ persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent their removal, and the fake Coinbase Wallet extension is not an exception - it uses the "Managed by your organization" Chrome browser feature to this effect.
While this illegitimate extension did not exhibit any browser hijacker traits during our analysis, it is possible that it might on different systems or that these abilities will be used by other software using the same disguise.
What is more, rogue software typically has data tracking functionalities; they are standard both for adware and browser hijackers. Information of interest may include: browsing-related data, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data is monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
Although the description of this fake Coinbase Wallet extension clearly states that it is not from the Chrome Web Store, even if it were - that would not be a guarantee of its legitimacy. Hence, it is crucial to research software and make sure that the right product is being downloaded from a reputable source.
In summary, the presence of fraudulent software like the fake Coinbase Wallet extension on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by fake Coinbase Wallet extension |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Coinbase Wallet extension |
| Detection Names (malicious installer) | Avast (Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.49026290), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), Kaspersky (Trojan-Banker.Win32.Passteal.ph), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Floxif.AV!MTB), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed. |
| Distribution Methods | 'Crack' software websites, deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers. |
| Damage | Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Similar software examples
It has to be emphasized that fake Coinbase Wallet extensions are in no way associated with legitimate Coinbase products. As previously mentioned, developers of unwanted software often employ the names/graphics of genuine products to create the impression of legitimacy.
We have analyzed several pieces of software similar to the fake Coinbase Wallet extension, e.g., fake Google Translate extension, fake Google Docs extension, and so on.
The purpose of fraudulent applications and browser extensions/plug-ins is to generate revenue; they can do so by displaying intrusive advertisements, causing redirects, gathering private data, or performing other harmful actions. Regardless of how unwanted content operates, it endangers device integrity and user safety. Therefore, we strongly advise removing suspect software immediately upon detection.
How did fake Coinbase Wallet extension install on my computer?
We downloaded an installer containing the fake Coinbase Wallet extension from a website offering "cracked" software. Dubious content is commonly spread through untrustworthy download sources, e.g., "crack" sites, freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.
Furthermore, unwanted/malicious programs can be bundled with (packed into the installers of) ordinary software. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are also used in this distribution.
Additionally, some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
Rogue software can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed by online scams as well. Most access these sites via redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive adverts, or installed adware.
How to avoid installation of harmful software?
We highly recommend researching software and only downloading it from official and verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplementary apps, tools, features, etc.
We advise caution when browsing - since fraudulent and malicious content usually looks legitimate. For example, intrusive ads appear harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you experience advertisements/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with fake Coinbase Wallet extension, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of the fake Coinbase Wallet extension's description stating that it is not from the Chrome Web Store:
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 a fake Coinbase Wallet extension?
- STEP 1. Uninstall fake Coinbase Wallet extension application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove fake Coinbase Wallet extension ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Coinbase Wallet extension' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove fake Coinbase Wallet extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Fake Coinbase Wallet extension removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for any suspicious applications, select their entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications, scan your computer for any remaining components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove fake Coinbase Wallet extension from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "Coinbase Wallet extension" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by fake coinbase wallet extension, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "Coinbase Wallet extension" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by fake coinbase wallet extension removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by fake coinbase wallet extension, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a fake Coinbase Wallet extension?
It is a rogue browser extension disguised as a Coinbase product. Developers of such software commonly use the names, logos, and other content associated with legitimate products - in order to entice users into download/installation and/or purchase.
What harm can a fake Coinbase Wallet extension cause?
The fake Coinbase Wallet extension that we analyzed operates as adware. However, software using this name might also have browser hijacker qualities and data tracking abilities. Therefore, the presence of this software on a device may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited sites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs in the form of commissions earned for the promotion of various websites, software, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove the fake Coinbase Wallet extension?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and eliminating a wide variety of threats. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the unwanted software has been (manually) removed - various file leftovers remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remnants may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, thorough removal is paramount.
Outstanding!
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