Scam report Text and Phone Scams

+1-888-355-0728 EXPOSED – Scam or Legit? Full Investigation

By Thomas Orsolya16 min read0comments

If you have seen the phone number +1-888-355-0728 in a text, voicemail, email, pop-up warning, or “support” page, treat it as a red flag. Numbers like this are commonly used in impersonation scams where criminals pose as a trusted company, a bank, a government agency, or “technical support” to pressure people into handing over money or sensitive information.

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The most important thing to understand is simple: a phone number by itself is not proof of legitimacy. Scammers can buy toll-free numbers, recycle old numbers, or make a fake number appear on caller ID.

This guide explains the most common ways the +1-888-355-0728 scam is presented, the tricks that make it work, and the exact steps to take if you called, shared information, installed remote access software, or sent money.

BOA text message
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Scam Overview

The “+1-888-355-0728 scam” is not one single, fixed script. It is a bucket term for multiple fraud patterns that have one thing in common: the scammer wants you to call the number (or stay on the call) so they can control the conversation.

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In many reports, +1-888-355-0728 shows up the same way other scam numbers do:

  • A scary pop-up warning claiming your computer is “locked,” “infected,” or “blocked,” and telling you to call immediately for help
  • A text message claiming there is fraud on your bank account, a charge on your card, a delivery problem, or a security issue
  • A voicemail that sounds urgent, often referencing “legal action,” “verification,” or “suspicious activity”
  • A “support” page reached through an ad, a fake search result, or a misleading link that displays a phone number as the only way to fix the issue

A key reason this works is that toll-free prefixes like 833 are widely used by legitimate businesses. The 833 prefix is part of the North American toll-free system, alongside prefixes like 800, 844, 855, 866, 877, and 888. It looks professional and “company-like” to many people, especially in a moment of stress.

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Scammers also rely on the fact that caller ID cannot be trusted. Caller ID spoofing is when someone deliberately falsifies the information that shows up on your caller ID display to disguise who they really are. That is why a call can appear to come from a “support line,” a bank, or even a local number, while the actual caller is somewhere else entirely.

The three big scam families that commonly involve numbers like this

Even when the storyline changes, most scams tied to “call this number” fall into a few repeatable categories.

1) Tech support and pop-up warning scams

This is one of the most common ways victims encounter a toll-free number. You are browsing normally, click a link, or land on a page that triggers a loud, full-screen warning. The page claims your device has a virus, your “Windows Defender” found severe threats, or your computer has been locked for your safety.

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The message usually includes:

  • A countdown timer or flashing “urgent” labels
  • Repeated instructions to call a toll-free number right now
  • Claims that closing the page will “damage your system” or “erase files”
  • A promise that a “certified technician” will fix it in minutes

Microsoft explicitly warns that tech support scams use scare tactics to push people into unnecessary “support,” and it provides a way to report these scams. Microsoft also warns that genuine Microsoft error messages do not include a phone number you should call. That single point is worth remembering because it instantly removes the scammer’s main tool: panic.

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These scams often escalate into remote access. The scammer asks you to install software like AnyDesk, TeamViewer, ScreenConnect, or a “support tool.” Once they can control your computer, they can stage fake “evidence,” read your browser and emails, and guide you into making payments.

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Unknown Error Code #0x6D9

2) Account, billing, and “fraud prevention” impersonation scams

In this pattern, the hook is an account problem, not a device problem. The message claims:

  • A charge was made to your account
  • A new device logged in
  • A withdrawal or transfer is pending
  • Your “account will be suspended” unless you verify something

The scammer often impersonates a recognizable brand, but the mechanism is always the same: they want you on the phone so they can push you into revealing verification codes, card details, or login credentials.

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Many victims describe the same pressure tactics:

  • “You must act within 15 minutes.”
  • “If you hang up, the fraud will complete.”
  • “We need to verify your identity for your protection.”
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Sometimes these scams are paired with a second actor. One person plays “support,” while another plays a “supervisor” or “fraud investigator” to add credibility.

Onlinehome.us Text Message Scam

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3) Government, taxes, benefits, and legal threat scams

This is the most fear-based family of scripts. The call or voicemail claims:

  • You owe taxes or fees and will be arrested
  • Your Social Security number is “suspended” or “compromised”
  • There is a legal case tied to your identity
  • You must pay a “fine” immediately to avoid consequences
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These scripts are designed to override common sense by making you afraid of delay. The scammer often tells you not to speak to anyone else, not even family, because it is a “confidential investigation.”

PA Turnpike Toll Services Scam Texts 1
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How scammers get the phone number in front of you

People often assume they were targeted because the scammer knows something personal. Sometimes that is true, but often it is simpler. Scammers spread phone numbers through high-volume channels that do not require knowing who you are.

Common delivery methods include:

  • Robocalls to huge lists of numbers
  • Mass text campaigns
  • Malicious or low-quality ads that lead to fake “support” pages
  • Browser notifications from spammy sites that you accidentally allowed
  • Pop-up pages triggered by shady redirects
  • Search results that look like help pages but are actually ads or look-alikes

One newer twist is that criminals can sometimes insert fake support numbers into pages in ways that make the page look real at first glance, including via deceptive ads and manipulated search pathways. The goal is to make you think you found “the official number” during a stressful moment.

Why this scam is so effective

A well-run phone scam does not rely on technology alone. It relies on predictable human reactions. The +1-888-355-0728 scam is effective because it combines four levers that work fast:

  1. Authority
  2. Urgency
  3. Fear or greed
  4. Isolation

Once those levers are pulled, many smart people make decisions they would never make in a calm moment.

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How The Scam Works

Below is a step-by-step breakdown of how scams tied to “call +1-888-355-0728” typically unfold. Not every victim sees every step, but the structure is remarkably consistent.

Step 1: The hook lands in front of you

The first message is designed to be simple, loud, and emotional.

In a tech support version, the message might look like:

  • “Threat detected. Your system is at risk.”
  • “Windows security has blocked your computer.”
  • “Do not turn off your device. Call support now.”

In a banking or billing version, the message might look like:

  • “Unusual charge detected. If this wasn’t you, call now.”
  • “New phone number added to your account.”
  • “Payment failed. Your account will be locked.”
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The hook rarely includes details that can be verified. Instead, it includes a phone number and a demand for immediate contact.

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Step 2: The scammer establishes control of the conversation

Once you call, the scammer’s first goal is to keep you on the line.

They will speak quickly, use a confident tone, and ask a few basic questions that feel normal, such as your name, your email, or the “reference number” from the message. This creates the illusion that a real case is already open.

To look legitimate, they may:

  • Use a professional-sounding script
  • Claim they can see your account
  • Mention a “ticket number”
  • Transfer you to a “senior agent”

This is theater. The goal is to move you from skepticism to cooperation.

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Step 3: The scammer triggers urgency and narrows your options

After a short warm-up, the scam becomes urgent.

They will tell you that:

  • The fraud is “in progress”
  • Your account is “about to be charged”
  • The attacker is “still connected”
  • Your computer is “actively compromised”
  • You have “minutes” to stop it
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Then they narrow your choices. In a real support interaction, you would have multiple safe options: hang up, call back through an official number, visit a branch, log into your account yourself, or wait. Scammers try to remove all of those.

You may hear phrases like:

  • “Do not hang up or the process will fail.”
  • “If you call the official line, you will be on hold and the damage will happen.”
  • “We must complete verification now to secure your funds.”
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This is the moment they are trying to steal: your ability to pause and verify.

Step 4: Information harvesting begins

Once you are emotionally invested, the scammer asks for “verification.”

Common targets include:

  • Full name, date of birth, address
  • Social Security number or last four digits
  • Card number and expiration date
  • Online banking username
  • One-time passcodes (OTP) sent to your phone
  • Answers to security questions
  • Email access, including verification links

A large share of modern fraud is not about stealing your password. It is about stealing the one-time verification code that lets the criminal bypass security. If someone asks you to read them a code that was texted to you, treat that as a major danger signal.

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Step 5: The “proof” phase

If you hesitate, the scammer provides fake evidence.

In tech support scams, they may ask you to open Event Viewer, Task Manager, or the Command Prompt. These tools always show some warnings or background processes, even on healthy computers. The scammer points to normal entries and calls them “malware.”

They may also:

  • Show you a fake “infection scan”
  • Create a file on your desktop named “HACKED”
  • Open a web page that “confirms” your IP address is compromised
  • Run a script that produces scary text output

The objective is not to prove anything. It is to make you stop arguing and start following instructions.

Step 6: Remote access is requested (or demanded)

In many cases, the scam turns into remote access.

The scammer tells you to install a remote support program and enter a code so they can “secure your device.” From their perspective, this is the jackpot.

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With remote access, they can:

  • Watch what you type
  • Read saved passwords in your browser
  • Open your email and search for bank messages
  • Guide you to your banking site while they watch
  • Change settings, install software, or disable protections
  • Stage fake screens and fake “refund” portals

If you installed remote access software because of a call tied to +1-888-355-0728, assume the scammer may have seen more than you realize, even if you ended the session quickly.

Step 7: The payment extraction

Once the scammer believes you trust them, they pivot to money.

The payment methods vary, but the logic is always the same: use a method that is fast, hard to reverse, and hard to trace.

Common payment demands include:

  • Gift cards (Apple, Google Play, Target, Walmart)
  • Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin or other coins)
  • Wire transfers
  • Peer-to-peer payments (Zelle, Cash App, Venmo)
  • Prepaid debit cards
  • “Invoice” payments to a fake vendor

In tech support scams, the scammer may claim you need to pay for:

  • A one-time repair fee
  • A multi-year support plan
  • A “security license”
  • A cleanup service that costs $199, $399, or more

In banking scams, the scammer may claim you must “move” your money to a “safe account.” They may instruct you to transfer funds to a new recipient, withdraw cash, buy crypto, or send money to “verify” your identity.

It is all a lie. Real banks do not ask you to protect your account by sending your money to someone else.

Step 8: The cover-up and repeat attempts

If you pay, scammers often come back.

They may claim:

  • A second charge happened
  • The first payment failed
  • Your “case” requires another fee
  • You are eligible for a refund, but must pay a “processing” cost

Some operations also run a follow-up “recovery” scam. Someone contacts you later claiming they can recover your lost money for a fee. In many cases, it is the same group trying to take more.

Step 9: The long tail: identity and account fallout

Even if you did not pay, sharing information can cause problems later.

Stolen data can be used to:

  • Attempt account takeovers weeks or months later
  • Open new lines of credit
  • File fraudulent claims or tax returns
  • Target you with more personalized scams
  • Sell your data to other criminal groups

This is why response steps matter even if you feel you “caught it in time.”

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Common warning signs that the call is a scam

Most phone scams tied to numbers like +1-888-355-0728 include several of these warning signs at once:

  • You were contacted unexpectedly
  • The message is urgent and emotional
  • You are told to call a number immediately
  • You are warned not to hang up or not to tell anyone
  • The caller asks for passwords, codes, or remote access
  • The caller demands payment by gift card, crypto, wire, or instant transfer
  • The caller gets hostile when you ask to verify through official channels
  • The “problem” cannot be confirmed when you log into your account directly

If you see these signs, your safest move is to end the contact and verify independently.

What To Do If You Have Fallen Victim to This Scam

If you called +1-888-355-0728, or interacted with someone who directed you to that number, focus on two goals: stop further access and reduce financial and identity risk.

  1. Stop contact and preserve evidence
    End the call, stop replying, and do not negotiate.
    Then gather what you can while it is fresh: the phone number used, any “case ID,” screenshots of texts/emails/pop-ups, dates and times of calls, names they used, and any payment receipts or transaction IDs.
  2. If you gave remote access, cut it off immediately
    Disconnect your device from the internet. If the scammer is still connected, power off the computer.
    From a different, trusted device, change the password for your primary email account first. Email is often the key to resetting everything else.
    Remove the remote access tool. If you are not confident you can remove it, use a reputable local repair shop.Trend Micro and Microsoft both warn that fake pop-up warnings pressure users into calling and paying, and they recommend closing the browser and avoiding the phone number shown in the pop-up.
  3. Secure your money first (bank, cards, payment apps)
    If you gave card details, bank details, or sent money, contact your financial institutions immediately. Ask to lock or replace compromised cards, change online banking credentials, review recent transfers, and open a fraud case.
    If you paid by gift card, contact the issuer immediately and ask if the balance can be frozen. If you paid through crypto, contact the exchange you used and ask if the transaction can be flagged, even though reversals are rare.
  4. Change passwords and strengthen security
    Change passwords for any account you discussed, accessed, or mentioned during the scam. Start with email, then banking, then payment apps, then shopping accounts.
    Use unique passwords for each account and turn on 2FA, ideally using an authenticator app instead of SMS.
  5. Freeze your credit and monitor your reports
    If you shared identity details (full name, address, date of birth, SSN), take credit protection steps.
    In the United States, federal law allows consumers to place credit freezes for free and to place one-year fraud alerts for free.
    Review your credit reports for new accounts, hard inquiries, and address changes you do not recognize. The only website authorized by federal law for free credit reports from the major bureaus is AnnualCreditReport.com.
  6. Report the scam to the right places
    Reporting creates a record for you and helps agencies track patterns. For identity theft recovery steps and an official report, the U.S. government points consumers to IdentityTheft.gov.
    You can also report scams and unwanted calls through FTC and FCC resources. The FCC provides guidance on illegal calls, robotexts, and spoofing, and it accepts consumer complaints.
    • Use these official reporting portals:
      • Identity theft recovery plan (FTC): https://www.identitytheft.gov/
      • Report fraud/scams (FTC): https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
      • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): https://www.ic3.gov/
      • FCC unwanted calls and texts: https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/
      • Annual credit reports: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/
      • Microsoft report-a-scam: https://www.microsoft.com/reportascam
      • FCC caller ID spoofing guide: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/spoofing
  7. Protect yourself from follow-up scams
    After you are targeted once, you may be targeted again. Watch for “refund” claims, “recovery” services, or anyone asking for a fee to help you get money back.
    Do not pay anyone who contacts you out of nowhere claiming they can recover losses.
  8. Reduce future exposure on your phone and devices
    Let unknown calls go to voicemail. Use your phone’s built-in spam blocking features. Ask your carrier about call filtering tools. Do not click links in unexpected texts. Disable browser notification permissions for sites you do not recognize. Keep your system and browser updated.
    The FTC also maintains consumer guidance on blocking unwanted calls and reducing robocalls.
  9. If a family member was targeted, handle it calmly
    Many victims feel embarrassed, especially if money was lost. Blame and shame make recovery harder.
    Focus on securing accounts, documenting what happened, and teaching one repeatable habit: “I will call back using the official number from the company’s real website or my card.”
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How to Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware

If a pop-up scam tricked you into downloading an unwanted program — or you suspect your device is infected — follow the free, step-by-step removal guide below to find and remove it.

Before you start: this guide may look long, but that’s only because we’ve broken everything down into clear, detailed steps that anyone can follow — no technical skills needed, and every tool we use is free.
Please follow the steps in order. If you get stuck or have doubts at any point, stop and ask for help in our free support forum — our team will guide you personally.
Choose your device to get started. Browser hijackers, unwanted apps, and adware can infect Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices alike — click your operating system below to jump straight to the right instructions.

Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Windows

To remove unwanted apps and malware from your Windows PC, follow these steps:

STEP 1: Uninstall malicious programs from Windows

In this first step, we will manually check if any unknown or malicious programs are installed on the computer. Sometimes adware and browser hijackers can have a usable Uninstall entry that can be used to remove them.

  1. Open the Settings app

    Press Windows + I on your keyboard to open Settings. Alternatively, right-click the Start button and select “Settings” from the menu.

    Windows 11 taskbar, left end: the Start button with the Windows logo is highlighted (1), next to the Search box

  2. Go to “Installed apps”

    In the Settings window, click “Apps” in the sidebar, then select “Installed apps“.

    Windows 11 Settings with Apps selected in the sidebar (1) and the Installed apps page open, its Apps › Installed apps title highlighted (2); account details and app list blurred

  3. Find and uninstall the malicious program

    Scroll through the list of installed apps and look for anything suspicious — a program you don’t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name.
    Quick tip: click “Sort by” and choose “Date installed“. Malware is usually one of the most recently installed programs, so it will appear near the top.
    When you find the malicious program, click the three dots next to it and select “Uninstall“.

    Windows 11 Installed apps page: the Sort by menu is highlighted (1) and the three-dot More options button next to the first app (2); app names are blurred
    Didn’t find any suspicious programs? That’s fine — not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.

  4. Complete the uninstall

    Confirm by clicking Uninstall in the message box, then follow the remaining prompts.
    Read each prompt carefully — some malicious programs use confusing wording or pre-ticked boxes hoping you’ll click through without looking.

    Windows 11 Confirm Uninstall

Windows 10 reached the end of support on October 14, 2025, so it no longer gets regular security updates. If your PC can run it, upgrade to Windows 11. If it can’t, enroll in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates program.

  1. Open the Settings app

    Press Windows + I on your keyboard to open Settings. Alternatively, click the Start button on the taskbar and select “Settings” (the gear icon).
    Windows 10: Click the Start button then click on Settings

  2. Click on “Apps”

    In the “Windows Settings” window, click “Apps“. The “Apps & Features” section should open by default — if it doesn’t, select it from the list on the left.

    Windows 10: Click on Apps

  3. Find and uninstall the malicious program

    Scroll through the list of installed apps and look for anything suspicious — a program you don’t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name.
    Quick tip: click “Sort by” and choose “Install date“. Malware is usually one of the most recently installed programs, so it will appear near the top.
    When you find the malicious program, click on it and select “Uninstall“.

    Windows 10: Uninstall malware from Windows

    Didn’t find any suspicious programs? That’s fine — not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.

  4. Complete the uninstall

    Confirm by clicking Uninstall in the message box, then follow the remaining prompts.
    Read each prompt carefully — some malicious programs use confusing wording or pre-ticked boxes hoping you’ll click through without looking.
    Windows 10: Complete the uninstall process

Is a stubborn program refusing to uninstall? Use Revo Uninstaller to force-remove it completely, including leftover files and registry entries.

With the malicious programs removed, you’re ready for the next step in this guide.

STEP 2: Reset browsers back to default settings

In this step, we will remove spam notifications,  malicious extensions, and change to default any settings that might have been changed by malware.
Please note that a Chrome or Edge reset turns off all your extensions, and a Firefox refresh removes them. Your bookmarks and favorites stay intact. For each browser that you have installed on your computer, please click on the browsers tab below and follow the displayed steps to reset that browser.

Reset Chrome for Windows to default settings

We will now reset your Chrome browser settings to their original defaults. This will reset your startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. It will also disable all extensions and clear temporary data like cookies. Your favorites, history, and saved passwords will not be cleared.

  1. Open the Chrome menu

    Open Google Chrome and click the three-dot (⋮) icon in the top-right corner.

    Click the three-dot menu icon in Chrome

  2. Open Chrome Settings

    Select Settings from the Chrome menu.

    Select Settings from the Chrome menu

  3. Select “Reset settings”

    Look at the menu on the left side of the Settings page. Scroll down and click Reset settings.

    Click Reset settings in the Chrome sidebar

  4. Restore Chrome’s original settings

    Click Restore settings to their original defaults.

    Choose Restore settings to their original defaults


  5. Confirm the Chrome reset

    A confirmation window will appear. Click Reset settings.

    This will:

    • Restore the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page
    • Reset startup pages and pinned tabs
    • Reset site permissions, such as notifications and pop-ups
    • Disable installed extensions
    • Clear temporary cookies and website data

    Don’t worry: Chrome will not delete your bookmarks, browsing history, or saved passwords. If you’re signed in to Chrome, the reset applies on all devices where you’re signed in.

    Restart Chrome and perform a test search. If your searches now open normally in Google, you can stop here.

    If searches are still redirected through shady domains complete the additional step below.

    Confirm the Chrome reset

  6. Remove persistent search hijacker data

    Only complete this step if the redirect continues after resetting Chrome.

    Some browser hijackers hide inside Chrome’s local search-engine database. A standard Chrome reset may not remove this database, which is why searches can continue to pass through shady sites.

    The following procedure creates a backup of the affected database and allows Chrome to build a new, clean version. This is safer and less disruptive than deleting the entire Chrome profile.

    First, prevent Chrome Sync from restoring the hijacked settings:

    1. Open a new Chrome tab.
    2. Copy the following address, paste it into Chrome’s address bar, and press Enter:
      chrome://settings/syncSetup/advanced

    3. Under Manage what you sync, select Customize sync.
    4. Turn off Settings and Extensions.
    5. You can leave Bookmarks and Passwords enabled so your important data remains synchronized.

    Note: Some newer Chrome versions may automatically redirect this address to the Google Account settings page. If that happens, locate the list of synchronized Chrome data and turn off Settings and Extensions there.

    Chrome Manage what you sync page at chrome://settings/syncSetup/advanced, with Customize sync selected and arrows pointing to the Settings and Extensions switches

    Now save anything you are working on and close every Chrome window.

    Run the cleanup command:

    1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard.
    2. Type PowerShell.
    3. Open Windows PowerShell. Administrator access is not required.
    4. Copy the entire command shown below.
    5. Right-click inside the PowerShell window to paste the command, then press Enter.
    6. If Windows warns you about pasting multiple lines, select the option to continue.

    $stamp = Get-Date -Format "yyyyMMdd-HHmmss"

    Get-Process chrome -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue |
     Stop-Process -Force

    $root = "$env:LOCALAPPDATA\Google\Chrome\User Data"

    if (Test-Path $root) {
     $profiles = Get-ChildItem $root -Directory |
     Where-Object {
     $_.Name -eq "Default" -or
     $_.Name -match "^Profile \d+$"
     }

     foreach ($profile in $profiles) {
     foreach ($name in @(
     "Web Data",
     "Web Data-journal",
     "Web Data-wal",
     "Web Data-shm"
     )) {
     $file = Join-Path $profile.FullName $name

     if (Test-Path $file) {
     $backup = "$file.search-hijacker-backup-$stamp"
     Move-Item -LiteralPath $file -Destination $backup
     Write-Host "Backup created: $backup"
     }
     }
     }
    }

    Write-Host ""
    Write-Host "Chrome search data has been cleaned."
    Write-Host "You can now reopen Chrome."

    Wait until PowerShell displays the following message:

    Chrome search data has been cleaned.
    You can now reopen Chrome.
    Windows PowerShell window after the cleanup command ran, showing the backup file names and the message Chrome search data has been cleaned

    Close PowerShell and reopen Google Chrome. Chrome will automatically create a clean search database for every local profile.

    Next, copy the following address, paste it into Chrome’s address bar, and press Enter:

    chrome://settings/searchEngines
    Chrome Manage search engines and site search page with Google (Default) highlighted (1) in the Search engines list

    Make sure Google is selected as the default search engine. Test several searches from the address bar and confirm that they no longer pass through shady search engines.

    Your important Chrome data is protected: the PowerShell cleanup does not remove bookmarks, saved passwords, browsing history, cookies, or installed extensions. However, it may reset locally stored Autofill addresses, payment cards saved only on this computer, and form suggestions.

    The original search database is not deleted. PowerShell renames it and adds search-hijacker-backup to its filename so it can be recovered if necessary.

    Keep Settings and Extensions synchronization disabled while testing Chrome. Do not enable every extension at once. Enable only the extensions you recognize, one at a time, and test Chrome after each one.

    Chrome Extensions page with the demo extension Example Coupon Helper switched off: its on/off switch (1), its Remove button (2) and the Safety Check card Review 1 extension that may be unsafe (3)

    If the redirect returns after enabling a particular extension, remove that extension immediately.

Reset Firefox for Windows to default settings

We will now reset your Firefox browser settings to their default. The reset feature fixes many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information like bookmarks, passwords, web form auto-fill information, browsing history, and open tabs.

  1. Open the Firefox menu and click “Help and Report”

    Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner of Firefox to open the main menu, then select “Help and Report“.

    Firefox window, top-right corner: the Open application menu button (three horizontal lines) is highlighted (1), next to the extensions and account buttons and below the window controls

  2. Click “More troubleshooting information”

    In the Help and Report menu, click “More troubleshooting information“.

    Firefox Troubleshooting Information page (about:support) with its heading highlighted (1); the Give Firefox a tune up box is on the right

  3. Click “Refresh Firefox”

    On the “Troubleshooting Information” page, click the “Refresh Firefox” button in the “Give Firefox a tune up” box in the top-right area of the page.

    Firefox Troubleshooting Information page: the Refresh Firefox… button under Give Firefox a tune up is highlighted (1)

  4. Confirm the refresh

    In the confirmation window, click “Refresh Firefox” again. This removes extensions, themes, and customized settings — the usual hiding places for browser hijackers — while keeping your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords safe.

    Firefox Refresh Firefox to its default settings? confirmation window over the Troubleshooting Information page, with the red Refresh Firefox button highlighted (1)

  5. Click “Finish”

    Firefox will close, reset itself to default settings, and reopen with a window listing the information that was restored. Click “Finish“. Then test Firefox before you add back any extensions.

    About the “Old Firefox Data” folder: Firefox saves a copy of your old profile on your desktop. If something you need is missing after the reset, you can recover it from this folder. Otherwise, delete the folder — it contains sensitive data like passwords and cookies, and may also still hold the malicious files you just removed.

Reset Microsoft Edge to default settings

We will now reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings to their default. This will reset your startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. It will also disable all extensions and clear temporary data like cookies. Your favorites, history, and saved passwords will not be cleared.

Updated for Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 and Windows 11 — July 2026.

  1. Open the Edge menu and click “Settings”

    Open Microsoft Edge. In the top-right corner, click the three-dot (…) icon, then click Settings.

    Microsoft Edge Settings page, top part: the Settings heading is highlighted (1), with the Search settings box and the Most searched shortcuts beside it

  2. Prevent the unwanted settings from returning through Edge Sync

    If you are signed in to Microsoft Edge, a bad setting or extension may be stored in your Microsoft account and return after the reset.

    Copy the following address, paste it into the Edge address bar, and press Enter:

    edge://settings/profiles/sync

    On the Sync page, turn off these two options:

    • Settings
    • Extensions

    You can leave Favorites and Passwords turned on.

    If Edge says that sync is already off, simply continue to the next step.

    Important: Edge Sync settings are separate for each profile. If you use more than one Edge profile, switch to each affected profile and repeat this step.

    You do not need to sign out of your Microsoft account or delete the Edge profile.

  3. Open “Reset settings”

    In the left sidebar, click Reset settings.

    You can also open the reset page directly. Copy the following address, paste it into the Edge address bar, and press Enter:

    edge://settings/reset
    Microsoft Edge Settings with Reset settings highlighted in the left sidebar (1); the Reset settings page is open on the right

  4. Click “Restore settings to their default values”

    Click Restore settings to their default values.

    Microsoft Edge Reset settings page: the Restore settings to their default values row is highlighted (1)

  5. Confirm the reset

    In the confirmation dialog, click Reset.

    This resets the startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. It also disables all extensions and clears temporary site data, such as cookies.

    Don’t worry: your favorites, browsing history, and saved passwords will not be deleted.

    Microsoft Edge Reset settings confirmation dialog explaining what is reset and what is kept, with the Reset button highlighted (1)

  6. Check your extensions before turning them back on

    Copy the following address, paste it into the Edge address bar, and press Enter:

    edge://extensions

    Remove any extension you do not recognize or no longer use. Pay particular attention to extensions related to search, coupons, shopping, PDF conversion, browser protection, new tabs, or video downloading.

    Do not turn all extensions back on at the same time. Enable only the extensions you recognize and trust.

    Microsoft Edge Extensions page: the demo extension Example Coupon Helper under From other sources, with its Remove button (1) and its on/off switch, switched off (2)

  7. Select a trusted search engine

    Copy the following address, paste it into the Edge address bar, and press Enter:

    edge://settings/searchEngines

    Select Bing, Google, DuckDuckGo, or another search provider you trust and make it the default. This address opens the list of search engines; the default is set one page back, on Address bar and search, under Search engine used in the address bar.

    Remove any unknown search engines from the list, especially providers with strange names or addresses that you did not add yourself: click More actions (…) next to the engine and remove it.

    Restart Edge and perform a search from the address bar. If searches are no longer redirected, you can stop here.

    Microsoft Edge Search engines list with the demo engine Search Results Example (1) and its More actions button (2); below, the Address bar and search page with the Search engine used in the address bar menu showing Bing (Default) (3)

  8. If the redirect remains, clean the corrupted search data without deleting the Edge profile

    Use this additional step only if Edge continues to redirect searches after the normal reset.

    This command cleans the search-engine database from every local Edge profile while keeping your favorites, saved passwords, browsing history, cookies, and profiles.

    Before continuing: save anything you are working on because the command will close Microsoft Edge.

    1. Open the Windows Start menu.
    2. Type PowerShell.
    3. Open Windows PowerShell. Administrator access is not required.
    4. Copy the entire command below.
    5. Paste it into PowerShell and press Enter.
    $stamp = Get-Date -Format "yyyyMMdd-HHmmss"
$root = Join-Path $env:LOCALAPPDATA "Microsoft\Edge\User Data"

Get-Process -Name msedge -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue |
    Stop-Process -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue

Start-Sleep -Seconds 2

if (-not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $root)) {
    Write-Host "The Microsoft Edge profile folder was not found:"
    Write-Host $root
    return
}

$profiles = Get-ChildItem -LiteralPath $root -Directory |
    Where-Object {
        $_.Name -eq "Default" -or
        $_.Name -match "^Profile \d+$"
    }

$movedFiles = 0

foreach ($profile in $profiles) {
    foreach ($name in @(
        "Web Data",
        "Web Data-journal",
        "Web Data-wal",
        "Web Data-shm"
    )) {
        $file = Join-Path $profile.FullName $name

        if (Test-Path -LiteralPath $file) {
            $backup = "$file.search-reset-backup-$stamp"

            try {
                Move-Item -LiteralPath $file -Destination $backup -ErrorAction Stop
                Write-Host "Cleaned: $($profile.Name)\$name"
                $movedFiles++
            }
            catch {
                Write-Warning "Could not clean: $file"
            }
        }
    }
}

Write-Host ""

if ($movedFiles -gt 0) {
    Write-Host "Microsoft Edge search data has been cleaned." -ForegroundColor Green
    Write-Host "You can now reopen Microsoft Edge."
}
else {
    Write-Host "No Edge search database files were found." -ForegroundColor Yellow
}

    The command does not permanently delete the original files. It renames them as backup files, and Edge creates a clean search database when it starts again.

    Note: this additional cleanup may also reset saved form-fill suggestions, saved addresses, payment cards saved only on this computer, and manually added search engines. It does not delete favorites, passwords, or browsing history.

  9. Reopen Edge and test the browser

    Open Microsoft Edge again, visit edge://settings/searchEngines, and select your preferred search engine (one page back, on Address bar and search, under Search engine used in the address bar).

    Perform several searches from the address bar to confirm that the redirect is gone.

    Keep synchronization for Settings and Extensions turned off until you are certain that the computer and extensions are clean. If you enable them again, turn them on one at a time and test Edge after each change.

    Microsoft Edge Search engines list with the demo engine Search Results Example (1) and its More actions button (2); below, the Address bar and search page with the Search engine used in the address bar menu showing Bing (Default) (3)

  10. If Edge still redirects your searches

    Open edge://policy. If this is your personal computer and Edge displays unknown policies such as ExtensionInstallForcelist or DefaultSearchProvider, the hijacker may be installed outside the browser profile.

    In that situation, continue with the next malware-removal steps and run a complete antivirus scan. If the computer belongs to a company or school, contact its IT administrator before changing any policies.

    Microsoft Edge Policies page, Microsoft Edge Policies table with the message No policies set highlighted (1)

STEP 3: Use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to remove malware and unwanted programs

In this third step, we will install Malwarebytes to scan and remove any infections, adware, or potentially unwanted programs that may be present on your computer.

Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan your PC and remove what Malwarebytes finds.

  1. Download Malwarebytes

    Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.

    Malwarebytes Free for WindowsScans and removes malware at no cost
    Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for Windows 11 and 10. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium

  2. Install Malwarebytes

    When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.

    Windows File Explorer Downloads folder with the Malwarebytes setup file highlighted

  3. Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes

    The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:

    • Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.

      Malwarebytes Setup asking you to choose a protection type, with Personal selected

    • Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.

      Malwarebytes Setup installing the program, with the progress at 92 percent

    • When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.

      Welcome to Malwarebytes screen with the Get started button highlighted

    • On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.

      Malwarebytes Setup success screen with the Open Malwarebytes button highlighted

  4. Optional: Check for rootkits with a Custom Scan

    You don’t need to change any settings for a normal scan. The standard Threat Scan in the next step is enough for most problems, so you can go straight to it.

    If you also want to check for rootkits, use a Custom Scan. In current versions of Malwarebytes, rootkit scanning is only available there:

    1. On the Scanner tile, click the three-dot menu and select Advanced Scan.
    2. Choose Custom Scan. In its options, check Scan for rootkits.
    3. Select your system drive (usually C:\) as the location to scan, then start the scan. It takes longer than a Threat Scan.
    4. When it finishes, review and quarantine the results as described in the steps below.

    Rootkit scanning isn’t available on Windows devices with ARM processors.

  5. Start the Scan

    Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.

    Malwarebytes dashboard with the Scan button on the Scanner tile highlighted

  6. Wait for the Scan to Finish

    The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on your computer. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.

    Malwarebytes Threat Scan in progress, listing the scan stages and the number of items scanned

  7. Quarantine the Detected Threats

    When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.

    Malwarebytes Threat Scan results listing detected potentially unwanted programs, with the Quarantine button highlighted

    Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.

    Malwarebytes moving the selected detections to quarantine

  8. Restart Your Computer

    Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, Malwarebytes has finished removing the threats it found.

    Malwarebytes message asking to restart the computer to finish the removal, with the Yes button highlighted

STEP 4: Use HitmanPro to scan your computer for badware

In this next step, we will scan the computer with HitmanPro to check for any other malicious programs that may be installed on your device.

HitmanPro is a second-opinion scanner — it’s designed to catch what your main antivirus might have missed. Instead of relying on a single detection engine, it checks the behavior of files in the locations where malware usually hides. Anything suspicious is checked online, where it’s analyzed by several antivirus engines in HitmanPro’s Scan Cloud.

Good news: scanning is completely free, with no limits. You only need a license when it’s time to remove what was found — and even then, you can activate a free one-time 30-day trial to remove what it finds at no cost. The trial works once per computer. After that, removal needs a paid license, and the purchase screen shows the current price.

  1. Download HitmanPro

    Click the button below to download HitmanPro. Remember — the scan is free, so you have nothing to lose by checking your PC.

    HitmanProSecond-opinion malware scanner from Sophos
    Download HitmanProFree scan. Removing threats needs the free 30-day trial. Opens the official HitmanPro page in a new tab.

  2. Install HitmanPro

    When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the file “hitmanpro_x64.exe”. (On 32-bit Windows 10, the file is named “hitmanpro.exe”.)

    Double-click on the HitmanPro file

    If a User Account Control pop-up asks whether HitmanPro can make changes to your device, click “Yes” to continue.

    Windows asking for permissions to run the HitmanPro setup

  3. Follow the On-Screen Prompts

    On the HitmanPro start screen, click “Next” to begin the system scan. No lengthy setup required — it goes straight to work.

    Click Next to install HitmanPro on your PC
    HitmanPro final installer screen

  4. Wait for the Scan to Finish

    HitmanPro will now check your computer for malicious programs. This usually takes just a few minutes thanks to its cloud-based scanning.
    HitmanPro scans your computer for any infections, adware, or potentially unwanted programs that may be present

  5. Review the Results and Click “Next”

    When the scan is done, HitmanPro will show you everything it found. Click “Next” to remove the detected threats.

    HitmanPro scan summary. Click Next to remove malware

  6. Click “Activate Free License”

    To remove the malicious files, click the “Activate free license” button. This starts your free 30-day trial — no payment details needed — and unlocks the full cleanup.
    Click on the Activate free license button

    When the removal is complete, HitmanPro will show a summary of everything it cleaned. Click Next, then click Reboot if prompted. If there’s no reboot prompt, click Close. Then check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they come back, save the HitmanPro log and ask for help in our forum.

STEP 5: Use AdwCleaner to remove adware and malicious browser policies

In this final step, we will use AdwCleaner to remove the malicious browser policies that were set by browser hijackers on your computer and delete malicious browser extensions.

AdwCleaner is a free on-demand scanner that specializes in adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted toolbars — the exact threats that mainstream antivirus programs often miss. It also includes tools that repair the damage malware leaves behind, like hijacked browser settings and malicious policies. It’s a quick scan that’s well worth running.

  1. Download AdwCleaner

    Click the button below to download AdwCleaner — it’s free, portable, and requires no installation.

    Malwarebytes AdwCleanerRemoves adware and unwanted programs at no cost
    Download AdwCleanerOpens the official download page in a new tab.

  2. Run AdwCleaner

    Open your Downloads folder and double-click the file named “adwcleaner.exe“. There’s no installation — the program starts right away.
    Download AdwCleaner on your computer

    If Windows asks whether you want to allow AdwCleaner to run, click “Yes“. When the license agreement appears, click I agree to continue.

    Windows ask if you want to run AdwCleaner

  3. Leave “Reset Chrome policies” off unless you need it

    AdwCleaner can reset Chrome policies, the settings that malware sometimes uses to lock your browser so you can’t change it back. This option removes every Chrome policy, including legitimate ones set by an employer, a school, or parental-control software, so leave it off for a normal scan.

    AdwCleaner applies this option only if you run Basic Repair at the end of the cleanup. Malwarebytes advises running Basic Repair only when a support agent asks you to, and it also runs every other repair action that is turned on in the same list. If this is your own personal PC and chrome://policy in Chrome lists policies you didn’t set, ask for help in our forum instead. On a work or school computer, ask the IT administrator.

  4. Start the Scan

    Click “Dashboard” on the left side of the window, then click the “Scan Now” button.

    Click on Scan to start a AdwCleaner scan

  5. Wait for the Scan to Finish

    AdwCleaner will now check your computer for adware and other malware. This usually takes only a few minutes — it’s one of the fastest scanners around.

    AdwCleaner scanning for adware and other malware

  6. Quarantine the Detected Threats

    When the scan finishes, AdwCleaner lists everything it found. Review the list and uncheck any program you installed on purpose and want to keep, then click Next. If AdwCleaner also found preinstalled software, it shows that list next. Review it the same way, then click “Quarantine“. Older versions show the Quarantine button on the first list, as in the image below.

    Click on Quarantine to remove malware

  7. Click “Continue” to Finish the Cleanup

    Save any open work first — AdwCleaner needs to close your open programs before it can clean. When you’re ready, click the “Continue” button.
    Click Continue to remove malicious files

    AdwCleaner will now move the selected items to quarantine. If it asks you to restart your PC, allow it. When you’re back in Windows, AdwCleaner may offer a Basic Repair. Click Skip Basic Repair. Malwarebytes recommends running Basic Repair only when a support agent asks you to. Then check whether the problems you noticed have stopped.

When you’ve finished these steps, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they continue, see the options below.

Keep your PC protectedStop the next infection before it starts
If your antivirus let this threat through, it may not be enough on its own. Malwarebytes Premium adds real-time protection that blocks malware, ransomware, and malicious websites before they can infect your computer.See Malwarebytes Premium

If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:

Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Mac

To remove unwanted apps and malware from your Mac, follow these steps:

STEP 1: Remove malicious profiles

Profiles are used by IT admins in businesses to control the behavior of their Macs. These profiles can configure a Mac to do many different things, some of which are not otherwise possible.
When it comes to home users, adware and browser hijackers are using the configuration profile to prevent users from removing malicious programs from the computer. This also prevents the user from changing that behavior in the browser’s settings.

In this first step, we will check your computer to see if any configuration profiles are installed. To do this, follow the below steps:

  1. Open “System Settings”

    From the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of the screen, select System Settings. (On macOS Monterey and earlier, this is called System Preferences.)

    Illustration: the Mac menu bar with the Apple menu, drawn as a labeled box, marked 1 and System Settings in the open menu marked 2

  2. Look for “Profiles”

    Where you find configuration profiles depends on your version of macOS:

    macOS Sequoia (15) and later: click General in the sidebar, then click Device Management. You may need to scroll down.

    Illustration: System Settings on a Mac: General in the sidebar is marked 1 and Device Management in the General pane is marked 2

    macOS Ventura (13) and Sonoma (14): click Privacy & Security in the sidebar, then click Profiles near the bottom.

    macOS Monterey (12) and earlier: in System Preferences, click Profiles.

    You can also type “Profiles” in the search box.

    No profiles listed, or no Profiles section at all? That means no configuration profiles are installed on your Mac, which is completely normal. Skip ahead to the next step of this guide.

  3. Remove the malicious profiles

    Malware uses configuration profiles to lock your browser settings — forcing a fake search engine or homepage on you and preventing you from changing it back. If you see a profile you don’t recognize (and your Mac isn’t managed by your workplace or school), select it, press the − (minus) button, and click Remove to confirm.

    Illustration: the Device Management settings on a Mac: an unknown profile in the list is marked 1 and the minus (Remove) button below the list is marked 2

STEP 2: Delete malicious apps

In this second step, we will try to identify and remove any malicious apps and files that might be installed on your computer. Sometimes redirects or adware programs can have usable Uninstall entries that can be used to remove these programs.

  1. Quit the malicious programs

    Check the Apple menu bar in the top-right corner of your screen. If you see an icon you don’t recognize, click it and select Quit. This stops the malware from running so it can’t interfere while we remove it.

  2. Open “Finder”

    Click the Finder icon in your dock.

    Illustration: the Mac Dock with the Finder icon, drawn as a plain window glyph and labeled Finder, marked 1

  3. Click on “Applications”

    In the Finder sidebar, click “Applications“.

    Illustration: a Finder window on a Mac with Applications in the sidebar marked 1

  4. Find and remove the malicious app

    Scroll through the list of installed apps and look for anything suspicious — an app you don’t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name. When you find it, right-click it and select “Move to Trash“.

    Some known malicious programs to look for: SearchMine, TakeFresh, TopResults, FeedBack, ApplicationEvents, GeneralOpen, PowerLog, MessengerNow, ImagePrime, GeneralNetSearch, Reading Cursors, GlobalTechSearch, PDFOnline-express, See Scenic Elf, MatchKnowledge, Easy Speedtest, and WebDiscover. The names change constantly, though — so treat any app you can’t account for as suspect.

    Illustration: the Applications folder in Finder: an unfamiliar app is marked 1 and Move to Trash in its right-click menu is marked 2

  5. Empty the Trash

    Before you empty the Trash, check that it doesn’t hold anything else you want to keep, because emptying it permanently deletes everything in it. Then right-click the Trash icon in your dock and select “Empty Trash“.

    Illustration: the right end of the Mac Dock: the Trash icon is marked 1 and Empty Trash in its right-click menu is marked 2

  6. Check login items and background apps

    Malware often sets itself to start automatically. Open the Apple menu > System Settings, click General, then click Login Items & Extensions (called Login Items in macOS Ventura and Sonoma). Look for apps you don’t recognize in the list of items that open at login and in the list of apps allowed to run in the background. Select an unwanted item and click the Remove (−) button, or turn off its switch.

    Illustration: Login Items & Extensions settings on a Mac: General in the sidebar is marked 1, the minus (Remove) button under Open at Login is marked 2, and an item's switch under App Background Activity is marked 3

    This check doesn’t delete any files. Note the names you find, because they help you spot related files in the next step.

  7. Find and remove the malicious files

    Malware on Mac uses launch agents and launch daemons — small files that automatically restart the malware every time you boot your Mac. We’ll check the four folders where they hide:

    1. Click the desktop to make sure you’re in Finder, then open the “Go” menu and click “Go to Folder“.
      Illustration: the Finder menu bar on a Mac: the Go menu is marked 1 and Go to Folder in it is marked 2
    2. Copy and paste each of the paths below into the window, one at a time, then double-click the matching folder that appears:
      • /Library/LaunchAgents
      • ~/Library/LaunchAgents
      • /Library/Application Support
      • /Library/LaunchDaemons
      Illustration: the Go to Folder window on a Mac: the path /Library/LaunchAgents typed in the field is marked 1 and the matching LaunchAgents folder below it is marked 2

    3. In each folder, look for suspicious .plist files — typically named after the malware or with odd, random-looking names. Examples seen in past infections include “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, and “com.myppes.net-preferences.plist”. A name alone is not proof. For example, “com.adobe.fpsaud.plist” belongs to Adobe’s own Flash Player updater. When you find a malicious file, move it to the Trash — then empty the Trash again when you’re done.
      Be careful: these folders also contain files belonging to legitimate apps — especially /Library/Application Support, where programs like Adobe, Google, and Microsoft store their data. Only delete files you’re confident are malicious. If you’re unsure about a file, search its exact name online first, or leave it in place and continue with the Malwarebytes scan later in this guide.

STEP 3: Reset browsers back to default settings

In this third step, we will remove spam push notifications and malicious extensions, and change to default any settings that might have been changed by malware.
For each browser that you have installed on your computer, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps to reset that browser.

Remove malicious extensions and settings from Safari

To remove malware from Safari we will check if there are any malicious extensions installed on your browser and what settings have been changed by this malicious program.

  1. Go to Safari’s “Settings”.

    On the menu bar, click the “Safari” menu and select “Settings”. In older versions of Safari, this menu item is called “Preferences”.

    Illustration: the Safari menu on a Mac: the Safari menu in the menu bar is marked 1 and Settings in it is marked 2

  2. Check Homepage.

    This will open a new window with your Safari settings, opened to the “General” tab. Some browser hijackers may change your default homepage, so in the Homepage field make sure it’s a web page you want to use as your start-up page.

    Illustration: Safari's settings window on the General tab: the General tab is marked 1 and the Homepage field is marked 2

  3. Click “Extensions”

    Next, click on the “Extensions” tab.

    Illustration: Safari's settings window with the Extensions tab in the toolbar marked 1

  4. Find and uninstall malicious extensions.

    The “Extensions” screen will be displayed with a list of all the extensions installed on Safari. Look out for any suspicious browser extension that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine extension. By default, there are no extensions installed on Safari so it’s safe to remove an extension

    Illustration: Safari's Extensions settings: an unknown extension in the list is marked 1 and the Uninstall button is marked 2

  5. Remove spam notifications ads

    In Safari’s settings, click Websites, then click Notifications. Find the website that sends the spam notifications, then choose Deny from the menu next to it.

    To stop other websites from asking, you can also deselect “Allow websites to ask for permission to send notifications“. This only blocks new requests. It doesn’t turn off websites you already allowed, so deny those websites as well.

    You can also turn off a website’s notifications in System Settings > Notifications. Under Application Notifications, click the website and turn off Allow Notifications.

    Illustration: Safari's Websites settings: the Websites tab is marked 1, Notifications in the left list is marked 2, and the Deny menu next to a spam site is marked 3
    Illustration: System Settings on a Mac: Notifications in the sidebar is marked 1 and a website listed under Application Notifications is marked 2

  6. Remove the data stored by the unwanted website.

    In the Safari menu, choose “Settings…”, select “Privacy” at the top of the new window that appears, and then click the “Manage Website Data” button.

    Illustration: Safari's settings window on the Privacy tab: the Privacy tab is marked 1 and the Manage Website Data button is marked 2

    In the next dialog box, search for or select the website that showed the spam or redirects, then click “Remove“. Click Done when you’re finished.

    Illustration: Safari's website data list: the spam site's entry is marked 1 and the Remove button is marked 2; Remove All is shown but not marked

    Avoid “Remove All” unless you really need it. It deletes the data of every website and can sign you out of all of them.

  7. Empty Safari Caches.

    From your Safari menu bar, click Safari and select Settings, then select the Advanced tab. Enable the checkbox “Show features for web developers“. In older versions of Safari, this checkbox is called “Show Develop menu in menu bar”.

    Illustration: Safari's settings window on the Advanced tab: the Advanced tab is marked 1 and the Show features for web developers checkbox is marked 2

    From the menu bar select Develop, then click on Empty Caches as seen in the image below.

    Illustration: Safari's menu bar on a Mac: the Develop menu is marked 1 and Empty Caches in it is marked 2
Remove malware from Chrome for Mac

To remove malware from Chrome for Mac we will reset the browser settings to their defaults. This restores the default search engine, homepage, new tab page, and pinned tabs. It also resets site permissions, clears cookies and site data, and turns off your extensions and themes. Your bookmarks and saved passwords are not deleted. If you’re signed in to Chrome, the reset applies on all devices where you’re signed in.

  1. Click on the three dots at the top right and go to Settings.

    Click on Chrome’s main menu button, represented by three dots at the top right corner. Now click on the menu option labeled Settings, which will open the basic settings screen, as shown by the numbered box in the picture below.
    Google Chrome Settings screen (signed out) with the Settings title highlighted (1); the left sidebar lists You and Google down to Reset settings and About Chrome

  2. In the left sidebar, click on the “Reset settings” option.

    In the left sidebar, click on “Reset settings“.
    Google Chrome Settings, lower part of the left sidebar: Reset settings is highlighted (1) between System and Extensions

  3. Click “Restore settings to their original defaults”.

    Now click on “Restore settings to their original defaults” as shown in the image below.
    Google Chrome Reset settings page: the Restore settings to their original defaults row is highlighted (1)

  4. Click “Reset settings” button.

    A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, click on the “Reset settings” button.
    Google Chrome Reset settings? confirmation dialog listing what the reset does, with the blue Reset settings button highlighted (1)

  5. (Optional) Stop sync from bringing the problem back.

    If a malicious extension or setting comes back after the reset, Chrome sync may be restoring it from your Google Account. Open Chrome Settings > You and Google. If you see Sync and Google services > Manage what you sync, choose Customize sync and turn off Settings and Extensions. In newer versions of Chrome, click your account name, then Choose what to save in your Google Account, and turn off the same two items. Then remove the unwanted extension again.
    Don’t use the “Delete data” or “Clear data” option on your Google Account’s Chrome data page to fix this. It deletes the Chrome data saved in your Google Account, such as synced bookmarks, passwords, and history, and you don’t need it to remove an extension.
Remove malware from Firefox for Mac

To remove malware from Firefox for Mac we will reset the browser settings to its default. The reset feature fixes many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information like bookmarks, passwords, web form auto-fill information, browsing history, and open tabs.

  1. Go to the “Help and Report” menu.

    Click on Firefox’s main menu button, represented by three horizontal lines. When the drop-down menu appears, select the option labeled “Help and Report“.

    Right end of the Firefox toolbar: the three-line main menu button is highlighted (1), to the right of the extensions and account buttons

  2. Click “More troubleshooting information”.

    Next click on the “More troubleshooting information” option. This opens the Troubleshooting Information page, as shown by the numbered box in the image below. You can also open it by typing about:support in the address bar.

    Top of Firefox's Troubleshooting Information page, the page that about:support opens, with the page title highlighted (1)

  3. Click on “Refresh Firefox”

    Click the “Refresh Firefox” button in the “Give Firefox a tune up” box in the upper-right corner of the “Troubleshooting Information” page.

    Give Firefox a tune up box in the upper-right corner of Firefox's Troubleshooting Information page, with Refresh Firefox… highlighted (1)

  4. Confirm.

    To continue, click on the “Refresh Firefox” button in the new confirmation window that opens.

    Firefox confirmation window asking to refresh Firefox to its default settings, with the Refresh Firefox button highlighted (1) next to Cancel

  5. Click on “Finish”.

    Firefox will close itself and will revert to its default settings. When it’s done, a window will list the information that was imported. Click on the “Finish“.

Your old Firefox profile will be placed on your desktop in a folder named “Old Firefox Data“. If the reset didn’t fix your problem you can restore some of the information not saved by copying files to the new profile that was created. If you don’t need this folder any longer, you should delete it as it contains sensitive information.

STEP 4: Run a scan with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware

In this final step, we will scan the computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to find and remove any malicious programs that might be installed on your Mac.

Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan your Mac and remove what Malwarebytes finds.

  1. Download Malwarebytes for Mac

    Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.

    Malwarebytes Free for MacScans and removes malware at no cost
    Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for macOS. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium

  2. Open the Malwarebytes setup file

    When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.

    Double-click on setup file to install Malwarebytes

  3. Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes

    The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.

    Click Continue to install Malwarebytes for Mac

    Click again on Continue to install Malwarebytes for Mac

    Click Install to install Malwarebytes on Mac

    When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.

    Malwarebytes needs Full Disk Access to check your whole Mac. When it asks, open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access, turn on Malwarebytes (it may be listed as Malwarebytes Protection), and confirm with your password or Touch ID. Then return to Malwarebytes. On macOS Monterey and earlier, this setting is in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.

  4. Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”

    Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
    Select Personal Computer or Work Computer mac

  5. Start the Scan

    Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
    Click on Scan button to start a system scan Mac

  6. Wait for the Scan to Finish

    Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
    Wait for Malwarebytes for Mac to scan for malware

  7. Quarantine the Detected Threats

    When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
    Review the malicious programs and click on Quarantine to remove malware

  8. Restart Your Mac

    Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they come back, save the scan report and ask for help in our forum.
    Malwarebytes For Mac requesting to restart computer

When you’ve finished these steps, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they continue, see the options below.

Keep your Mac protectedStop the next infection before it starts
If your Mac got infected, its built-in protection may not be enough on its own. Malwarebytes Premium for Mac adds real-time protection that blocks malware and adware before they can infect your Mac.See Malwarebytes Premium

If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.

Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Android

To remove unwanted apps and malware from your Android phone or tablet, follow these steps:

STEP 1: Uninstall malicious apps

In this first step, we will check if any malicious apps are installed on your phone. Sometimes browser hijackers or adware apps can have usable Uninstall entries that can be used to remove these apps.

  1. Open the “Settings” menu.

    Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.

    Illustration: an Android app screen with a grid of grey app icons; the Settings app, drawn as a plain gear, is marked 1

  2. Tap on “Apps”.

    When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” to see all the installed applications on your phone. On Pixel and some other phones, tap “See all apps” next.

    Illustration: Android Settings on a Pixel and a Samsung phone: Apps is marked 1 on both, and See all apps on the Pixel's Apps screen is marked 2

  3. Find the malicious app.

    The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the applications that are installed on your phone. Scroll through the list and look out for any suspicious app that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program.
    Most often, cyber criminals hide malware inside video or photo editing apps, weather apps, and camera apps.

    Illustration: the Android app list on a Pixel (All apps) and a Samsung phone (Apps), with an unfamiliar app marked 1 on both

  4. Uninstall the malicious app

    When you find a suspicious or malicious app, tap on it to uninstall it. This won’t start the app but will open up the app details screen. If the app is currently running press the “Force stop” button, then tap on “Uninstall”.

    Illustration: an Android app's details screen with Force stop marked 1 and Uninstall marked 2, next to the confirmation dialog with OK marked 3

    A confirmation dialog should be displayed to confirm you want to uninstall the app, tap on “OK” to remove the malicious app from your phone.

Can’t uninstall an app? It may have device admin rights. Open Settings, search for Device admin apps, turn off the app there, and then uninstall it. Don’t remove an app that your work or school uses to manage the phone. Google Play Protect also checks your apps: in the Play Store, tap your profile icon, then tap Play Protect to see whether it found anything harmful.

STEP 2: Stop spam notifications and redirects in your browser

In this second step, we will stop spam notifications in your browser. If unwanted pages or redirects still appear after that, we will reset the browser by clearing its app storage. That is a last resort, because it can delete data that isn’t synced.

Android browsers don’t have a single “reset settings” button like browsers on a computer, but they do let you control what each website is allowed to do. Start with the least disruptive fix: block the spam site’s notifications in the browser’s settings. In Chrome, you can also delete cookies and site data: tap More (three dots) > Delete browsing data.

Clear the browser’s app storage only if unwanted pages or redirects keep coming back. It works like a full reset, but it also deletes data that isn’t synced, so treat it as a last resort.

Remove malware from Chrome for Android

First, block the spam site’s notifications:

  1. Open Chrome, tap the More button (three dots) in the top-right corner, and tap Settings.
    Illustration: Chrome for Android with the three-dot More button marked 1 and Settings in the menu it opens marked 2
  2. Tap Site settings, then tap Notifications.
    Illustration: two Chrome for Android settings screens: Site settings under Advanced is marked 1, and Notifications on the Site settings screen is marked 2
  3. Find the spam site in the list and turn off the switch next to it, or tap the site and block its notifications. To stop other sites from asking, you can also turn off the switch at the top.
    Illustration: Chrome for Android's Notifications settings page: the spam site's row and its switch are marked 1, and the switch at the top of the page is marked 2

If unwanted pages or redirects keep appearing, clear Chrome’s storage (last resort):

Before you clear storage: this deletes everything Chrome has stored on your phone, including open tabs, website sign-ins, and settings. Bookmarks and passwords that are synced to your account come back when you sign in again, but anything that isn’t synced is lost. Skip this part if blocking the notifications fixed the problem.

  1. Open the “Settings” menu.

    Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.

    Illustration: an Android app screen with a grid of grey app icons; the Settings app, drawn as a plain gear, is marked 1

  2. Tap on “Apps”.

    When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” to see all the installed applications on your phone.

    Illustration: Android Settings on a Pixel and a Samsung phone: Apps is marked 1 on both, and See all apps on the Pixel's Apps screen is marked 2

  3. Find and tap on Chrome.

    The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your phone. Scroll through the list until you find the Chrome app, then tap on it to open the app’s details.

    Illustration: the Android app list on a Pixel (All apps) and a Samsung phone (Apps), with Chrome marked 1 on both

  4. Tap “Storage”.

    When Chrome’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage” (on Pixel phones, “Storage & cache“).

    Illustration: the Chrome app details screen on a Pixel, with Storage & cache marked 1, and on a Samsung phone, with Storage marked 1

  5. Tap “Manage Space”.

    Under the storage settings, tap “Manage space” (called “Manage storage” on some phones). Don’t tap “Clear cache”, because it doesn’t reset Chrome.
    Tap on Manage Storage

  6. Tap “Clear all data”.

    Tap “Clear all data” to delete all Chrome’s data including accounts, bookmarks, and your settings to reset the default settings.
    Tap on Clear All Data

  7. Confirm by tapping “Ok”.

    A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, tap “Ok“.
    Tap Ok to restore default settings

Remove malware from Firefox for Android

First, block the spam site’s notifications:

  1. Open Firefox, tap the menu button (three dots), and tap Settings.
  2. Tap Site permissions, then tap Exceptions.
  3. Tap the spam site, then set Notification to Blocked.
  4. Optional: to stop other sites from asking, go back to Site permissions, tap Notification, and choose Blocked.

If unwanted pages or redirects keep appearing, clear Firefox’s storage (last resort):

Before you clear storage: this deletes everything Firefox has stored on your phone, including open tabs, website sign-ins, and settings. Bookmarks and passwords that are synced to your account come back when you sign in again, but anything that isn’t synced is lost. Skip this part if blocking the notifications fixed the problem.

  1. Open the “Settings” menu.

    Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.

    Illustration: an Android app screen with a grid of grey app icons; the Settings app, drawn as a plain gear, is marked 1

  2. Tap on “Apps”.

    When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” to see all the installed applications on your phone.

    Illustration: Android Settings on a Pixel and a Samsung phone: Apps is marked 1 on both, and See all apps on the Pixel's Apps screen is marked 2

  3. Find and tap on Firefox.

    The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your phone. Scroll through the list until you find the Firefox app, then tap on it to open the app’s details.

    Illustration: the Android app list on a Pixel (All apps) and a Samsung phone (Apps), with Firefox marked 1 on both

  4. Tap “Storage”.

    When Firefox’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage” (on Pixel phones, “Storage & cache“).

    Illustration: the Firefox app details screen on a Pixel, with Storage & cache marked 1, and on a Samsung phone, with Storage marked 1

  5. Tap “Clear storage” or “Clear data”.

    Tap “Clear storage” (called “Clear data” on Samsung phones). If you see “Manage space” or “Manage storage” instead, tap it, then tap “Clear all data“. Don’t use “Clear cache” for this step, because it doesn’t reset the browser.

    Illustration: an app's storage screen on a Pixel, with Clear storage marked 1, and on a Samsung phone, with Clear data marked 1; Clear cache is shown but not marked

  6. Confirm by tapping “OK”.

    A confirmation dialog will appear. Tap “OK” or “Delete” to finish. When you open Firefox again, sign back in and turn sync back on if you use it.

    Illustration: the confirmation dialog after clearing an app's storage: OK is marked 1 on a Pixel and Delete is marked 1 on a Samsung phone

Remove malware from the Opera browser

First, block the spam site’s notifications:

  1. Open Opera, open the Opera menu, and tap Settings.
  2. Tap Site settings, then tap Notifications.
  3. Find the spam site and block it. Don’t just remove it from the list, because a removed site can ask again.

If unwanted pages or redirects keep appearing, clear Opera’s storage (last resort):

Before you clear storage: this deletes everything Opera has stored on your phone, including open tabs, website sign-ins, and settings. Bookmarks and passwords that are synced to your account come back when you sign in again, but anything that isn’t synced is lost. Skip this part if blocking the notifications fixed the problem.

  1. Open the “Settings” menu.

    Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.

    Illustration: an Android app screen with a grid of grey app icons; the Settings app, drawn as a plain gear, is marked 1

  2. Tap on “Apps”.

    When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” to see all the installed applications on your phone.

    Illustration: Android Settings on a Pixel and a Samsung phone: Apps is marked 1 on both, and See all apps on the Pixel's Apps screen is marked 2

  3. Find and tap on Opera.

    The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your phone. Scroll through the list until you find the Opera app, then tap on it to open the app’s details.

    Illustration: the Android app list on a Pixel (All apps) and a Samsung phone (Apps), with Opera marked 1 on both

  4. Tap “Storage”.

    When Opera’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage” (on Pixel phones, “Storage & cache“).

    Illustration: the Opera app details screen on a Pixel, with Storage & cache marked 1, and on a Samsung phone, with Storage marked 1

  5. Tap “Clear storage” or “Clear data”.

    Tap “Clear storage” (called “Clear data” on Samsung phones). If you see “Manage space” or “Manage storage” instead, tap it, then tap “Clear all data“. Don’t use “Clear cache” for this step, because it doesn’t reset the browser.

    Illustration: an app's storage screen on a Pixel, with Clear storage marked 1, and on a Samsung phone, with Clear data marked 1; Clear cache is shown but not marked

  6. Confirm by tapping “OK”.

    A confirmation dialog will appear. Tap “OK” or “Delete” to finish. When you open Opera again, sign back in and turn sync back on if you use it.

    Illustration: the confirmation dialog after clearing an app's storage: OK is marked 1 on a Pixel and Delete is marked 1 on a Samsung phone

Remove malware from Samsung Internet

First, block the spam site’s notifications:

  1. Open your phone’s Settings app and tap Notifications.
    Illustration: the Settings app on a Samsung Galaxy phone with Notifications marked 1
  2. Tap App notifications, then tap Samsung Internet.
    Illustration: two Samsung notification settings screens: App notifications is marked 1, and Samsung Internet in the app list is marked 2
  3. Under Sites, turn off the switch for the spam website.
    Illustration: Samsung Internet's notification settings on a Samsung Galaxy phone: under Sites, the spam site's row and switch are marked 1

If unwanted pages or redirects keep appearing, clear Samsung Internet’s storage (last resort):

Before you clear storage: this deletes everything Samsung Internet has stored on your phone, including open tabs, website sign-ins, and settings. Bookmarks and passwords that are synced to your account come back when you sign in again, but anything that isn’t synced is lost. Skip this part if blocking the notifications fixed the problem.

  1. Open the “Settings” menu.

    Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.

    Illustration: an Android app screen with a grid of grey app icons; the Settings app, drawn as a plain gear, is marked 1

  2. Tap on “Apps”.

    When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” to see all the installed applications on your phone.

    Illustration: Android Settings on a Pixel and a Samsung phone: Apps is marked 1 on both, and See all apps on the Pixel's Apps screen is marked 2

  3. Find and tap on Samsung Internet.

    The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your phone. Scroll through the list until you find the Samsung Internet app, then tap on it to open the app’s details.

    Illustration: the Android app list on a Pixel (All apps) and a Samsung phone (Apps), with Samsung Internet marked 1 on both

  4. Tap “Storage”.

    When Samsung Internet’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage” (on Pixel phones, “Storage & cache“).

    Illustration: the Samsung Internet app details screen on a Pixel, with Storage & cache marked 1, and on a Samsung phone, with Storage marked 1

  5. Tap “Clear storage” or “Clear data”.

    Tap “Clear storage” (called “Clear data” on Samsung phones). If you see “Manage space” or “Manage storage” instead, tap it, then tap “Clear all data“. Don’t use “Clear cache” for this step, because it doesn’t reset the browser.

    Illustration: an app's storage screen on a Pixel, with Clear storage marked 1, and on a Samsung phone, with Clear data marked 1; Clear cache is shown but not marked

  6. Confirm by tapping “OK”.

    A confirmation dialog will appear. Tap “OK” or “Delete” to finish. When you open Samsung Internet again, sign back in and turn sync back on if you use it.

    Illustration: the confirmation dialog after clearing an app's storage: OK is marked 1 on a Pixel and Delete is marked 1 on a Samsung phone

Remove malware from Microsoft Edge for Android

First, block the spam site’s notifications:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge, tap the menu button (three dots) at the bottom of the screen, and tap Settings.
  2. Tap Site permissions, then tap Notifications. In some versions, Site permissions is inside Privacy and security.
  3. Find the spam site in the list of allowed sites and switch it to Block.

If unwanted pages or redirects keep appearing, clear Microsoft Edge’s storage (last resort):

Before you clear storage: this deletes everything Microsoft Edge has stored on your phone, including open tabs, website sign-ins, and settings. Bookmarks and passwords that are synced to your account come back when you sign in again, but anything that isn’t synced is lost. Skip this part if blocking the notifications fixed the problem.

  1. Open the “Settings” menu.

    Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.

    Illustration: an Android app screen with a grid of grey app icons; the Settings app, drawn as a plain gear, is marked 1

  2. Tap on “Apps”.

    When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” to see all the installed applications on your phone.

    Illustration: Android Settings on a Pixel and a Samsung phone: Apps is marked 1 on both, and See all apps on the Pixel's Apps screen is marked 2

  3. Find and tap on Microsoft Edge.

    The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your phone. Scroll through the list until you find the Microsoft Edge app, then tap on it to open the app’s details.

    Illustration: the Android app list on a Pixel (All apps) and a Samsung phone (Apps), with Microsoft Edge marked 1 on both

  4. Tap “Storage”.

    When the Microsoft Edge’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage” (on Pixel phones, “Storage & cache“).

    Illustration: the Microsoft Edge app details screen on a Pixel, with Storage & cache marked 1, and on a Samsung phone, with Storage marked 1

  5. Tap “Clear storage” or “Clear data”.

    Tap “Clear storage” (called “Clear data” on Samsung phones). If you see “Manage space” or “Manage storage” instead, tap it, then tap “Clear all data“. Don’t use “Clear cache” for this step, because it doesn’t reset the browser.

    Illustration: an app's storage screen on a Pixel, with Clear storage marked 1, and on a Samsung phone, with Clear data marked 1; Clear cache is shown but not marked

  6. Confirm by tapping “OK”.

    A confirmation dialog will appear. Tap “OK” or “Delete” to finish. When you open Microsoft Edge again, sign back in and turn sync back on if you use it.

    Illustration: the confirmation dialog after clearing an app's storage: OK is marked 1 on a Pixel and Delete is marked 1 on a Samsung phone
Can’t find the setting? Use your phone’s own notification controls. When the next spam notification appears, swipe it slightly to the side or press and hold it, then tap the settings icon and turn off notifications for that website. You can also open Settings > Notifications, choose your browser, and turn off the spam site under Sites if it’s listed there.

STEP 3: Use Malwarebytes for Android to remove malicious apps

In this final step, we will install Malwarebytes for Android to scan and remove malicious apps from your phone or tablet.

Malwarebytes for Android scans your phone or tablet for malware, adware, and potentially unwanted apps. The free version scans only when you start a scan. Real-time protection, which checks apps automatically, is part of the paid Premium version.

  1. Download Malwarebytes for Android.

    You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.

    Malwarebytes for AndroidScans your phone and removes malware at no cost
    Get Malwarebytes for AndroidOpens Google Play in a new tab.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium for Android

  2. Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.

    In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.

    Tap Install to install Malwarebytes for Android

    When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
    Malwarebytes for Android - Open App

  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process

    When Malwarebytes opens, it walks you through a short setup. Tap Get started and follow the prompts. If you see an offer for a trial or a paid plan, read it before you accept. You can skip it and keep using the free scanner.

    Malwarebytes will ask for permission to access the files on your phone so it can scan them. Tap Allow, or turn on the permission in the Android screen that opens, then return to Malwarebytes.

  4. Run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android

    On the main screen, tap Scan now. In some versions, you open the menu, tap Scanner, and then tap Run a scan.

  5. Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.

    Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
    Malwarebytes scanning Android for Vmalware

  6. Remove the detected apps.

    When the scan has been completed, you will see a list of the threats that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. Next to each detected item, tap the menu icon (three dots), then choose to uninstall the app or delete the file. Android then asks you to confirm. Tap OK or Uninstall to remove the app.

  7. Restart your phone.

    When the detected apps are removed, restart your phone if Malwarebytes asks you to. Then check whether the problems you noticed have stopped.

When you’ve finished these steps, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they continue, see the options below.

Keep your phone protectedStop the next infection before it starts
Malwarebytes for Android Premium adds real-time protection that blocks malicious apps and scam links before they can harm your phone.See Malwarebytes for Android

If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:

A factory reset erases everything on your phone. Your apps, photos, files, and settings are deleted, so use it only if the problem continues after the steps above and after you’ve asked for help. Before you reset:
  • Back up your photos, videos, files, and messages, for example to your Google account or a computer.
  • Make sure you know your Google account email and password. The phone asks for them after the reset. If you changed the password recently, Google recommends waiting 24 hours before you reset.
  • On a Samsung phone, also make sure you know your Samsung account password.
  • If you use an authenticator app for two-step verification, move your accounts to another device or save your backup codes first.
On a Google Pixel, go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). On a Samsung Galaxy phone, go to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset. Menu names differ on other phones, so check your manufacturer’s support site.

Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from iPhone and iPad

To remove unwanted apps and malware from your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:

STEP 1: Clean your browser

First, we’ll clean Safari using the built-in “Clear History and Website Data” feature. This removes your browsing history, cookies, and cached data — including the stored data that scam sites use to keep showing you pop-ups and redirects. Don’t worry: this won’t delete your photos, apps, or saved passwords, but it will sign you out of websites. To keep other sites signed in, you can remove only the scam site’s data instead: go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Advanced > Website Data, swipe left on the site, and tap Delete.

  1. Don’t tap anything inside the scam page or pop-up — the buttons are designed to trick you. Instead, tap the tabs icon in the lower-right corner of Safari, as shown below.
    Tabs Icon
  2. Tap the X on the malicious tab (or swipe it up) to close it safely.
    Tap X to close malicious site
  3. Open the Settings app.
    Open Settings App
  4. Turn on Airplane Mode. This temporarily disconnects your iPhone from the internet, so the scam site can’t load anything while we clean up. We’ll turn it back off at the end.
    Enable Airplane Mode
  5. Scroll down and tap Apps, then tap Safari. On iOS 17 and earlier, Safari is listed directly in Settings.
    Tap Safari
  6. Tap Clear History and Website Data.
    Tap Clear History
  7. If you’re asked to choose a timeframe, choose All history, then tap Clear History. On older iOS versions, tap “Clear History and Data” in the pop-up.
    Tap to confirm
  8. While you’re still in Safari settings, turn on Block Pop-ups and Fraudulent Website Warning. These two switches stop most scam pages before they can even load.
    Enable Popup Blocker
  9. Tap Settings in the upper-left corner to return to the main Settings menu.
    Settings Shortcut
  10. Turn Airplane Mode back off to reconnect your iPhone to the internet.
    Disable Airplane Mode

STEP 2: Delete unwanted apps

Next, we’ll remove any suspicious apps from your iPhone. If a shady website redirected you to the App Store and you installed an app — or you spot an app you don’t remember downloading — delete it now:

  1. On the home screen, tap and hold the unwanted app’s icon until the icons start to wiggle.

  2. Tap the minus (–) badge in the corner of the app icon, then tap Delete App. (On older iOS versions, this badge appears as an “X”.)

  3. Confirm by tapping “Delete“.

Now reopen Safari and check whether the pop-ups have stopped.

To stop these scam pages from coming back, we recommend installing an ad blocker like AdGuard. It blocks the malicious ads and redirects that cause these pop-ups in the first place.

Still having issues after completing these steps? Try one of the following:

When you’ve finished these steps, check whether the pop-ups or other problems have stopped.

The Bottom Line

The phone number +1-888-355-0728 has been reported in connection with “call us now” scams that rely on urgency, impersonation, and pressure. Whether it appears in a pop-up, a text, a voicemail, or a search result, the safest assumption is that it is not a legitimate support channel unless you independently verify it through an official source.

If you already called, shared information, or paid, you still have options. Move quickly, prioritize financial security and email security, freeze your credit when identity information was exposed, and file official reports. Credit freezes and fraud alerts can be placed for free, and free credit reports are available through the official site authorized by federal law.

The most effective long-term defense is repeatable: never trust a phone number that comes from a pop-up, a random text, or a high-pressure message. Verify through official channels first, then act.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I call +1-888-355-0728, even if I do not pay?

Calling is often enough to put you on a “live number” list. Scammers track which numbers pick up, which callers stay on the line, and who sounds worried. That can lead to more calls, more texts, and more targeted scripts.

If you only called and hung up quickly, you still should watch for follow-up attempts. Consider blocking the number and tightening your call filtering settings, but do not assume the problem is over just because you did not send money.

Is every 833 number a scam?

No. The 833 prefix is a toll-free prefix used by real businesses too. The prefix is not the problem.

The red flag is the context. If a number is presented through a pop-up warning, a random text, a robocall, or a message that pressures you to act immediately, treat it as untrusted until you verify it through official channels.

The caller knew my name. Does that mean the call was legitimate?

Not necessarily. Names and phone numbers are commonly exposed through data broker lists, breaches, social media, and marketing databases.

Scammers also “fish” for details by asking leading questions. If a caller says, “I’m calling about your Amazon account,” and you answer, “Yes, I have one,” they have learned something about you without proving who they are.

How do I verify whether a message is real without taking risks?

Use a simple rule: do not use the contact method provided in the message.

Instead, log into your account by typing the official website address yourself, use the phone number printed on the back of your card, or use the number listed inside your official account app. If the issue is real, it will still be real after you verify it independently.

What if a pop-up traps my browser and I cannot close it?

Many fake “security” pages try to make closing difficult. Do not call the number.

On Windows, try Alt + F4 to close the browser window. If that fails, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and end the browser task. On Mac, Force Quit the browser from the Apple menu.

Afterward, clear recent browsing data if the page keeps returning. If you are repeatedly redirected, run a reputable malware scan and review browser extensions.

What if I gave them a one-time code from my phone?

Treat it like an emergency.

One-time codes are often used to approve logins, password resets, or new payees. Change the password for that account immediately, review sign-in activity, remove unfamiliar devices, and contact the provider’s fraud department if you see unauthorized actions.

What if I shared my Social Security number?

Place a credit freeze and monitor your credit reports. Also consider placing a fraud alert.

Then review your credit file for new accounts or inquiries you do not recognize. Use the FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov process to generate an official report and a recovery plan tailored to your situation.

Can I get my money back if I paid?

Sometimes, but it depends on the payment method and how fast you act.

Credit and debit card payments may be disputed, especially if you report quickly and the charges are unauthorized. Wire transfers and instant payment apps can be difficult to reverse, but banks sometimes can stop or recall certain transfers if they have not fully settled. Gift cards and cryptocurrency are the hardest, but you should still report immediately.

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Pause before the next suspicious message.

A convincing message can lead to a fake login page. These tools add checks and browsing protection alongside your own verification.

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MalwarebytesSCAM & MALWARE PROTECTION

Check the message before you respond.

Share suspicious text or a link with Malwarebytes Scam Guard for an assessment. Premium Security adds protection against phishing and other web threats.

  • Scam Guard for suspicious messages
  • Real-time malware protection with Premium
Explore MalwarebytesExplore features on the official website
AdGuardAD & TRACKER BLOCKING

Cut down the distractions around you.

AdGuard filters intrusive ads and trackers. Its supported protection features can also help block access to known dangerous websites.

  • Blocks intrusive ads and pop-ups
  • Filters trackers while you browse
Explore AdGuardExplore features on the official website

Features vary by device and plan. These tools add protection; they do not guarantee that a website or offer is trustworthy.

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Written by

Thomas Orsolya

Thomas Orsolya investigates casino, shopping and other online scams as an editor at MalwareTips. Before joining MalwareTips, Thomas worked in public institutions on combating misleading advertising and on consumer protection.

45,990 articlesWriting since 2023
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