Remove Bucksbee Search (Uninstall Guide)

Bucksbee is a browser hijacker, which is promoted via other free downloads, and once installed it will add a toolbar, change your browser homepage and default search engine to srp.freecause.com.
Bucksbee Search will display advertisements and sponsored links in your search results, and may collect search terms from your search queries.

Bucksbee Search got on your computer after you have installed another free software or add-on that had bundled into their installer this browser hijacker.
For example, when you install vPlay, you will also agree to change your default browser home page and default search engine to srp.freecause.com, and install the Bucksbee Toolbar.
However, when you uninstall vPlay from your computer, your web browser’s default settings will not be restored. This means that you’ll have to remove Bucksbee from your favorite web browser manually.

You should always pay attention when installing software because often, a software installer includes optional installs, such as this browser hijacker. Be very careful what you agree to install.
Always opt for the custom installation and deselect anything that is not familiar, especially optional software that you never wanted to download and install in the first place. It goes without saying that you should not install software that you don’t trust.

Bucksbee Search – Virus Removal Instructions

Bucksbee has installed a program on your computer (fcreward developed by Bucksbee) which we will need to uninstall.

STEP 1 : Uninstall Bucksbee from your computer

To uninstall Bucksbee program from your computer, click the Start button, then select Control Panel, and click on Uninstall a program.
If you are a Windows 8 user, you can right-click on a bottom left hot corner (formerly known as the Start button) and select Control panel from there, then select Uninstall a program.
Seach and uninstall fcreward and Bucksbee Toolbar from your computer.

Please note that on some computers this program might be renamed or missing, search for any program developed by Bucksbee and uninstall it from your computer.
Because Bucksbee is installed with other additional programs, we recommend that you search and uninstall any other unwanted or unknown programs from your computer.

STEP 2 : Remove the Bucksbee Search residual damage from your browser

Bucksbee has installed a browser extension, has changed your homepage to srp.freecause.com, and has changed your default search engine.

Remove Bucksbee Search from Internet Explorer

Remove Bucksbee plugins from Internet Explorer.
Open Internet Explorer,then click on the gear icon (Tools for Windows XP users) at the top (far right) and then select Manage add-ons.

From the Toolbars and Extensions tab, select fcreward and fcreward BHO plugins, then click on Disable.

NOTE: Bucksbee may have added additional add-ons which you will need to remove. We recommend that you remove any unwanted or unknown add-ons from Internet Explorer.
Set Internet Explorer default search engine from Bucksbee Search to Bing.
To change your default search engine, click on the gear icon , select Manage Add-ons, and then, under Add-on Types, click Search Providers.
Select Bing and on click the Set Default button.

To remove Bucksbee Search from Internet Explorer, select Web Search and click on Remove.
Change your Internet Explorer home page from Bucksbee Search to its default
To change your home page, click on the gear icon , select Internet Explore options, and in the General tab,under the Home page section, click on Use default to restore Internet Explorer default home page.

Remove Bucksbee Search from Mozilla Firefox

Remove Bucksbee Search extensions from Firefox.
At the top of the Firefox window, click the orange Firefox button, then select Add-ons.

Select the Extensions tab, then remove fcreward extension from Mozilla Firefox.
NOTE: Bucksbee may have added additional extensions which you will need to remove. We recommend that you remove any unwanted or unknown extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
Reset your default search engine and home page from Bucksbee Search to their default.
To reset your search engine and homepage to their default, we will use the SearchReset extension.This add-on is very simple: on installation, it backs up and then resets your search preferences and home page to their default values, and then uninstalls itself. This affects the search bar, URL bar searches, and the home page.
You can download SearchReset from the below link, and then we will just need to install it to revert Firefox to its default settings.
SEARCHRESET DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open another web page from where you can download the SearchReset Firefox extension)

Remove Bucksbee Search from Google Chrome

Remove Bucksbee Search extensions from Google Chrome.
Click the Chrome menu button on the browser toolbar, select Tools and then click on Extensions.

In the Extensions tab, remove (by clicking on the Recycle Bin) fcreward extension from your Google Chrome.

NOTE: Bucksbee may have added additional extensions which you will need to remove. We recommend that you remove any unwanted or unknown extensions from Google Chrome.
Set Google Chrome default search engine from Bucksbee Search to Google.
Click the Chrome menu button, then select Settings and click on Manage search engines in the Search section.
In the Search Engines dialog that appears, select Google and click the Make Default button that appears in the row.

Search for Search Results in the Search Engines list, and click the X button that appears at the end of the row.
Change Google Chrome homepage from srp.freecause.com to its default.
Bucksbee Search has modified your Google settings to open their webpage whenever you start your browser, so we will need to revert this change.
Click the Chrome menu button, then select Settings and click on One the New Tab page in the On Startup section.

STEP 3: Remove Bucksbee Search registry keys with AdwCleaner.

You can download AdwCleaner from the below link.
ADWCLEANER DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download AdwCleaner on your computer)
Before starting this utility, close all open programs and internet browsers.
Double click on adwcleaner.exe to run the tool.
Click on Delete, then confirm each time with Ok.
Your computer will be rebooted automatically. A text file will open after the restart.
NEXT, double click on adwcleaner.exe to run the tool.
Click on Uninstall, then confirm with yes to remove this utility from your computer.

STEP 4: Run a computer scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

You can download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free from the below link, then double click on it to install this program.
MALWAREBYTES ANTI-MALWARE DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a download page in a new window from where you can download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free)
When the installation begins, keep following the prompts in order to continue with the setup process. DO NOT make any changes to default settings and when the program has finished installing, make sure you leave both the Update Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware checked, then click on the Finish button.
On the Scanner tab, select Perform quick scan and then click on the Scan button to start scanning your computer.
Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer as shown below.
When the Malwarebytes scan will be completed, click on Show Result.
You will now be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware has detected.Please note that the infections found may be different than what is shown in the image. Make sure that everything is Checked (ticked) and click on the Remove Selected button.

STEP 5: Run a computer scan with HitmanPro

Download HitmanPro from the below link, then double click on it to start this program.
HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a new web page from where you can download HitmanPro)
HitmanPro will start and you’ll need to follow the prompts (by clicking on the Next button) to start a system scan with this program.
HitmanPro will start scanning your computer for malware, as seen in the image below.
Once the scan is complete,you’ll see a screen which will display all the infected files that this utility has detected, and you’ll need to click on Next to remove these malicious files.
Click Activate free license to start the free 30 days trial and remove all the malicious files from your computer.

If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove Bucksbee Search from your machine, please start a new thread in our Malware Removal Assistance forum.

10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams

Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.

Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.

Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).

If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.

Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.

If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.

Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.

If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.

Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.

If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.

Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.

If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.

Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.

If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.

Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.

If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).

Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.

If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.

Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.

If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.

Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
- Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
- Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
- Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
- Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
- Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
- Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
- Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.

These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.