Coinbase Verification Code Scam Texts: The Fake “Support Number” Trap
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
It usually starts with one short text message that punches straight through your calm.
“Your Coinbase verification code is 847291. If you did not request this, call Support at (###) ###-####.”
If you have ever used Coinbase, even once, your stomach drops. A verification code is what you get when someone is trying to log in, reset a password, or change security settings. It feels like proof that something is happening right now.
That emotional reaction is exactly what scammers are counting on.
The Coinbase verification code scam texts are not real security alerts. They are bait. The text is designed to get you to call a phone number that has nothing to do with Coinbase. When you call, you reach a fake tech support operation. They will claim your account is being hacked, your device is infected, or your identity is compromised.
Then they offer an urgent “fix.”
That “fix” usually involves remote access to your phone or computer through apps like AnyDesk or similar tools. Once they can see your screen, the scam shifts from scary story to real theft. They try to capture bank details, move money, take over accounts, and pressure you into irreversible payments. Gift cards are a common endgame because once the codes are shared, the funds are extremely hard to recover.
This article breaks down how these Coinbase verification code scam texts work, why they feel so convincing, the variants you might see, and what to do if you already interacted with the scammers.
Scam Overview
Coinbase is a well-known name in crypto. That brand recognition is exactly why scammers love to impersonate it.
A random text from “Coinbase” feels believable for a lot of people, including those who do not actively trade. Maybe you created an account years ago. Maybe you downloaded the app to check prices. Maybe a friend mentioned Coinbase and you explored it. Scammers rely on that loose familiarity.
They also rely on something more powerful than branding: fear.
A verification code is not a marketing message. It is not a newsletter. It is a warning signal. When you see one you did not request, your brain jumps to the worst conclusion, fast.
This scam is built around that moment.
What these scam texts look like
The wording changes, but the structure is almost always the same:
A short line claiming to be a Coinbase verification code or Coinbase security code
A warning such as “If you did not request this…”
A phone number labeled “Support” or “Security”
Sometimes a reference number, case ID, or “ticket” number to look official
Some messages are clean and professional. Others have odd grammar. A few include extra details like “New device detected” or “Password reset requested.”
But the core trick is consistent: the text gives you a scary trigger and then hands you a quick action.
Call this number.
That is the trap.
Why scammers use verification codes as bait
A “verification code” creates instant urgency without needing a long explanation. Scammers do not want to educate you. They want you to react.
A verification code text also feels personal. It does not look like spam advertising. It looks like a security system doing its job.
And it works on multiple targets:
People who actually have a Coinbase account
People who think they might have one
People who have heard of Coinbase and worry about identity theft
People who do not use Coinbase at all but are scared by the idea of “account compromise”
Because the message is simple, scammers can send it to huge numbers of phone lines and still get results.
This is a phone-based tech support scam
Many crypto scams try to steal your login with a fake website.
This one often takes a different route: it pushes you into a phone call.
That matters, because phone scams have advantages for criminals:
They can pressure you in real time.
They can answer your questions without letting you verify anything.
They can keep you busy while they guide you step by step.
They can build trust with a confident voice and a rehearsed script.
They can steer you toward installing remote access tools.
The moment you call, you are no longer evaluating a message. You are inside a conversation designed to control you.
What happens when you call the scam number
The person who answers may introduce themselves as:
Coinbase Support
Coinbase Security
Account Protection Team
Fraud Department
They might use a name and “employee ID.” They might sound calm and professional. You may hear background noise like a call center.
Then they escalate.
They will usually tell you a story that fits your fear:
Someone is trying to log into your Coinbase account.
A withdrawal request has been initiated.
Your account has been accessed from a different state or country.
Your device is infected and “leaking credentials.”
Your identity has been used to create a Coinbase account.
Your phone number has been linked to suspicious activity.
They speak quickly and confidently. They may repeat phrases like “time-sensitive” and “urgent.” They may warn that if you hang up, the “fraudulent transaction will complete.”
This is psychological pressure, not customer support.
The real goal: remote access to your device
At some point, the scammer will say they need to “walk you through security steps.” This is where they pivot from story to action.
Common requests include:
“Download AnyDesk so we can secure the account.”
“Install a support app so we can remove the infection.”
“We need to verify your device settings.”
“We need to help you cancel the unauthorized login.”
They might claim remote access is required to “stop the transfer” or “reverse the transaction.”
But Coinbase does not need remote access to your phone or computer to protect your account.
Scammers want remote access because it gives them three powerful advantages:
They can see everything you do, including logins and codes.
They can guide you into sending money while making it feel like a safety step.
They can capture sensitive information and lock you out later.
Remote access turns your device into their tool.
Why gift cards show up in a “Coinbase” scam
Gift cards are one of the most common payment methods in tech support scams because they are fast, hard to trace, and difficult to reverse.
Once scammers have you convinced there is an emergency, they may claim you must complete a “verification payment” or “security deposit.”
They might say:
The gift card purchase is used to “validate identity.”
It is a “temporary hold” that will be refunded.
It is required to “unlock” your account.
It is needed to “activate protection” or “complete the case.”
None of that is real.
The moment you read the gift card codes to a scammer, the money can be redeemed and moved quickly.
If the scammers can’t get you to send crypto, gift cards become the fallback. If they can’t get gift cards, they may push bank transfers or other payment methods.
What scammers can steal once they have remote access
Even if you do not keep money on Coinbase, remote access is still dangerous.
Scammers can go after:
Your email account, which often controls password resets for everything
Banking apps or card portals
PayPal or payment services
Saved passwords and autofill entries
Photos of ID documents
Crypto wallets or seed phrases if you have them stored anywhere
Authentication codes if you type them while they watch
They can also manipulate you into performing actions yourself, which makes some transactions harder to dispute later.
That is why this scam is more than a “Coinbase problem.” It is a device access and account takeover problem.
Why the texts sometimes mention things you never did
Many victims say: “I did not request a code, and I was not even trying to log in.”
That is normal.
Scammers are not reporting a real event. They are creating a fake one.
In some cases, scammers may attempt to trigger a real code by entering your phone number in a login flow, especially if they already have your email from another breach. But even when no real login attempt exists, the scam text still works because the victim cannot easily tell if it is real.
That uncertainty drives action.
Who this scam targets
This scam can hit anyone, but it is especially effective against:
People who have a Coinbase account and worry about crypto theft
People who are new to crypto and not sure what real support looks like
People who have heard of Coinbase and fear identity fraud
People who already had other accounts compromised in the past
People who are busy, distracted, or stressed and want a quick solution
Scammers do not need every target to bite. They need a small percentage to call, and from there, a smaller percentage to follow instructions.
The biggest tell that it is a scam
The most reliable red flag is also the simplest:
A verification code text that tells you to call a phone number is almost always malicious.
Real security guidance from major platforms generally pushes you to verify inside the app or the official website. Scammers push you to a phone number they control, where they can apply pressure and steer your decisions.
If the message tries to pull you away from official channels, it is not trying to protect you.
Common variants of the Coinbase verification code scam texts
Scammers rotate wording to bypass spam filters and to match what people fear most. Here are common variants:
“Your Coinbase verification code is ######” Followed by “If this wasn’t you, call support at…”
“Coinbase: new login attempt detected” Often includes a location or device claim.
“Coinbase withdrawal pending” Designed to spark panic with a dollar amount like $1,900 or $4,250.
“Coinbase account locked” or “security hold” Pushes urgency and insists you contact “support.”
“Password reset requested” Claims someone is trying to reset your account.
“2FA disabled” or “Authenticator changed” A high-stakes variant meant to trigger immediate action.
The details may shift, but the funnel stays the same: fear, call, remote access, money extraction.
How The Scam Works
Below is the typical step-by-step path scammers use in the Coinbase verification code scam texts. Not every victim experiences every step, but the structure is consistent across campaigns.
Step 1: The scam text arrives with an urgent trigger
You receive an SMS that claims Coinbase sent a verification code.
The message is short and direct. It often includes a warning that implies fraud.
This is deliberate.
A short message is harder to analyze and easier to react to. It also resembles real automated verification texts, which makes it feel authentic.
Step 2: The message offers a “support” number as the solution
The scam text usually includes a phone number and instructions to call if you did not request the code.
This is the pivot point.
Instead of letting you verify safely inside Coinbase, the scam pushes you into a channel controlled by criminals.
Many victims call because it feels like the fastest way to stop a hack.
Step 3: The fake support agent builds authority immediately
When you call, the scammer answers with confidence.
They may:
Use a scripted greeting that sounds professional
Ask for your name and phone number
Claim they can “see suspicious activity” on your account
Mention a “case number” or “security ticket”
Say the call is “recorded for your protection”
These are authority signals. They are meant to replace your skepticism with compliance.
Step 4: They escalate urgency and create a countdown
Next, the scammer introduces time pressure.
They might say:
A withdrawal is “processing.”
The hacker is “still connected.”
Your account will be “drained within minutes.”
Your identity is “being used right now.”
They may also warn you not to hang up and not to contact anyone else.
This is a control tactic. It keeps you isolated and reactive.
Step 5: They collect small details to personalize the scam
Scammers often ask for information that seems harmless, such as:
Your email address
Whether you use Coinbase on phone or desktop
What bank you use
Whether you have a crypto wallet
Whether you have funds on Coinbase
They are mapping your value and your vulnerability.
Even if you refuse, they will keep moving. Their script is flexible.
Step 6: They push you toward remote access software
This is the critical transition.
The scammer claims they must “secure” your device or “verify” your system.
They instruct you to install a remote access app such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or another tool.
They may describe it as:
A secure support app
A verification tool
A scanning tool
A way to block the hacker
If you install it and share the access code, they can see your screen and sometimes control it.
From that point, the scam becomes far more dangerous.
Step 7: They guide you into logging in, while they watch
Once connected, the scammer will often ask you to log into accounts to “check” things.
They may start with Coinbase, but quickly expand to:
Email, to “confirm alerts”
Bank portals, to “verify unauthorized charges”
Payment apps, to “secure linked accounts”
They might ask you to type slowly, “so we can confirm it is you.”
What they are actually doing is observing:
Your email address and bank name
Your balances
Your account navigation
Your security settings
Any codes you enter
Even if they cannot directly steal passwords, they can manipulate you into actions that move money.
Step 8: They introduce the “safe account” or “secure wallet” story
This is where many victims lose money.
The scammer claims your funds must be moved “temporarily” to protect them.
They may say:
Coinbase requires a “secure holding wallet”
Your bank needs a “verification transfer”
Your funds must be “relocated” to stop fraud
A “secure vault” will hold the money until the case closes
Then they provide an address, a payment destination, or a process that routes money to the scammer.
If crypto is involved, they may have you send to a wallet they control. If banking is involved, they may guide you through a transfer, sometimes while pretending it is a reversal.
They often use confusing language on purpose. Confusion reduces resistance.
Step 9: They pivot to gift cards if transfers do not work
Banks and exchanges sometimes block suspicious transfers. Victims also hesitate when asked to send crypto.
That is when scammers pivot.
They may say the fastest way to “verify identity” is to buy gift cards.
They will often specify:
Which stores to visit
How much to spend, such as $200, $500, or $1,000
How to pay, sometimes pushing cash or debit
How to send the codes, usually by reading them aloud
They frame it as a temporary requirement.
It is not.
Gift cards are the scammer’s version of cash.
Step 10: They attempt account takeover and persistence
If scammers gain enough access, they may try to lock you out.
They can do this by:
Changing passwords
Changing recovery emails or phone numbers
Adding new devices or authentication methods
Creating email forwarding rules so they can intercept resets
Deleting security alerts or message evidence
They may also keep the victim on the phone to capture new verification codes in real time.
That is why it is dangerous to stay on a call while you “check your email” or “log in to confirm.”
Step 11: They use intimidation to keep control
If you get suspicious, scammers often escalate emotionally.
They may:
Claim you will lose everything if you disconnect
Say they are the fraud department
Pretend they are working with law enforcement
Accuse you of “refusing security compliance”
Pressure you to act immediately
This is not about logic. It is about keeping you moving forward until money leaves your control.
Step 12: They follow up with repeat calls and new texts
Once scammers know you are responsive, they often continue.
You may receive:
More “verification code” texts
Calls from different “agents”
Claims that a previous step failed
Requests to “finish securing” your account
Threats that your account is now “frozen” until you comply
The follow-up is part of the scam. It is designed to wear you down.
How to spot the scam in real time
If you are unsure whether a Coinbase verification code text is real, look for these tells:
The SMS urges you to call a phone number for “support.”
The caller asks for your verification code or password.
The caller pushes remote access software like AnyDesk.
The caller claims your device is infected and needs “cleaning.”
The caller demands gift cards, crypto transfers, or “verification payments.”
The caller pressures you to stay on the line while you log in.
Any one of these is enough to treat it as a scam. Together, they are a complete signature.
What To Do If You Have Fallen Victim to This Scam
If you called the number, shared a code, installed remote access software, logged into accounts while they watched, or sent money, take a breath.
You can still reduce damage, and you can do it step by step.
Here is a practical, calm checklist. Start at the top and work down.
End all contact immediately Hang up. Do not argue. Do not negotiate. Do not respond to follow-up calls or texts.
Disconnect your device from the internet Turn on airplane mode or disable WiFi and mobile data. This can interrupt an active remote session and stop live screen monitoring.
Uninstall any remote access tools you installed Remove AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or similar apps. Then check for other unfamiliar apps installed around the same time and remove them too.
Revoke risky permissions on your device On phones, check settings for Accessibility permissions, Device Admin permissions, and screen sharing permissions. Remove anything you do not recognize or anything you enabled during the call.
Change your email password first, from a clean device Your email is the reset key for most accounts. Use a different device if possible, one you did not share remotely.
Secure your Coinbase account using official access only Open the official Coinbase app or type the official website address yourself. Then:
Change your Coinbase password
Review logged-in devices and sessions
Check security settings and 2FA methods
Review recent activity and withdrawal settings
Reset your authentication methods if you suspect exposure If the scammer saw your SMS codes, email codes, or authenticator codes, treat them as compromised. Update 2FA settings and remove unknown devices.
Change passwords for other high-value accounts Prioritize:
Banking apps and card portals
Payment services
Your Apple ID or Google account
Password managers
Any other crypto exchanges or wallets you use
Call your bank or card issuer immediately Explain that you were targeted by a remote access tech support scam. Ask them to:
Monitor or freeze accounts if needed
Block suspicious transfers
Replace cards if details may have been exposed
Open a fraud investigation for unauthorized transactions
If you sent crypto, document everything and contact Coinbase support through official channels Save screenshots, transaction IDs, phone numbers, and message content. Crypto transfers can be difficult to reverse, but reporting quickly improves the chance of intervention on related accounts.
If you paid with gift cards, contact the issuer right away Provide receipts and explain that you were scammed. If the codes have not been redeemed, there may be a chance to freeze remaining value. Time matters.
Check your email for forwarding rules and security changes Look for:
New forwarding addresses
Filters that delete or archive security alerts
New recovery emails or phone numbers Undo anything suspicious.
Scan your device and consider a full reset if remote access was active Update the operating system and run a reputable security scan. If you want maximum certainty, back up essential files and do a factory reset. Remote access sessions can leave you unsure what was changed.
Watch for follow-up scams and impersonation attempts Once scammers know you are responsive, they may return pretending to be:
Coinbase again
Your bank
A “recovery agent” offering to get money back Be cautious. Recovery scams target people who were already victimized.
Report the scam text and phone number Report the message through your carrier’s spam reporting options and through consumer protection channels in your region. Reporting helps build patterns even when scammers rotate phone numbers.
How to Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware
If you have accidentally downloaded unwanted programs or malware from a pop-up scam, you can find below a full malware removal guide.
This malware removal guide may appear overwhelming due to the number of steps and numerous programs that are being used. We have only written it this way to provide clear, detailed, and easy-to-understand instructions that anyone can use to remove malware for free. Please perform all the steps in the correct order. If you have any questions or doubts at any point, stop and ask for our assistance.
Browser hijackers, unwanted apps, and adware can infect Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android devices, so we’ve covered below all these operating systems. Depending on which operating system is installed on your device, please click on the operating system icon below and follow the displayed steps.
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.
Windows 11Windows 10Windows 8Windows 7
Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
First, open Windows Settings by pressing Windows+I on your keyboard. You can also right-click your Start button and select “Settings” from the list.
In the Settings app, click on “Apps” and then “Apps & features”.
When Settings opens, click “Apps” in the sidebar, then select “Apps & Features”.
Find the malicious program in the list of installed apps and uninstall it.
In Apps & Features settings, scroll down to the app list and search for unknown or suspicious programs. To make things easier, you can sort all installed programs by their installation date. To do this, click “Sort by” and select “Install date”.
Look out for any suspicious program that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program. When you find a malicious program, click the three dots button beside it and select “Uninstall” in the menu that appears.
If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
Follow the prompts to uninstall the program.
In the next message box, confirm the uninstall process by clicking on Uninstall, then follow the prompts to uninstall the malicious program.
Make sure to read all of the prompts carefully, because some malicious programs try to sneak things in hoping that you won’t read them closely.
Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app. You can also ope the Settings app by clicking the Start button on the taskbar, then select “Settings” (gear icon).
In the Settings app, click on “Apps”.
When the “Windows Settings” window opens, click on “Apps“. By default, it should open “Apps and Features” but if it doesn’t, select it from the list on the left.
Find the malicious program in the list of installed apps and uninstall it.
In Apps & Features settings, scroll down to the app list and search for unknown or suspicious programs. To make things easier, you can sort all installed programs by their installation date. To do this, click “Sort by” and select “Install date”.
Look out for any suspicious program that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program. When you find a malicious program, click on it and select “Uninstall” in the menu that appears.
If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
Follow the prompts to uninstall the program.
In the next message box, confirm the uninstall process by clicking on Uninstall, then follow the prompts to uninstall the malicious program.
Make sure to read all of the prompts carefully, because some malicious programs try to sneak things in hoping that you won’t read closely.
Go to “Program and Features”.
Right-click on the Start button in the taskbar, then select “Programs and Features”. This will take you directly to your list of installed programs.
Search for malicious program and uninstall it.
The “Programs and Features” screen will be displayed with a list of all the programs installed on your computer. Scroll through the list until you find any unknown or suspicious program, then click to highlight it, then click the “Uninstall” button.
Look out for any suspicious program that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program.
If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
Follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall malicious program.
In the next message box, confirm the uninstall process by clicking on Yes, then follow the prompts to uninstall malicious program. Make sure to read all of the prompts carefully, because some malicious programs try to sneak things in hoping that you won’t read closely.
Open the “Control Panel”.
Click on the “Start” button, then click on “Control Panel“.
Click on “Uninstall a Program”.
When the “Control Panel” appears, click on “Uninstall a Program” from the Programs category.
Search for malicious programs and uninstall them.
The “Programs and Features” screen will be displayed with a list of all the programs installed on your computer. Scroll through the list until you find any suspicious or unknown program, then click to highlight it, then click the “Uninstall” button.
Look out for any suspicious program that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program.
If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
Follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall malicious program.
In the next message box, confirm the uninstall process by clicking on Yes, then follow the prompts to uninstall malicious program. Make sure to read all of the prompts carefully, because some malicious programs try to sneak things in hoping that you won’t read closely.
If you are experiencing difficulty while attempting to uninstall a program, you can use Revo Uninstaller to completely remove the unwanted program from your computer.
Now that the malicious programs have been removed from your computer, we can proceed with 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 this method will remove all extensions, toolbars, and other customizations but will leave your bookmarks and favorites 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.
ChromeFirefoxMicrosoft EdgeInternet Explorer
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.
Open the Chrome menu
In the top-right corner of Chrome, click the three-dot (⋮) icon to open the menu.
Go to Settings
From the menu, select Settings.
Select “Reset settings”
In the left sidebar, scroll down and click Reset settings.
Choose “Restore settings to their original defaults”
Click the Restore settings to their original defaults option.
Confirm the reset
In the dialog that appears, click Reset settings to restore Chrome to its default state. Bookmarks, history, and saved passwords will remain, but extensions will be disabled and temporary data cleared.
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.
Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner and then click on “Help”.
Click on Firefox’s main menu button, represented by three horizontal lines. When the drop-down menu appears, select the option labeled “Help“.
Click “More troubleshooting information”.
From the Help menu, click on “More troubleshooting information“.
Click on “Refresh Firefox”
When the “Troubleshooting Information” page opens, click on the “Refresh Firefox” button.
Confirm that you want to reset your browser settings.
To finish the reset process, click on the “Refresh Firefox” button in the new confirmation window that opens.
Click “Finish”.
Firefox will now close itself and will revert to its default settings. When it’s done, a window will list the information that was imported. Click on “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.
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.
Click the three dots in the top-right corner and then click on “Settings”.
In the top right corner, click on Microsoft Edge’s main menu button, represented by three horizontal dots. When the drop-down menu appears, click on “Settings“.
Click on “Reset Settings”.
On the left side of the window, click on “Reset Settings“.
Click on “Restore settings to their default values”.
In the main window, click on “Restore settings to their default values“.
Click “Reset”.
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” button. Microsoft Edge will now erase all your personal data, browsing history, and disable all installed extensions. Your bookmarks, though, will remain intact and still be accessible.
Reset Internet Explorer to default settings
We will now reset your Internet Explorer browser settings to their default. You can reset Internet Explorer settings to return them to the state they were in when Internet Explorer was first installed on your computer.
Go to “Internet Options”.
Open Internet Explorer, click on the gear icon in the upper-right part of your browser, then select “Internet Options“.
Select the “Advanced” tab, then click “Reset”
In the “Internet Options” dialog box, select the “Advanced” tab, then click on the “Reset” button.
Click on “Reset”.
In the “Reset Internet Explorer settings” section, select the “Delete personal settings” checkbox, then click on the “Reset” button.
Click on “Close”.
When Internet Explorer has completed its task, click on the “Close” button in the confirmation dialogue box. Close your browser and then you can open Internet Explorer again.
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 stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes
Download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows using the official link below. Malwarebytes will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software for free.
(The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes)
Install Malwarebytes
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
STEP 4: Use HitmanPro to scan your computer for badware
In this next step, we will scan the computer with HitmanPro to ensure that no other malicious programs are installed on your device.
HitmanPro is a second-opinion scanner that takes a unique cloud-based approach to malware scanning. HitmanPro scans the behavior of active files and also files in locations where malware normally resides for suspicious activity. If it finds a suspicious file that’s not already known, HitmanPro sends it to its clouds to be scanned by two of the best antivirus engines today, which are Bitdefender and Kaspersky.
Although HitmanPro is shareware and costs $24.95 for 1 year on 1 PC, there is no limit on scanning. The limitation only kicks in when there is a need to remove or quarantine detected malware by HitmanPro on your system and by then, you can activate the one-time 30-days trial to enable the cleanup.
Download HitmanPro.
You can download HitmanPro by clicking the link below.
HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK (The above link will open a new web page from where you can download HitmanPro)
Install HitmanPro.
When HitmanPro has finished downloading, double-click on “hitmanpro.exe” (for 32-bit versions of Windows) or “hitmanpro_x64.exe” (for 64-bit versions of Windows) to install this program on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
You may be presented with a User Account Control pop-up asking if you want to allow HitmanPro to make changes to your device. If this happens, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
Follow the on-screen prompts.
When HitmanPro starts you will be presented with the start screen as shown below. Click on the “Next” button to perform a system scan.
Wait for the HitmanPro scan to complete.
HitmanPro will now begin to scan your computer for malicious programs.
Click on “Next”.
When HitmanPro has finished the scan, it will display a list of all the malware that it has found. Click on the “Next” button to have HitmanPro remove the detected items.
Click on “Activate free license”.
HitmanPro may now require to activate the free 30-days trial to remove the malicious files. To do this, click on the “Activate free license” button to begin the free 30 days trial and remove all the malicious files from your computer.
When the malware removal process is complete, it will display a screen that shows the status of the various programs that were removed. At this screen, you should click on the Next button and then if prompted you should click on the Reboot button. If HitmanPro does not prompt you to reboot, please just click on the Close button.
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 popular on-demand scanner that can detect and remove malware that even the most well-known anti-virus and anti-malware applications fail to find. This on-demand scanner includes a lot of tools that can be used to fix the side effects of adware. browser hijackers and other malware.
Download AdwCleaner.
You can download AdwCleaner by clicking the link below.
ADWCLEANER DOWNLOAD LINK (The above link will open a new web page from where you can download AdwCleaner)
Double-click on the setup file.
Double-click on the file named “adwcleaner_x.x.x.exe” to start AdwCleaner. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
AdwCleaner program will now open and you will be presented with the program’s license agreement. After you read it, click on the I agree button if you wish to continue. If Windows prompts you as to whether or not you wish to run AdwCleaner, please allow it to run.
Enable “Reset Chrome policies” to remove malicious browser policies.
When AdwCleaner starts, on the left side of the window, click on “Settings” and then enable “Reset Chrome policies“.
Click on the “Scan” button.
On the left side of the AdwCleaner window, click on “Dashboard” and then click “Scan” to perform a computer scan.
Wait for the AdwCleaner scan to finish.
AdwCleaner will now scan your computer for malware. This process can take a few minutes.
Click on “Quarantine” to remove malware.
When the AdwCleaner scan is completed it will display all of the items it has found. Click on the “Quarantine” button to remove the malicious programs from your computer.
Click on “Continue” to remove the malicious programs.
AdwCleaner will now prompt you to save any open files or data as the program will need to close any open programs before it starts to clean. Click on the “Continue” button to finish the removal process.
AdwCleaner will now delete all detected malware from your computer. When the malware removal process is complete, you may be asked to restart your computer.
Your computer should now be free of Unwanted Apps and Malware and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
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:
Open “System Preferences”
From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.
Search for “Profiles”
When the System Preferences window opens, search for the Profiles icon.
If there isn’t a Profiles icon, you don’t have any profiles installed, which is normal and you can continue with the next steps.
Remove the malicious profiles
If there’s a Profile icon, click on it and select any suspicious profile that you want to remove, and then press the – (minus) button. Click Remove to remove the profile.
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.
Quit the malicious programs
On the Apple menu bar, in the top-right corner, if you see any unknown or suspicious icon, click on it and then select Quit.
Open “Finder”
Click the Finder application on your dock.
Click on “Applications”
In the Finder left pane, click on “Applications“.
Find and remove the malicious app.
The “Applications” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your device. Scroll through the list until you find the malicious app, right-click it, and then click “Move to Trash”.
Look out for any suspicious program that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program. Here are some known malicious programs: SearchMine, TakeFresh, TopResults, FeedBack, ApplicationEvents, GeneralOpen, PowerLog, MessengerNow, ImagePrime, GeneralNetSearch, Reading Cursors, GlobalTechSearch, PDFOnline-express, See Scenic Elf, MatchKnowledge, Easy Speedtest, or WebDiscover.
Click “Empty Trash”
On the dock, right-click on the trash icon and select “Empty Trash”. Doing so deletes the Trash’s contents, including the program that you just sent to the Trash.
Find and remove the malicious files
Click the desktop to make sure you’re in the Finder, choose “Go” then click on “Go to Folder“.
Type or copy/paste each of the below paths into the window that opens, then click Go.
/Library/LaunchAgents
~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/Application Support
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Look out for any suspicious files that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program. These are some known malicious files: “com.adobe.fpsaud.plist” “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, or “com.myppes.net-preferences.plist”. When you find a malicious file move it to the Trash.
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.
Safari BrowserChrome for Mac BrowserFirefox for Mac 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.
Go to Safari’s “Preferences”.
On the menu bar, click the “Safari” menu and select “Preferences”.
Check Homepage.
This will open a new window with your Safari preferences, 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.
Click “Extensions”
Next, click on the “Extensions” tab.
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
Remove spam notifications ads
Click Preferences, click Websites, then click Notifications. Deselect “Allow websites to ask for permission to send push notifications”.
Remove all data stored by websites on your computer.
In the Safari menu, choose “Preferences…”, select “Privacy” at the top of the new window that appears, and then click the “Manage Website Data” button.
In the next dialog box, click “Remove All“. It will ask you if you are sure you want to remove all data stored by websites on your computer. Select “Remove Now” to clear data that could be used to track your browsing.
Empty Safari Caches.
From your Safari menu bar, click Safari and select Preferences, then select the Advanced tab. Enable the checkbox to “Show Develop menu in menu bar“.
From the menu bar select Develop, then click on Empty Caches as seen in the image below.
Remove malware from Chrome for Mac
To remove malware from Chrome for Mac we will reset the browser settings to their default. Doing these steps will erase all configuration information from Chrome such as your home page, tab settings, saved form information, browsing history, and cookies. This process will also disable any installed extensions. All of your bookmarks, though, will be preserved.
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 as shown by the arrow in the picture below, which will open the basic settings screen.
In the left sidebar, click on the “Reset and Cleanup” option.
In the left sidebar, click on “Reset and clean up“.
Click “Reset settings to their original defaults”.
Now click on the “Reset settings to their original defaults”. link as shown in the image below.
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.
(Optional) Reset Chrome Data Sync.
In case a malicious extension reinstalls itself even after performing a browser reset, you have an additional option to reset the data sync for your browser. To do this, navigate to chrome.google.com/sync and click on the Clear Data button.
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.
Go to the “Help” menu.
Click on Firefox’s main menu button, represented by three horizontal lines. When the drop-down menu appears, select the option labeled “Help“.
Click “Troubleshooting Information”.
Next click on the “Troubleshooting Information” option as indicated by the arrow in the image below. This will bring you to a Troubleshooting page.
Click on “Refresh Firefox”
Click the “Refresh Firefox” button in the upper-right corner of the “Troubleshooting Information” page.
Confirm.
To continue, click on the “Refresh Firefox” button in the new confirmation window that opens.
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 an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. 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.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your computer should now be free of Unwanted Apps and Malware and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. 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
Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Android
To remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from your phone or tablet, follow these steps:
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.
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
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.
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”.
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.
STEP 2: Reset browsers back to default settings
In this second step, we will reset your browser to its default settings to remove spam notifications, unwated search redirects, and restore its factory settings
Resetting the browser settings to their default it’s an easy task on Windows or Mac computers; however, when it comes to Android, this can’t be done directly because it’s not an option built-in into the browser settings. Restoring the browser settings on Android can be done by clearing the application data. This will remove all the cookies, cache, and other site settings that may have been saved. So let’s see how we can restore your browser to its factory settings.
Chrome for AndroidFirefoxOperaSamsung Internet BrowserMicrosoft Edge
Remove malware from Chrome for Android
To reset Chrome for Android to its default settings, follow the below steps:
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
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.
Tap “Storage”.
When Chrome’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage“.
Tap “Manage Space”.
Under the storage settings, you will get two options — Manage Space and Clear Cache. Tap on “Manage Space“.
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.
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“.
Remove malware from Firefox for Android
To reset Firefox for Android to its default settings, follow the below steps:
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
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.
Tap “Storage”.
When Firefox’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage“.
Tap “Manage Space”.
Under the storage settings, you will get two options — Manage Space and Clear Cache. Tap on “Manage Space“.
Tap “Clear all data”.
Tap “Clear all data” to delete all Firefox data including accounts, bookmarks, and your settings to reset the default settings.
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“.
Remove malware from the Opera browser
To reset the Opera browser to its default settings, follow the below steps:
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
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.
Tap “Storage”.
When Opera’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage“.
Tap “Manage Space”.
Under the storage settings, you will get two options — Manage Space and Clear Cache. Tap on “Manage Space“.
Tap “Clear all data”.
Tap “Clear all data” to delete all Opera’s data including accounts, bookmarks, and your settings to reset the default settings.
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“.
Remove malware from Samsung Internet Browser
To reset the Samsung Internet Browser to its default settings, follow the below steps:
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
Find and tap on Samsung Internet Browser.
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 Browser app, then tap on it to open the app’s details.
Tap “Storage”.
When the Samsung Internet Browser’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage“.
Tap “Manage Space”.
Under the storage settings, you will get two options — Manage Space and Clear Cache. Tap on “Manage Space“.
Tap “Clear all data”.
Tap “Clear all data” to delete all Samsung Internet Browser’s data including accounts, bookmarks, and your settings to reset the default settings.
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“.
Remove malware from Microsoft Edge for Android
To reset the Microsoft Edge for Android to its default settings, follow the below steps:
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
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.
Tap “Storage”.
When the Microsoft Edge’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage“.
Tap “Manage Space”.
Under the storage settings, you will get two options — Manage Space and Clear Cache. Tap on “Manage Space“.
Tap “Clear all data”.
Tap “Clear all data” to delete all Microsoft Edge’s data including accounts, bookmarks, and your settings to reset the default settings.
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“.
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 automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
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.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
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.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
Your phone should now be free of Unwanted Apps and Malware and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
In this first step, we will clean your Safari browser by using the built-in “Clear History and Website Data” feature.
“Clear History and Website Data” allows you to delete the browsing history and website data that is stored on your device. This can include information such as the websites you have visited, your search history, and any data that has been stored by websites you have visited, such as cookies and cache.
Do not tap on the malicious browser window or pop-ups. Instead, tap on the tab icon located in the lower right corner of the screen, as shown in the image below.
Tap the X button on the tab or swipe up to safely close it.
Tap the Settings app.
Toggle on Airplane Mode to temporarily disconnect your phone from the internet and block unwanted access.
Scroll down and tap Safari.
Tap Clear History and Website Data.
Confirm that you want to clear the history and data by tapping “Clear History and Data” in the pop-up window.
While in Safari settings, make sure to toggle on Block Pop-ups and Fraudulent Website Warning.
Tap on Settings in the upper-left corner to return to the main Settings menu.
Toggle Airplane Mode back off to re-connect your phone to the internet.
STEP 2: Delete unwanted apps
In the next step, we will remove any potentially unwanted apps that may be installed on your iPhone. If you have downloaded an app after being redirected to the App Store by suspicious websites, it is recommended to delete it.
On the home screen, tap and hold on the app icon until all of the icons start to wiggle.
Tap the “X” button that appears on the top left corner of the app icon.
Confirm that you want to delete the app by tapping “Delete”.
That’s it, your iPhone should be clean and you can continue browsing the Internet. We recommend that you install an ad blocker like AdGuard [recommended] to block the malicious ads.
If you continue to have malware related issues with your device after completing the above steps, we recommend to take one of these actions:
Coinbase verification code scam texts are designed to hijack your instincts.
They look like a security alert, but the real goal is to get you to call a fake support number. From there, scammers use a tech support script to create urgency, push remote access software like AnyDesk, and steer victims toward money loss through transfers or gift cards.
If you get one of these texts, do not call the number and do not share any code. Instead, check your account through official Coinbase channels you open yourself, and tighten security if needed.
If you already interacted with the scammers, act quickly and calmly. Cut off access, secure email and financial accounts first, and contact your bank and official support channels right away. The faster you take control back, the more you can limit the damage.
FAQ: Coinbase Verification Code Scam Texts
Are Coinbase verification code texts always a scam?
No. Coinbase can send real verification codes when you log in, reset a password, or change security settings. The scam version usually adds a phone number and urges you to call “support.” That combination is the red flag.
I got a Coinbase verification code but I did not request it. What does it mean?
It can mean a few things:
Someone is trying to log into your Coinbase account
Someone entered your phone number by mistake
Scammers are sending bait texts in bulk to trigger panic The safest move is to open the official Coinbase app or type the official Coinbase website yourself and check your security activity.
Should I call the support number in the text to stop the login attempt?
No. Scammers want you to call because they can pressure you on the phone and steer you into a tech support scam. Never use phone numbers or links from unexpected security texts. Verify through official channels instead.
What is the goal of the scam if I call?
Usually it is a tech support style scam. The scammer will claim your device is hacked or infected and push you to install remote access software like AnyDesk. Once connected, they try to steal sensitive data or manipulate you into sending money.
Why would “Coinbase support” need remote access to my phone or computer?
They would not. Legitimate Coinbase support does not need remote control of your device to secure your account. Remote access is a common scam tactic because it lets criminals see your screen, capture codes, and guide you into transfers.
Can they steal money even if I never give them my password?
Yes. If they can see your screen or keep you on the phone, they can:
Trick you into approving transfers
Capture one-time codes while you enter them
Take over email accounts used for resets
Steer you into sending crypto to their wallet The scam often relies on social engineering, not just passwords.
If they ask for the verification code I received, should I give it to them?
No. A verification code is often the last step needed to complete a login or security change. A real support agent will not ask you to read codes from your phone. If someone asks, treat it as a scam.
I do not have a Coinbase account. Why did I get this text?
Scammers send these messages to huge lists of numbers. They do not care if every person is a Coinbase user. They only need a small percentage to call and follow instructions.
The text looked real and included a reference number. Does that mean it is legitimate?
No. Reference numbers and “case IDs” are easy for scammers to invent. They are meant to make the message feel official and to stop you from questioning it.
What is the biggest sign that a Coinbase verification text is fake?
A phone number inside the message telling you to call “support,” especially combined with urgent language. Real security processes are handled inside your account, not by calling a random number from an SMS.
I called and installed AnyDesk. What should I do right now?
Act quickly:
Disconnect the device from the internet
Uninstall AnyDesk or any remote access app
Change your email and Coinbase passwords from a clean device
Review Coinbase security settings and logged-in devices
Contact your bank if you entered banking details or made transfers
They told me to buy gift cards to “verify” or “secure” my account. Is that real?
No. Any request for gift cards is a scam. Coinbase does not use gift cards for verification, refunds, or security holds.
Can I get money back if I sent crypto or gift card codes?
Crypto transfers are often irreversible once confirmed. Gift card codes are also difficult to recover once redeemed. Still, you should report it immediately:
Contact Coinbase through official support channels
Contact your bank or card issuer if banking or card payments were involved
Contact the gift card issuer fast if gift cards were purchased Speed matters, especially for gift cards and bank transfers.
How can I verify whether there was a real login attempt?
Do not rely on the SMS. Log into Coinbase through the official app or site you type yourself and check:
Recent activity and login history
Device/session list
Security notifications If the account shows no matching alert, the text was likely bait.
Should I block the number and move on?
Blocking helps reduce repeat messages from that number, but scammers rotate numbers constantly. Blocking is useful, but the best protection is never calling numbers from unexpected security texts and always verifying directly in the official app.
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.
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Windows
Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Windows
Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Mac
Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Android
If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK
If there isn’t a Profiles icon, you don’t have any profiles installed, which is normal and you can continue with the next steps.
