{"id":207664,"date":"2023-09-13T04:20:38","date_gmt":"2023-09-13T04:20:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/?p=207664"},"modified":"2023-09-13T04:20:39","modified_gmt":"2023-09-13T04:20:39","slug":"your-google-account-has-been-locked","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/your-google-account-has-been-locked\/","title":{"rendered":"Beware Of &#8220;Your Google Account Has Been Locked!&#8221; Pop-ups"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The internet is filled with threats looking to take advantage of unsuspecting users. One such threat is the \u201cYour Google Account Has Been Locked!\u201d pop-up scam. This fraudulent pop-up claims your Google account has been locked and that you must call a provided number to unlock it.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad2814993150\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309684--placement_360520\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3957935887\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<p>However, this is a complete scam designed to trick victims into giving up personal information and money. Read on to learn everything you need to know about recognizing, avoiding, and recovering from the \u201cYour Google Account Has Been Locked!\u201d scam.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-207666\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Your-Google-Account-Has-Been-Locked-Scam-1-1024x581.jpg\" alt=\"Your Google Account Has Been Locked Scam\" width=\"1024\" height=\"581\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Your-Google-Account-Has-Been-Locked-Scam-1-1024x581.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Your-Google-Account-Has-Been-Locked-Scam-1-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Your-Google-Account-Has-Been-Locked-Scam-1.jpg 1030w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad1505914898\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309746-ad_309691-placement_360521\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"4456629336\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Scam Overview: What is \u201cYour Google Account Has Been Locked!\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u201cYour Google Account Has Been Locked!\u201d scam is a specific type of online scam known as a tech support scam. Tech support scams work by deceiving victims into believing there is a problem with their computer that requires immediate technical assistance.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad2309177370\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381396-ad_309691-placement_360566\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1471373341\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scammers pose as technology support staff from trusted companies like Apple, Microsoft, or in this case, Google. They then fool targets into paying for fake support services that actually install malware or gain remote access to personal devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Scam Content<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u201cYour Google Account Has Been Locked!\u201d scam surfaces through malicious pop-ups on infected websites. The scam pop-up says that your Google account has been locked, often citing suspicious activity or security threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An example message reads:<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1291892584\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309686-ad_309691-placement_360569\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6935453015\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cYour Google Account has been locked! Due to recent visiting unsecured sites, Immediately call Google Support +1(805)-259-3677 to unlock it!.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the pop-up is closed, the website background page loads a similar urgent message:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cGoogle ACCOUNT SUSPENDED. Your Google Account has been disabled! Due to recent visiting unsecured sites, your personal data including your banking details, photographs on this device might be stolen via phishing pages. In case it happens, they can access all others Google devices linked to this Google Account are vulnerable. Your device may be permanently blocked today if no action is taken. Immediately call Google Support +1(805)-259-3677 to unlock it!.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This background page includes a \u201cCall Google Support\u201d button to further urge victims to phone the number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The content preys on fears of compromised accounts, stolen data, and device blocking. But rest assured, these claims are completely fabricated by scammers.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1501919409\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381401-ad_309691-placement_360573\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"5315249587\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Scam Tactics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond urgent threats, the scam leverages other psychological tactics to manipulate victims, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Social proof<\/strong> &#8211; Implies many others have called the number, so it must be legitimate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reciprocity<\/strong> &#8211; Makes victims feel obligated to call the number that claims to be helping them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Authority<\/strong> &#8211; Pretends to be official Google support, trademarked logos further this appearance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scarcity<\/strong> &#8211; Suggests accounts or devices will be compromised imminently if no action is taken.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Combined, these tactics instill panic and a sense of urgent duty to comply with scam demands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Scam Goal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ultimate goal of \u201cYour Google Account Has Been Locked!\u201d is gaining remote access to victim devices. By phoning the scam number, victims will be connected to a fake \u201csupport representative\u201d who convinces them to download screen sharing software. From there, the scammer can:<\/p><div id=\"mwtad4078953745\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381404-ad_309691-placement_381406\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"8735619847\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Access sensitive account info and data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Install malware like keyloggers to harvest future data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encrypt files and demand ransomware payment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enroll devices in botnets for distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Resell access to devices on dark web markets<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In short, this scam aims to manipulate users into surrendering control of personal devices and data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad4042822582\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309747-ad_309691-placement_360587\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"9589536513\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How the Scam Works Step-By-Step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While scam specifics can vary, \u201cYour Google Account Has Been Locked!\u201d generally progresses in the following steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Victim Lands on Scam Website<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The scam begins by a victim landing on a compromised website hosting the malicious pop-up. Scammers gain access to legitimate sites in various ways, including:<\/p><div id=\"mwtad543229610\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360582-ad_309691-placement_360581\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"9971336976\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Exploiting site vulnerabilities<\/strong> &#8211; Sites with security weaknesses can have their source code modified to show pop-ups.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hacking site admin accounts<\/strong> &#8211; Access to site dashboards allows directly inserting pop-up code.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Purchasing ad space<\/strong> &#8211; Pop-ups can be served via ad networks with poor vetting controls.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Often, sites impacted are small operations without the security resources of major entities. Still, users should be vigilant across all sites they visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Scam Pop-up Triggers Panic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once on an infected site, victims will be served the fake pop-up claiming their Google account has been locked. The bold claims and urgent threats aim to startle users into immediate action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Psychology principles at work include:<\/p><div id=\"mwtad346524833\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360567-ad_309691-placement_360771\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6224621518\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Reciprocity<\/strong> &#8211; The pop-up provides an apparent alert to problems on your device. Victims feel obligated to help the \u201csupport\u201d that aided them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fear<\/strong> &#8211; Threats of account access, stolen data, and device blocking instill anxiety that spurs compliance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trust<\/strong> &#8211; Google\u2019s brand and trademarks are used to convey authority and legitimacy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Combined, these factors make the average person more inclined to call the scam number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Fake \u201cSupport\u201d Answers The Phone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When victims call the number, scammers pose as Google support technicians or account specialists. They confirm victims\u2019 fears and reiterate the supposed urgent threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some scammers utilize VOIP numbers that spoof official business listings. The call environments mimic professional support centers, with hold music and transfer sounds audible.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1504886995\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360571-ad_309691-placement_360772\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"5867729999\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scammers build trust through appearing knowledgeable, citing real Google services and terminologies. Victims let their guard down after seemingly reaching genuine support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: \u201cSupport\u201d Instructs to Download Software<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once earning victim trust, scammers direct them to a resolution. This involves remotely connecting to devices to supposedly \u201cdiagnose\u201d the security threats and \u201cunlock\u201d Google accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To enable this access, scammers instruct victims to download legitimate remote access software like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, UltraViewer, etc. Users are persuaded this is necessary for support agents to rectify the supposed issues.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1340921069\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360576-ad_309691-placement_360773\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6594472392\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In reality, once installed, scammers can control connected devices without the owner present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: Scammer Abuses Remote Access<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With remote control granted, scammers are free to access data, install malware, enroll devices in botnets, and resell access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They often pretend to run \u201cdiagnostics\u201d and \u201cremove malware\u201d, showing victims innocuous system processes and files to claim fixing the stated issues. This maintains the guise of legitimacy throughout the scam.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad469458316\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360583-ad_309691-placement_360774\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"8849826992\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Any credentials entered, sites visited, or files accessed during the session will be visible to scammers. Keylogging malware may also be silently deployed to harvest future data as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 6: Scam Escalates to Extortion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At this point, scams can escalate in two directions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad210004808\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360584-ad_309691-placement_360775\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3952847241\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Demanding payment for unnecessary \u201cservices\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scammers pressure victims to purchase fake support plans, anti-virus software, device cleanings, etc. to \u201cprevent future attacks\u201d. These completely fabricated services can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Victims are scared into covering these bogus fees, often through difficult-to-trace methods like gift cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Ransomware encryption and extortion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scammers can secretly install ransomware to encrypt system files, only agreeing to decrypt after substantial Bitcoin ransom payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Failure to pay results in permanent data loss. Scammers may also threaten public data exposure if victims refuse payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Either path results in victims paying significant sums to protect their data and devices &#8211; which were never actually at risk in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad2717732925\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309748-ad_309691-placement_360588\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3906789406\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What To Do If You\u2019ve Fallen Victim<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you suspect you have fallen prey to the \u201cYour Google Account Has Been Locked!\u201d or similar tech support scam, remain calm and immediately take the following steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Disconnect Your Device from The Internet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If scammers still have remote access to your computer, they can continue to steal data or deploy threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unplug your modem or disable WiFi to sever the connection. This limits their capabilities while you address the incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Reset All Account Passwords<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Assume your Google account, email, and any other accessed credentials are compromised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visit the official sites and reset all related passwords. Avoid password reuse across accounts for better security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible for additional account protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Contact Banks\/Payment Providers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If banking or payment details were accessed, notify those providers immediately regarding potential fraud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consider proactively freezing accounts, canceling current cards, or contesting recent payments to protect assets. Monitor statements closely in the future as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Scan System For Malware<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Download legitimate anti-virus software like <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/run-a-scan-with-malwarebytes\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"20077\">Malwarebytes<\/a><\/strong>. Perform thorough system scans to uncover and remove any malware installed during remote access sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keyloggers and information stealing trojans are commonly deployed in tech support scams. Delete anything suspicious detected by scans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: Inform Relevant Institutions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Notify any institutions or services related to compromised accounts or data. They can take additional precautions and monitor for fraudulent abuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This includes banks, employers, government offices, schools, or anywhere with account credentials accessed through the scam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 6: Block Scammer\u2019s Numbers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lookup the scam phone numbers that appeared in any urgent pop-ups or were called. Block the numbers through your phone provider and on specific devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This prevents repeated targeting by the same scam group in the future. They often re-attack previous victims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 7: File Complaints To Authorities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Report the scam to bodies like the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center or your local authorities. Provide all available details on the scam webpage, pop-up messages, phone numbers, and any losses incurred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your reports contribute to authorities being able to eventually shut down such scams and prosecute cyber criminals involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 8: Learn From The Experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use this incident as a lesson for improving security practices in the future. Avoid navigating to suspicious or shady websites that are more likely to host scams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be skeptical of any urgent alerts or support contact &#8211; independently verify through official channels before sharing device access or sensitive data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stay vigilant and spread awareness to help others avoid this devastating, financially draining scam.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad490329765\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_318930-ad_309691-placement_360589\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3818335085\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"mt_title\">Removal Instructions for &#8220;Your Google Account Has Been Locked!&#8221; Pop-up Ads<\/h2>\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\">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.<br \/>Please perform all the steps in the correct order. If you have any questions or doubts at any point, stop and <a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/categories\/malware-removal-help.9\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ask for our assistance<\/a>.<\/div>\n<div class=\"mt_noteg\">Browser hijackers and adware can infect Windows, Mac, or Android devices, so we\u2019ve covered below all these operating systems. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you&#8217;re seeing the &#8220;Your Google Account Has Been Locked!&#8221; pop-up ads, please click on the operating system icon below and follow the displayed steps to remove it.<\/div>\n<ul class=\"mwt_all_os stepsbox\">\n<li><a href=\"#windows\"><strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-141148 os-icons-article\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/microsoft-icon-article.png\" alt=\"Windows logo\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" title=\"\"> Remove &#8220;Your Google Account Has Been Locked!&#8221; from Windows<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#mac\"> <strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-141147 os-icons-article\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/apple-icon-article.png\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"> Remove &#8220;Your Google Account Has Been Locked!&#8221; from Mac<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#android\"><strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-141146 os-icons-article\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/android-icon-article.png\" alt=\"Android logo\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" title=\"\"> Remove &#8220;Your Google Account Has Been Locked!&#8221; from Android<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"su-accordion su-u-trim mwt_accordion_instructions\">\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-default su-spoiler-icon-plus accordion_tab\" data-anchor=\"windows\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span>Removal Instructions for Windows<\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<h3 id=\"windowsh3\" class=\"toch3\">Remove &#8220;Your Google Account Has Been Locked!&#8221; from Windows<\/h3>\n<div class=\"mwt_summary\">To remove the &#8220;Your Google Account Has Been Locked!&#8221; pop-ups from your computer, follow these steps:<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"stepsbox wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#browser-windows\"><strong>STEP 1<\/strong>: Reset browsers back to default settings<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#malwarebytes-windows\"><strong>STEP 2<\/strong>: Use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to remove malware and unwanted programs<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#hitmanpro-windows\"><strong>STEP 3<\/strong>: Use HitmanPro to scan for rootkits and other malware<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"browser-windows\" class=\"mt_blue toch4 wp-block-heading\">STEP 1: Reset browsers back to default settings<\/h4>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, we&#8217;ll reset your browser to its default settings \u2014 this removes the spam notification permissions, malicious extensions, and unwanted search engines in one go.<br \/><strong>Don&#8217;t worry:<\/strong> the reset removes extensions, toolbars, and customizations, but your bookmarks and favorites stay intact.<br \/>For each browser installed on your computer, click its tab below and follow the steps to reset it.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"su-tabs su-tabs-style-default su-tabs-mobile-stack\" data-active=\"1\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-tabs-nav\"><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Chrome<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Firefox<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Microsoft Edge<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Internet Explorer<\/span><\/div><div class=\"su-tabs-panes\"><div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Chrome\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Reset Chrome for Windows to default settings<\/h5>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n<ol>\n \t<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Chrome menu<\/p>\n<p>In the top-right corner of Chrome, click the <strong>three-dot (\u22ee) icon<\/strong> to open the menu.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-344168 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1a.jpg\" alt=\"Click the three-dot menu icon in Chrome\" width=\"700\" height=\"374\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1a.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1a-300x160.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n \t<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Go to Settings<\/p>\n<p>From the menu, select <strong>Settings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-344169 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1b.jpg\" alt=\"Select Settings from the Chrome menu\" width=\"700\" height=\"374\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1b.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1b-300x160.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n \t<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Select &#8220;Reset settings&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the left sidebar, scroll down and click <strong>Reset settings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-344166 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-2.jpg\" alt=\"Click Reset settings in the Chrome sidebar\" width=\"700\" height=\"374\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-2.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-2-300x160.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n \t<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Choose &#8220;Restore settings to their original defaults&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Click <strong>Restore settings to their original defaults<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-344171 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-3-1.jpg\" alt=\"Choose Restore settings to their original defaults\" width=\"700\" height=\"374\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-3-1.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-3-1-300x160.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n \t<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Confirm the reset<\/p>\n<p>In the dialog that appears, click <strong>Reset settings<\/strong>. This restores your homepage, search engine, new tab page, and pinned tabs to default, disables all extensions, and clears temporary site data \u2014 undoing the changes the malware made.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Don&#8217;t worry:<\/strong> your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords are safe and will not be deleted.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-344172 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-4.jpg\" alt=\"Confirm the Chrome reset\" width=\"700\" height=\"374\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-4.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-4-300x160.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Firefox\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Reset Firefox for Windows to default settings<\/h5>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Firefox menu and click &#8220;Help&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Click the <strong>three horizontal lines<\/strong> in the top-right corner of Firefox to open the main menu, then select &#8220;<strong>Help<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136955 alignnone\" title=\"Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner and then click on Help\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Open-Firefox-Settings.jpg\" alt=\"Click on the Firefox Menu button then select Help button\" width=\"800\" height=\"486\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Open-Firefox-Settings.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Open-Firefox-Settings-300x182.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;More troubleshooting information&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the <em>Help<\/em> menu, click &#8220;<strong>More troubleshooting information<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136954 alignnone\" title=\"Click the More Troubleshooting Information link\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Firefox-Open-Reset-Menu.jpg\" alt=\"Click More Troubleshooting Information\" width=\"800\" height=\"487\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Firefox-Open-Reset-Menu.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Firefox-Open-Reset-Menu-300x183.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Refresh Firefox&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>On the &#8220;<em>Troubleshooting Information<\/em>&#8221; page, click the &#8220;<strong>Refresh Firefox<\/strong>&#8221; button in the top-right area of the page.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136956 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-button.jpg\" alt=\"Click on Refresh Firefox\" width=\"800\" height=\"488\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-button.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-button-300x183.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Confirm the refresh<\/p>\n<p>In the confirmation window, click &#8220;<strong>Refresh Firefox<\/strong>&#8221; again. This removes extensions, themes, and customized settings \u2014 the usual hiding places for browser hijackers \u2014 while keeping your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords safe.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136957 alignnone\" title=\"Click the on Refresh Firefox to confirm\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-Confirm.jpg\" alt=\"Click again on Refresh Firefox button\" width=\"800\" height=\"488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-Confirm.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-Confirm-300x183.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Finish&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Firefox will close, reset itself to default settings, and reopen with a window listing the information that was restored. Click &#8220;<strong>Finish<\/strong>&#8221; \u2014 your Firefox is now clean.<\/p>\n<p><strong>About the &#8220;Old Firefox Data&#8221; folder:<\/strong> 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, <strong>delete the folder<\/strong> \u2014 it contains sensitive data like passwords and cookies, and may also still hold the malicious files you just removed.<\/p>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Microsoft Edge\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Reset Microsoft Edge to default settings<\/h5>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Edge menu and click &#8220;Settings&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Click the <strong>three dots (&#8230;)<\/strong> in the top-right corner of Microsoft Edge to open the main menu, then click &#8220;<strong>Settings<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136961 alignnone\" title=\"Click the three dots in the top-right corner and then click on Settings\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Edge-Open-Settings.jpg\" alt=\"Click the three dots in the top-right corner and then click on Settings\" width=\"800\" height=\"539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Edge-Open-Settings.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Edge-Open-Settings-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Reset settings&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the left sidebar, click &#8220;<strong>Reset settings<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136962 alignnone\" title=\"Click Reset Settings\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Resen-and-Clean-Edge-browser.jpg\" alt=\"Click Reset Settings option\" width=\"800\" height=\"539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Resen-and-Clean-Edge-browser.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Resen-and-Clean-Edge-browser-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Restore settings to their default values&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the main window, click &#8220;<strong>Restore settings to their default values<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136963 alignnone\" title=\" Click Restore settings to their default values\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Restore-Edge-Settings-Button.jpg\" alt=\"Select Restore settings to their default values\" width=\"800\" height=\"541\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Restore-Edge-Settings-Button.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Restore-Edge-Settings-Button-300x203.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Confirm by clicking &#8220;Reset&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the confirmation dialog, click &#8220;<strong>Reset<\/strong>&#8220;. This restores your homepage, search engine, new tab page, and startup pages to default, disables all extensions, and clears temporary data like cookies \u2014 undoing the changes the malware made.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136960 alignnone\" title=\"Click Reset to reset Microsoft Edge\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Confirm-Reset-Edge-Browser.jpg\" alt=\"Click Reset to reset your browser\" width=\"800\" height=\"539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Confirm-Reset-Edge-Browser.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Confirm-Reset-Edge-Browser-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Don&#8217;t worry:<\/strong> your favorites, browsing history, and saved passwords are safe and will not be deleted.<\/p>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Internet Explorer\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Reset Internet Explorer to default settings<\/h5>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Go to &#8220;Internet Options&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Open Internet Explorer, click on the <strong>gear icon<\/strong> in the upper-right part of your browser, then select &#8220;<strong>Internet Options<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Select the &#8220;Advanced&#8221; tab, then click &#8220;Reset&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the &#8220;<em>Internet Options<\/em>&#8221; dialog box, select the&nbsp;&#8220;<strong>Advanced<\/strong>&#8221;&nbsp;tab, then click&nbsp;on the &#8220;<strong>Reset<\/strong>&#8221; button.<\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click on &#8220;Reset&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>In the &#8220;<em>Reset Internet Explorer settings<\/em>&#8221; section, select the &#8220;<em>Delete personal settings<\/em>&#8221; checkbox, then click on the &#8220;<strong>Reset<\/strong>&#8221; button.<\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click on &#8220;Close&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>When Internet Explorer has completed its task, click on the &#8220;<strong>Close<\/strong>&#8221; button in the confirmation dialogue box.<br \/>Close your browser and then you can open Internet Explorer again.<\/p>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p>With the site&#8217;s permission to send push notifications removed, the pop-ups should stop. Next, we&#8217;ll scan your computer to make sure no adware or malicious program is behind them.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4 id=\"malwarebytes-windows\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 2: Use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to remove malware and unwanted programs<\/h4>\n<p>Now we&#8217;ll install Malwarebytes and run a scan to detect and remove any infections, adware, or potentially unwanted programs on your computer.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Malwarebytes<\/strong> is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows \u2014 and it&#8217;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 and clean your PC in just a few minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download Malwarebytes<\/p> <p>Click the button below to download the latest version of <strong>Malwarebytes for Windows<\/strong> from the official source. The free version is all you need \u2014 it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.<\/p> <div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Malwarebytes Icon\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-81150 mwt_product_icon_logo\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Malwarebytes-LOGO.png\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Logo\"\/><\/figure> <strong><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/downloads\/MBSetup-076886.076886-consumer.exe\" onclick=\"window.open('https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/malwarebytes-free');\">DOWNLOAD MALWAREBYTES FOR WINDOWS (FREE)<br \/>\n<\/a><\/strong><br \/><em class=\"small-text-disclaimer\">(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install Malwarebytes<\/p>\n\n<p>When the download finishes, open your <strong>Downloads<\/strong> folder and <strong>double-click the MBSetup file<\/strong>. If Windows shows a <strong>User Account Control<\/strong> pop-up, click &#8220;<em>Yes<\/em>&#8221; to allow the installation.<\/p>\n\n \n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"975\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285934\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1.jpg 975w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1-300x154.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 975px) 100vw, 975px\" \/><\/figure>\n \n\n \n  \n\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes<\/p> \n\n<p>The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n \n  <li>\n    <p>Choose where you&#8217;re installing the program \u2014 &#8220;<strong>Personal Computer<\/strong>&#8221; or &#8220;<strong>Work Computer<\/strong>&#8221; \u2014 then click <strong>Next<\/strong>.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"737\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285953\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1.jpg 737w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1-300x204.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 737px) 100vw, 737px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"759\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285937\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4.jpg 759w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4-300x198.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 759px) 100vw, 759px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>When installation is complete, the &#8220;<strong>Welcome to Malwarebytes<\/strong>&#8221; screen will open automatically.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285951\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1.jpg 705w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>On the final screen, click <strong>Open Malwarebytes<\/strong> to launch the program.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"749\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285952\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1.jpg 749w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 749px) 100vw, 749px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Enable &#8220;Scan for Rootkits&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the <strong>Settings<\/strong> gear icon on the left side of the screen.\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285942\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the settings menu, find &#8220;<strong>Scan for rootkits<\/strong>&#8221; and click the toggle so it turns blue.\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"841\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285943\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9.jpg 841w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 841px) 100vw, 841px\" \/><\/figure>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Done? Click &#8220;<strong>Dashboard<\/strong>&#8221; in the left pane to return to the main screen.\n\n <\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Start the Scan<\/p> <p>Click the blue <strong>Scan<\/strong> button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"849\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285941\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10.jpg 849w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10-300x212.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 849px) 100vw, 849px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take several minutes. Feel free to do something else \u2014 just check back occasionally to see the progress.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285944\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Quarantine the Detected Threats<\/p>\n<p>When the scan is done, you&#8217;ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found \u2014 malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the &#8220;<strong>Quarantine<\/strong>&#8221; button to remove all of them at once.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"844\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285945\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12.jpg 844w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 844px) 100vw, 844px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285946\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><\/figure>\n <\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n  <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Restart Your Computer<\/p>\n  <p>Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click <strong>Yes<\/strong>. Once you&#8217;re logged back in, your PC is clean and you can continue with the next steps in this guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"844\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285947\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14.jpg 844w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 844px) 100vw, 844px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<h4 id=\"hitmanpro-windows\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 3: Use HitmanPro to scan for rootkits and other malware<\/h4>\n<p>Finally, we&#8217;ll run a second-opinion scan with HitmanPro to confirm nothing was missed. If this scan comes back clean, your computer is malware-free.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>HitmanPro<\/strong> is a second-opinion scanner \u2014 it&#8217;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 gets sent to the cloud, where it&#8217;s analyzed by two of the best antivirus engines available: <strong>Bitdefender<\/strong> and <strong>Kaspersky<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good news: <strong>scanning is completely free, with no limits<\/strong>. You only need a license when it&#8217;s time to remove what was found \u2014 and even then, you can activate a <strong>free one-time 30-day trial<\/strong> to clean your PC at no cost. (A full license is $24.95 per year for 1 PC.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download HitmanPro<\/p>\n<p>Click the button below to download <strong>HitmanPro<\/strong>. Remember \u2014 the scan is free, so you have nothing to lose by checking your PC.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-81147 alignleft mwt_product_icon_logo\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/icon-hitmanpro.png\" alt=\"HitmanPro Logo\" width=\"38\" height=\"38\" title=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/hitmanpro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><strong>DOWNLOAD HITMANPRO (FREE SCAN)<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em class=\"small-text-disclaimer\">(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install HitmanPro<\/p>\n<p>When the download finishes, open your <em>Downloads<\/em> folder and double-click the file: <strong>&#8220;hitmanpro.exe&#8221;<\/strong> on 32-bit Windows, or <strong>&#8220;hitmanpro_x64.exe&#8221;<\/strong> on 64-bit Windows.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136909 alignnone\" title=\"Double-click on the HitmanPro setup file\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-HitmanPro.jpg\" alt=\"Double-click on the HitmanPro file\" width=\"800\" height=\"422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-HitmanPro.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-HitmanPro-300x158.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>If a <em>User Account Control<\/em>&nbsp;pop-up asks whether HitmanPro can make changes to your device, click &#8220;<em>Yes<\/em>&#8221; to continue.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136916 alignnone\" title=\"Windows asking for permissions to run the HitmanPro setup file\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-UAC.jpg\" alt=\"Windows asking for permissions to run the HitmanPro setup \" width=\"676\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-UAC.jpg 676w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-UAC-300x222.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Follow the On-Screen Prompts<\/p>\n<p>On the HitmanPro start screen, click &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; to begin the system scan. No lengthy setup required \u2014 it goes straight to work.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136913 alignnone\" title=\"Click Next to install HitmanPro on your computer\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install.jpg\" alt=\"Click Next to install HitmanPro on your PC\" width=\"800\" height=\"639\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136912 alignnone\" title=\"Click Next to finish the HitmanPro install\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-2.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro final installer screen\" width=\"800\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-2-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>HitmanPro will now check your computer for malicious programs. This usually takes just a few minutes thanks to its cloud-based scanning.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136915 alignnone\" title=\"HitmanPro while scanning for malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Scanning.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro scans your computer for any infections, adware, or potentially unwanted programs that may be present\" width=\"800\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Scanning.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Scanning-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Review the Results and Click &#8220;Next&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>When the scan is done, HitmanPro will show you everything it found. Click &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; to remove the detected threats.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136914 alignnone\" title=\"Click Next to remove the malware that HitmanPro has detected\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro scan summary. Click Next to remove malware\" width=\"800\" height=\"643\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Quarantine-Malicious-Files-300x241.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Activate Free License&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>To remove the malicious files, click the &#8220;<strong>Activate free license<\/strong>&#8221; button. This starts your <em>free 30-day trial<\/em> \u2014 no payment details needed \u2014 and unlocks the full cleanup.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136911 alignnone\" title=\"Click on the Activate free license button to remove malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-License.jpg\" alt=\"Click on the Activate free license button\" width=\"800\" height=\"635\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-License.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-License-300x238.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When the removal is complete, HitmanPro will show a summary of everything it cleaned. Click <strong>Next<\/strong>, then click <strong>Reboot<\/strong> if prompted. If there&#8217;s no reboot prompt, just click <strong>Close<\/strong> \u2014 your PC is clean.<\/p>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n<p>Your computer should now be free of the &#8220;Your Google Account Has Been Locked!&#8221; pop-up ads and other malware.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<br \/>If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Run a computer scan with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eset.com\/us\/home\/online-scanner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ESET Online Scanner<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li>Ask for help in our <strong><a title=\"Malware Removal Assistance for Windows\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/forums\/windows-malware-removal-help-support.10\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Windows Malware Removal Help &amp; Support<\/a><\/strong> forum.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-default su-spoiler-icon-plus accordion_tab su-spoiler-closed\" data-anchor=\"mac\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span>Removal Instructions for Mac<\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<h3 id=\"mach3\" class=\"toch3\">Remove &#8220;Your Google Account Has Been Locked!&#8221; from Mac<\/h3>\n<div class=\"mwt_summary\">To remove the &#8220;Your Google Account Has Been Locked!&#8221; pop-ups from your Mac, follow these steps:<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"stepsbox wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#browser-macos\"><strong>STEP 1<\/strong>: Reset browsers back to default settings<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#malwarebytes-macos\"><strong>STEP 2<\/strong>: Use Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware and unwanted programs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"browser-macos\" class=\"mt_blue toch4 wp-block-heading\">STEP 1: Reset browsers back to default settings<\/h4>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, we&#8217;ll restore your browser to its default settings \u2014 this removes the spam notification permissions, malicious extensions, and unwanted browser settings in one go.<br \/><strong>Don&#8217;t worry:<\/strong> the reset removes extensions, toolbars, and customizations, but your bookmarks and favorites stay intact.<br \/>For each browser installed on your Mac, click its tab below and follow the steps to reset it.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><div class=\"su-tabs su-tabs-style-default su-tabs-mobile-stack\" data-active=\"1\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-tabs-nav\"><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Safari Browser<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Chrome for Mac Browser<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Firefox for Mac Browser<\/span><\/div><div class=\"su-tabs-panes\"><div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Safari Browser\">\n\n\n<h5 class=\"toch5 wp-block-heading\">Remove Malware and Spam Push Notifications from Safari<\/h5>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To stop the spam notifications in Safari, we&#8217;ll check for malicious extensions and restore the browser settings to their defaults.<\/p>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Go to Safari&#8217;s &#8220;Preferences&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>On the menu bar, click the &#8220;Safari&#8221; menu and select &#8220;Preferences&#8221;.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-84126 alignnone\" title=\"Click on Safari then Preferences\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Safari-Preferences.jpg\" alt=\"On the Menu bar Click on Safari then Preference\" width=\"650\" height=\"334\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Safari-Preferences.jpg 650w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Safari-Preferences-300x154.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Check Homepage.<\/p>\n<p>This will open a new window with your Safari preferences, opened to the &#8220;<em>General<\/em>&#8221; tab. Some browser hijackers may change your default homepage, so in the <em>Homepage<\/em>&nbsp;field make sure it&#8217;s a web page you want to use as your start-up page.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-84114 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Change-Homepage.jpg\" alt=\"Change Homepage in Safari\" width=\"650\" height=\"418\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Change-Homepage.jpg 650w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Change-Homepage-300x193.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Extensions&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Next, click on the &#8220;<strong>Extensions<\/strong>&#8221; tab.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-84119 alignnone\" title=\"Click on Extensions\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Click-Extensions.jpg\" alt=\"Click on Extensions MacOS\" width=\"650\" height=\"418\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Click-Extensions.jpg 650w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Click-Extensions-300x193.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Find and uninstall malicious extensions.<\/p>\n<p>The <em>&#8220;Extensions&#8221;<\/em> 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 \u2013 anything you don\u2019t remember downloading or that doesn\u2019t sound like a genuine extension. By default, there are no extensions installed on Safari so it&#8217;s safe to remove an extension<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-84125 alignnone\" title=\"Click on Uninstall to remove malicious extension\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Remove-malicious-extensions-Safari.jpg\" alt=\"Click on Uninstall to remove malicious extension\" width=\"650\" height=\"339\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Remove-malicious-extensions-Safari.jpg 650w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Remove-malicious-extensions-Safari-300x156.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Remove spam notifications ads<\/p>\n<p>Click <strong>Preferences<\/strong>, click <strong>Websites<\/strong>, then click <strong>Notifications<\/strong>. Deselect \u201c<em>Allow websites to ask for permission to send push notifications<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-130285\" title=\"Deselect Allow websites to ask for permission to send push notifications\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Deny-Notifications-Safari.png\" alt=\"Deselect Allow websites to ask for permission to send push notifications\" width=\"800\" height=\"646\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Deny-Notifications-Safari.png 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Deny-Notifications-Safari-300x242.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Remove all data stored by websites on your computer.<\/p>\n<p>In the Safari menu, choose &#8220;Preferences&#8230;&#8221;, select &#8220;<strong>Privacy<\/strong>&#8221; at the top of the new window that appears, and then click the &#8220;Manage Website Data&#8221; button.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-151104\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Manage-Website-Data.png\" alt=\"Click Manage Website Data\" width=\"800\" height=\"393\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Manage-Website-Data.png 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Manage-Website-Data-300x147.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>In the next dialog box, click &#8220;<strong>Remove All<\/strong>&#8220;. It will ask you if you are sure you want to remove all data stored by websites on your computer. Select &#8220;<strong>Remove Now<\/strong>&#8221; to clear data that could be used to track your browsing.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-151105\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Remove-All-Website-Data.png\" alt=\"Click Remove All Website Data\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Remove-All-Website-Data.png 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Remove-All-Website-Data-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Empty Safari Caches.<\/p>\n<p>From your Safari menu bar, click <strong>Safari<\/strong> and select <strong>Preferences<\/strong>, then select the <strong>Advanced<\/strong> tab. Enable the checkbox to &#8220;<strong>Show Develop menu in menu bar<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-151106\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Show-Dev-Bar.png\" alt=\"Show Dev Bar\" width=\"800\" height=\"438\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Show-Dev-Bar.png 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Show-Dev-Bar-300x164.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>From the menu bar select <strong>Develop<\/strong>, then click on <strong>Empty Caches<\/strong> as seen in the image below.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-151107\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/empty-cache.png\" alt=\"empty cache\" width=\"421\" height=\"470\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/empty-cache.png 421w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/empty-cache-269x300.png 269w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 421px) 100vw, 421px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Chrome for Mac Browser\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Remove Malware and Spam Push Notifications from Chrome for Mac<\/h5>\n<p>To stop the spam notifications in Chrome, we&#8217;ll reset the browser to its default settings. This restores your homepage, tab settings, and saved form data, clears cookies and temporary data, and disables all extensions \u2014 undoing the changes the malware made. <strong>Your bookmarks will be preserved.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n \t<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click on the three dots at the top right and go to Settings.<\/p>\nClick on Chrome&#8217;s main menu button, represented by three dots at the top right corner. Now click on the menu option labeled <strong>Settings<\/strong> as shown by the arrow in the picture below, which will open the basic settings screen.\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150036\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Chrome-Reset-Mac-1.jpg\" alt=\"Click on the Chrome menu button then on the Settings button\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Chrome-Reset-Mac-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Chrome-Reset-Mac-1-300x188.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li>\n \t<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">In the left sidebar, click on the &#8220;Reset and Cleanup&#8221; option.<\/p>\nIn the left sidebar, click on &#8220;<strong>Reset and clean up<\/strong>&#8220;.\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150037\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Chrome-Reset-Mac-2.jpg\" alt=\"Click on Reset and Cleanup\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Chrome-Reset-Mac-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Chrome-Reset-Mac-2-300x188.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li>\n \t<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click \u201cReset settings to their original defaults\u201d.<\/p>\nNow click on the <strong>\u201cReset settings to their original defaults\u201d.<\/strong> link as shown in the image below.\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150038\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Chrome-Reset-Mac-3.jpg\" alt=\" Reset Chrome\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Chrome-Reset-Mac-3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Chrome-Reset-Mac-3-300x188.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li>\n \t<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Reset Settings&#8221; button.<\/p>\nA 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 &#8220;<strong>Reset Settings<\/strong>&#8221; button.\n\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150039\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Chrome-Reset-Mac-4.jpg\" alt=\"Confirm Reset Chrome browser\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Chrome-Reset-Mac-4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Chrome-Reset-Mac-4-300x188.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li>\n \t<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">(<em>Optional<\/em>) Reset Chrome Data Sync.<\/p>\nIn 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 <strong><em>chrome.google.com\/sync<\/em><\/strong> and click on the <strong>Clear Data<\/strong> button.\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-172868\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Chrome-Sync-Reset.jpg\" alt=\"Chrome Sync Reset\" width=\"800\" height=\"345\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Chrome-Sync-Reset.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Chrome-Sync-Reset-300x129.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Firefox for Mac Browser\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Remove Malware and Spam Push Notifications from Firefox for Mac<\/h5>\n<p>To stop the spam notifications in Firefox, we&#8217;ll use the built-in Refresh feature. It restores Firefox to its factory default state while keeping your essential data \u2014 bookmarks, passwords, web form auto-fill information, browsing history, and open tabs are all preserved.<\/p>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Go to the &#8220;Help&#8221; menu.<\/p>\n<p>Click on Firefox&#8217;s main menu button, represented by three horizontal lines. When the drop-down menu appears, select the option labeled &#8220;<strong>Help<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150041\" title=\"Click on the Firefox Menu button then select Help\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Reset-Firefox-Mac-1.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Click on the Firefox Menu button then select Help\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Reset-Firefox-Mac-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Reset-Firefox-Mac-1-300x188.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Troubleshooting Information&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Next click on the &#8220;<strong>Troubleshooting Information<\/strong>&#8221; option as indicated by the arrow in the image below. This will bring you to a Troubleshooting page.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150042\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Reset-Firefox-Mac-2.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Troubleshooting Information option in Firefox Mac\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Reset-Firefox-Mac-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Reset-Firefox-Mac-2-300x188.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click on &#8220;Refresh Firefox&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Click the&nbsp;&#8220;<strong>Refresh Firefox<\/strong>&#8221;&nbsp;button in the upper-right corner of the &#8220;<em>Troubleshooting Information<\/em>&#8221; page.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150043\" title=\"Click on the Refresh Firefox button Mac\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Reset-Firefox-Mac-3.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Click on the Refresh Firefox button Mac\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Reset-Firefox-Mac-3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Reset-Firefox-Mac-3-300x188.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Confirm.<\/p>\n<p>To continue, click on the &#8220;<strong>Refresh Firefox<\/strong>&#8221;&nbsp;button in the new confirmation window that opens.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150044\" title=\"Click again on Refresh Firefox button\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Reset-Firefox-Mac-4.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Click again on Refresh Firefox button\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Reset-Firefox-Mac-4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Reset-Firefox-Mac-4-300x188.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click on &#8220;Finish&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Firefox will close itself and will revert to its default settings. When it&#8217;s done, a window will list the information that was imported. Click on the &#8220;<strong>Finish<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\">Your old Firefox profile will be placed on your desktop in a folder named &#8220;<em>Old Firefox Data<\/em>&#8220;. If the reset didn&#8217;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&#8217;t need this folder any longer, you should delete it as it contains sensitive information.<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>With the spam notification permissions and malicious extensions removed, the pop-ups should stop. Next, we&#8217;ll scan your Mac to make sure no adware or malicious program is behind them.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4 id=\"malwarebytes-macos\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 2: Use Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware and unwanted programs<\/h4>\n<p>Finally, we&#8217;ll download Malwarebytes for Mac and run a scan to find and remove browser hijackers, adware, malicious browser extensions, and any other malware on your Mac. If the scan comes back clean, your Mac is malware-free.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Malwarebytes for Mac<\/strong> is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss \u2014 adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it&#8217;s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your Mac in just a few minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download Malwarebytes for Mac<\/p>\n<p>Click the button below to download the latest version of <strong>Malwarebytes for Mac<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-81150 mwt_product_icon_logo\" title=\"Malwarebytes Icon\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Malwarebytes-LOGO.png\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Logo\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\"\/><\/figure><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/prf.hn\/click\/camref:1011lvqrV\/creativeref:1011l100234\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DOWNLOAD MALWAREBYTES FOR MAC (FREE)<\/a><\/strong><br \/><em>(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Malwarebytes setup file<\/p>\n<p>When the download finishes, open your <em>Downloads<\/em> folder and <strong>double-click the setup file<\/strong> to begin the installation.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-98734 alignnone\" title=\"Double-click on setup file to install Malwarebytes\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer.jpg\" alt=\"Double-click on setup file to install Malwarebytes\" width=\"750\" height=\"424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer.jpg 750w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer-300x170.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes<\/p>\n<p>The <em>Malwarebytes for Mac Installer<\/em> will guide you through a few quick screens. Click &#8220;<strong>Continue<\/strong>&#8221; and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-98735 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer-Step-1.jpg\" alt=\"Click Continue to install Malwarebytes for Mac\" width=\"750\" height=\"532\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer-Step-1.jpg 750w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer-Step-1-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-98736 alignnone\" title=\"Click again on Continue to install Malwarebytes for Mac for Mac\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer-Step-2.jpg\" alt=\"Click again on Continue to install Malwarebytes for Mac\" width=\"750\" height=\"531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer-Step-2.jpg 750w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer-Step-2-300x212.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-98737 alignnone\" title=\"Click Install to install Malwarebytes on Mac\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer-Step-4.jpg\" alt=\"Click Install to install Malwarebytes on Mac\" width=\"750\" height=\"531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer-Step-4.jpg 750w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer-Step-4-300x212.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the <em>Welcome to Malwarebytes<\/em> screen. Click &#8220;<strong>Get started<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Select &#8220;Personal Computer&#8221; or &#8220;Work Computer&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you&#8217;re installing it on. Click either <strong>Personal Computer<\/strong> or <strong>Work Computer<\/strong>, whichever applies.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-98740 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Select-Personal-Computer.jpg\" alt=\"Select Personal Computer or Work Computer mac\" width=\"750\" height=\"537\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Select-Personal-Computer.jpg 750w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Select-Personal-Computer-300x215.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Start the Scan<\/p>\n<p>Click the &#8220;<strong>Scan<\/strong>&#8221; button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-98733 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Click-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"Click on Scan button to start a system scan Mac\" width=\"750\" height=\"538\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Click-Scan.jpg 750w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Click-Scan-300x215.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>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 \u2014 just check back occasionally to see the progress.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-98739 alignnone\" title=\"Wait for Malwarebytes for Mac to scan your computer\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Scanning-for-malware.jpg\" alt=\"Wait for Malwarebytes for Mac to scan for malware\" width=\"750\" height=\"536\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Scanning-for-malware.jpg 750w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Scanning-for-malware-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Quarantine the Detected Threats<\/p>\n<p>When the scan is done, you&#8217;ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the &#8220;<strong>Quarantine<\/strong>&#8221; button to remove all the threats at once.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-98732 alignnone\" title=\"Review the malicious programs and click on Quarantine\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Click-Confirm.jpg\" alt=\"Review the malicious programs and click on Quarantine to remove malware\" width=\"750\" height=\"538\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Click-Confirm.jpg 750w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Click-Confirm-300x215.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Restart Your Mac<\/p> <p>Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot \u2014 if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you&#8217;re logged back in, your Mac is clean.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"536\" class=\"size-full wp-image-98738 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Restart.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes For Mac requesting to restart computer\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Restart.jpg 750w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Restart-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><br \/><\/p> <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<p>Your computer should now be free of the &#8220;Your Google Account Has Been Locked!&#8221; pop-up ads and other malware.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<br \/>If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our <strong><a title=\"Mac Malware Removal Help &amp; Support\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/forums\/mac-malware-removal-help-support.183\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mac Malware Removal Help &amp; Support<\/a><\/strong> forum.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-default su-spoiler-icon-plus accordion_tab su-spoiler-closed\" data-anchor=\"android\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span>Removal Instructions for Android<\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<h3 id=\"androidh3\" class=\"toch3\">Remove &#8220;Your Google Account Has Been Locked!&#8221; from Android<\/h3>\n<div class=\"mwt_summary\">To remove the &#8220;Your Google Account Has Been Locked!&#8221; pop-ups from your phone or tablet, follow these steps:<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"stepsbox wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#browser-android\"><strong>STEP 1<\/strong>: Reset browsers back to default settings<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#malwarebytes-android\"><strong>STEP 2<\/strong>: Use Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware and malicious apps<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"browser-android\" class=\"mt_blue toch4 wp-block-heading\">STEP 1: Reset browsers back to default settings<\/h4>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, we&#8217;ll remove the spam site&#8217;s permission to send push notifications to your browser \u2014 this is what stops the pop-ups from appearing. Select the browser you&#8217;re seeing the spam notifications in by clicking its tab below.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"su-tabs su-tabs-style-default su-tabs-mobile-stack\" data-active=\"1\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-tabs-nav\"><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Chrome<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Firefox<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Opera<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Brave<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Samsung Internet Browser<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Microsoft Edge<\/span><\/div><div class=\"su-tabs-panes\"><div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Chrome\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Remove Spam Notifications from Chrome for Android<\/h5>\n<p>Chrome lets you turn off the spam notifications directly, without losing any of your browsing data. Here&#8217;s how:<\/p>\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps\">\n<li>On your Android phone, open <strong>Google Chrome<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Tap the <strong>More<\/strong> button (three vertical dots) in the top right corner.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-153450\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/1-2.jpg\" alt=\"Click the Chrome Menu button\" width=\"281\" height=\"600\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/1-2.jpg 281w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/1-2-141x300.jpg 141w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 281px) 100vw, 281px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>In the menu that opens, tap <strong>Settings<\/strong>.\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-153449\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2-2.jpg\" alt=\"Tap on Settings - Chrome for Android\" width=\"281\" height=\"600\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2-2.jpg 281w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2-2-141x300.jpg 141w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 281px) 100vw, 281px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>In the Settings menu, tap <strong>Notifications<\/strong>.\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-153448\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/3-2.jpg\" alt=\"Tap on Notifications\" width=\"281\" height=\"600\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/3-2.jpg 281w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/3-2-141x300.jpg 141w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 281px) 100vw, 281px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>In the &#8220;App notifications&#8221; menu, find the spam site under <em>Sites<\/em> and toggle it off. To block all browser notifications at once, turn off the main <strong>Show notifications<\/strong> switch instead.\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-153447\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/4-3.jpg\" alt=\"Turn of Notifications in Chrome for Android\" width=\"281\" height=\"600\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/4-3.jpg 281w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/4-3-141x300.jpg 141w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 281px) 100vw, 281px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Firefox\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Remove Spam Notifications from Firefox for Android<\/h5>\n<p>To stop the spam notifications, we&#8217;ll reset Firefox to its default settings. This clears the cookies, cache, and site permissions that allow the spam site to send notifications.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\"><strong>Heads up:<\/strong> this will also delete your bookmarks, saved logins, and open tabs in Firefox. If you&#8217;re signed in with a Firefox account, sync your data first so you can restore it afterwards.<\/div>\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Settings app<\/p>\n<p>Tap the &#8220;<strong>Settings<\/strong>&#8221; app on your phone&#8217;s home screen or app menu.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106949\" title=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Menu-Settings.jpg\" alt=\"Settings app in Android\" width=\"292\" height=\"584\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Menu-Settings.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Menu-Settings-150x300.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Tap on &#8220;Apps&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the Settings menu, tap &#8220;<strong>Apps<\/strong>&#8221; (or &#8220;<strong>App Manager<\/strong>&#8221; on some phones) to see all your installed applications.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106931\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Open-Settings.jpg\" alt=\"Tap on Apps\" width=\"292\" height=\"576\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Open-Settings.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Open-Settings-152x300.jpg 152w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Find and tap on Firefox<\/p>\n<p>Scroll through the list of apps until you find <strong>Firefox<\/strong>, then tap it to open the app&#8217;s details.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106967\" title=\"Search trough the Apps list for the malicious app\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Find-App.jpg\" alt=\"Search trough the Apps list for the malicious app\" width=\"292\" height=\"580\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Find-App.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Find-App-151x300.jpg 151w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Tap &#8220;Storage&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>On the Firefox app info screen, tap &#8220;<strong>Storage<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-106970 alignnone\" title=\"Tap on Storage\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Storage.jpg\" alt=\"Firefox - Tap on Storage\" width=\"292\" height=\"415\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Storage.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Storage-211x300.jpg 211w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Tap &#8220;Manage Space&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;ll see two options \u2014 <em>Manage Space<\/em> and <em>Clear Cache<\/em>. Tap &#8220;<strong>Manage Space<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-106969 alignnone\" title=\"Tap on Manage Storage\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Manage-Storage.jpg\" alt=\"Firefox - Tap on Manage Storage\" width=\"292\" height=\"516\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Manage-Storage.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Manage-Storage-170x300.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Tap &#8220;Clear all data&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Tap &#8220;<strong>Clear all data<\/strong>&#8221; to reset Firefox to its default settings.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-106968 alignnone\" title=\"Firefox - Tap on Clear All Data\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Clear-data-Android.jpg\" alt=\"Firefox - Tap on Clear All Data\" width=\"286\" height=\"74\"\/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Confirm by tapping &#8220;Ok&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>A confirmation dialog will list what&#8217;s about to be reset. Tap &#8220;<strong>Ok<\/strong>&#8221; to finish. The spam notifications are now gone.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Opera\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Remove Spam Notifications from Opera<\/h5>\n<p>To stop the spam notifications, we&#8217;ll reset Opera to its default settings. This clears the cookies, cache, and site permissions that allow the spam site to send notifications.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\"><strong>Heads up:<\/strong> this will also delete your bookmarks, saved logins, and open tabs in Opera. Sync or back up anything important first.<\/div>\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Settings app<\/p>\n<p>Tap the &#8220;<strong>Settings<\/strong>&#8221; app on your phone&#8217;s home screen or app menu.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106949\" title=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Menu-Settings.jpg\" alt=\"Settings app in Android\" width=\"292\" height=\"584\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Menu-Settings.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Menu-Settings-150x300.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Tap on &#8220;Apps&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the Settings menu, tap &#8220;<strong>Apps<\/strong>&#8221; (or &#8220;<strong>App Manager<\/strong>&#8221; on some phones) to see all your installed applications.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106931\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Open-Settings.jpg\" alt=\"Tap on Apps\" width=\"292\" height=\"576\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Open-Settings.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Open-Settings-152x300.jpg 152w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Find and tap on Opera<\/p>\n<p>Scroll through the list of apps until you find <strong>Opera<\/strong>, then tap it to open the app&#8217;s details.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106967\" title=\"Search trough the Apps list for the malicious app\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Find-App.jpg\" alt=\"Search trough the Apps list for the malicious app\" width=\"292\" height=\"580\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Find-App.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Find-App-151x300.jpg 151w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Tap &#8220;Storage&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>On the Opera app info screen, tap &#8220;<strong>Storage<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-106970 alignnone\" title=\"Tap on Storage\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Storage.jpg\" alt=\"Opera - Tap on Storage\" width=\"292\" height=\"415\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Storage.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Storage-211x300.jpg 211w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Tap &#8220;Manage Space&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;ll see two options \u2014 <em>Manage Space<\/em> and <em>Clear Cache<\/em>. Tap &#8220;<strong>Manage Space<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-106969 alignnone\" title=\"Tap on Manage Storage\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Manage-Storage.jpg\" alt=\"Opera - Tap on Manage Storage\" width=\"292\" height=\"516\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Manage-Storage.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Manage-Storage-170x300.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Tap &#8220;Clear all data&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Tap &#8220;<strong>Clear all data<\/strong>&#8221; to reset Opera to its default settings.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-106968 alignnone\" title=\"Opera - Tap on Clear All Data\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Clear-data-Android.jpg\" alt=\"Opera - Tap on Clear All Data\" width=\"286\" height=\"74\"\/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Confirm by tapping &#8220;Ok&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>A confirmation dialog will list what&#8217;s about to be reset. Tap &#8220;<strong>Ok<\/strong>&#8221; to finish. The spam notifications are now gone.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Brave\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Remove Spam Notifications from Brave<\/h5>\n<p>To stop the spam notifications, we&#8217;ll reset Brave to its default settings. This clears the cookies, cache, and site permissions that allow the spam site to send notifications.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\"><strong>Heads up:<\/strong> this will also delete your bookmarks, saved logins, and open tabs in Brave. Sync or back up anything important first.<\/div>\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Settings app<\/p>\n<p>Tap the &#8220;<strong>Settings<\/strong>&#8221; app on your phone&#8217;s home screen or app menu.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106949\" title=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Menu-Settings.jpg\" alt=\"Settings app in Android\" width=\"292\" height=\"584\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Menu-Settings.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Menu-Settings-150x300.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Tap on &#8220;Apps&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the Settings menu, tap &#8220;<strong>Apps<\/strong>&#8221; (or &#8220;<strong>App Manager<\/strong>&#8221; on some phones) to see all your installed applications.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106931\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Open-Settings.jpg\" alt=\"Tap on Apps\" width=\"292\" height=\"576\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Open-Settings.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Open-Settings-152x300.jpg 152w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Find and tap on Brave<\/p>\n<p>Scroll through the list of apps until you find <strong>Brave<\/strong>, then tap it to open the app&#8217;s details.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106967\" title=\"Search trough the Apps list for the malicious app\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Find-App.jpg\" alt=\"Search trough the Apps list for the malicious app\" width=\"292\" height=\"580\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Find-App.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Find-App-151x300.jpg 151w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Tap &#8220;Storage&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>On the Brave app info screen, tap &#8220;<strong>Storage<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-106970 alignnone\" title=\"Tap on Storage\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Storage.jpg\" alt=\"Brave - Tap on Storage\" width=\"292\" height=\"415\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Storage.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Storage-211x300.jpg 211w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Tap &#8220;Manage Space&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;ll see two options \u2014 <em>Manage Space<\/em> and <em>Clear Cache<\/em>. Tap &#8220;<strong>Manage Space<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-106969 alignnone\" title=\"Tap on Manage Storage\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Manage-Storage.jpg\" alt=\"Brave - Tap on Manage Storage\" width=\"292\" height=\"516\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Manage-Storage.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Manage-Storage-170x300.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Tap &#8220;Clear all data&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Tap &#8220;<strong>Clear all data<\/strong>&#8221; to reset Brave to its default settings.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-106968 alignnone\" title=\"Brave - Tap on Clear All Data\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Clear-data-Android.jpg\" alt=\"Brave - Tap on Clear All Data\" width=\"286\" height=\"74\"\/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Confirm by tapping &#8220;Ok&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>A confirmation dialog will list what&#8217;s about to be reset. Tap &#8220;<strong>Ok<\/strong>&#8221; to finish. The spam notifications are now gone.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Samsung Internet Browser\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Remove Spam Notifications from Samsung Internet Browser<\/h5>\n<p>To stop the spam notifications, we&#8217;ll reset Samsung Internet to its default settings. This clears the cookies, cache, and site permissions that allow the spam site to send notifications.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\"><strong>Heads up:<\/strong> this will also delete your bookmarks, saved logins, and open tabs in Samsung Internet. Sync or back up anything important first.<\/div>\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Settings app<\/p>\n<p>Tap the &#8220;<strong>Settings<\/strong>&#8221; app on your phone&#8217;s home screen or app menu.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106949\" title=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Menu-Settings.jpg\" alt=\"Settings app in Android\" width=\"292\" height=\"584\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Menu-Settings.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Menu-Settings-150x300.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Tap on &#8220;Apps&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the Settings menu, tap &#8220;<strong>Apps<\/strong>&#8221; (or &#8220;<strong>App Manager<\/strong>&#8221; on some phones) to see all your installed applications.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106931\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Open-Settings.jpg\" alt=\"Tap on Apps\" width=\"292\" height=\"576\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Open-Settings.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Open-Settings-152x300.jpg 152w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Find and tap on Samsung Internet Browser<\/p>\n<p>Scroll through the list of apps until you find <strong>Samsung Internet Browser<\/strong>, then tap it to open the app&#8217;s details.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106967\" title=\"Search trough the Apps list for the malicious app\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Find-App.jpg\" alt=\"Search trough the Apps list for the malicious app\" width=\"292\" height=\"580\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Find-App.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Find-App-151x300.jpg 151w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Tap &#8220;Storage&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>On the Samsung Internet Browser app info screen, tap &#8220;<strong>Storage<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-106970 alignnone\" title=\"Tap on Storage\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Storage.jpg\" alt=\"Samsung Internet Browser - Tap on Storage\" width=\"292\" height=\"415\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Storage.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Storage-211x300.jpg 211w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Tap &#8220;Manage Space&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;ll see two options \u2014 <em>Manage Space<\/em> and <em>Clear Cache<\/em>. Tap &#8220;<strong>Manage Space<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-106969 alignnone\" title=\"Tap on Manage Storage\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Manage-Storage.jpg\" alt=\"Samsung Internet Browser - Tap on Manage Storage\" width=\"292\" height=\"516\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Manage-Storage.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Manage-Storage-170x300.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Tap &#8220;Clear all data&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Tap &#8220;<strong>Clear all data<\/strong>&#8221; to reset Samsung Internet Browser to its default settings.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-106968 alignnone\" title=\"Samsung Internet Browser - Tap on Clear All Data\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Clear-data-Android.jpg\" alt=\"Samsung Internet Browser - Tap on Clear All Data\" width=\"286\" height=\"74\"\/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Confirm by tapping &#8220;Ok&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>A confirmation dialog will list what&#8217;s about to be reset. Tap &#8220;<strong>Ok<\/strong>&#8221; to finish. The spam notifications are now gone.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Microsoft Edge\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Remove Spam Notifications from Microsoft Edge<\/h5>\n<p>To stop the spam notifications, we&#8217;ll reset Edge to its default settings. This clears the cookies, cache, and site permissions that allow the spam site to send notifications.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\"><strong>Heads up:<\/strong> this will also delete your bookmarks, saved logins, and open tabs in Edge. If you&#8217;re signed in with a Microsoft account, sync your data first so you can restore it afterwards.<\/div>\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Settings app<\/p>\n<p>Tap the &#8220;<strong>Settings<\/strong>&#8221; app on your phone&#8217;s home screen or app menu.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106949\" title=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Menu-Settings.jpg\" alt=\"Settings app in Android\" width=\"292\" height=\"584\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Menu-Settings.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Menu-Settings-150x300.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Tap on &#8220;Apps&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the Settings menu, tap &#8220;<strong>Apps<\/strong>&#8221; (or &#8220;<strong>App Manager<\/strong>&#8221; on some phones) to see all your installed applications.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106931\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Open-Settings.jpg\" alt=\"Tap on Apps\" width=\"292\" height=\"576\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Open-Settings.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Open-Settings-152x300.jpg 152w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Find and tap on Microsoft Edge<\/p>\n<p>Scroll through the list of apps until you find <strong>Microsoft Edge<\/strong>, then tap it to open the app&#8217;s details.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106967\" title=\"Search trough the Apps list for the malicious app\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Find-App.jpg\" alt=\"Search trough the Apps list for the malicious app\" width=\"292\" height=\"580\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Find-App.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Android-Find-App-151x300.jpg 151w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Tap &#8220;Storage&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>On the Microsoft Edge app info screen, tap &#8220;<strong>Storage<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-106970 alignnone\" title=\"Tap on Storage\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Storage.jpg\" alt=\"Microsoft Edge - Tap on Storage\" width=\"292\" height=\"415\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Storage.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Storage-211x300.jpg 211w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Tap &#8220;Manage Space&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;ll see two options \u2014 <em>Manage Space<\/em> and <em>Clear Cache<\/em>. Tap &#8220;<strong>Manage Space<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-106969 alignnone\" title=\"Tap on Manage Storage\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Manage-Storage.jpg\" alt=\"Microsoft Edge - Tap on Manage Storage\" width=\"292\" height=\"516\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Manage-Storage.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Manage-Storage-170x300.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Tap &#8220;Clear all data&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Tap &#8220;<strong>Clear all data<\/strong>&#8221; to reset Microsoft Edge to its default settings.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-106968 alignnone\" title=\"Microsoft Edge - Tap on Clear All Data\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tap-Clear-data-Android.jpg\" alt=\"Microsoft Edge - Tap on Clear All Data\" width=\"286\" height=\"74\"\/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Confirm by tapping &#8220;Ok&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>A confirmation dialog will list what&#8217;s about to be reset. Tap &#8220;<strong>Ok<\/strong>&#8221; to finish. The spam notifications are now gone.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h4 id=\"malwarebytes-android\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 2: Use Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware and malicious apps<\/h4>\n<p>Next, we&#8217;ll install Malwarebytes for Android and run a scan to find and remove any adware or malicious apps hiding on your phone \u2014 the ones that may have triggered the spam notifications in the first place.<\/p>\n<p>Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download Malwarebytes for Android.<\/p>\n<p>You can download <strong>Malwarebytes for Android<\/strong> by clicking the link below.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-81150 mwt_product_icon_logo\" title=\"Malwarebytes Icon\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Malwarebytes-LOGO.png\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Logo\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=org.malwarebytes.antimalware&#038;hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">MALWAREBYTES FOR ANDROID DOWNLOAD LINK<\/a><\/strong><br \/><em>(The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes for Android)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.<\/p>\n<p>In the Google Play Store, tap &#8220;<strong>Install<\/strong>&#8221; to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106940\" title=\"Tap Install to install Malwarebytes for Android\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Google-Play-App.jpg\" alt=\"Tap Install to install Malwarebytes for Android\" width=\"292\" height=\"580\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Google-Play-App.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Google-Play-App-151x300.jpg 151w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>When the installation process has finished, tap &#8220;<strong>Open<\/strong>&#8221; to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106941\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Open-App.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes for Android - Open App\" width=\"292\" height=\"578\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Open-App.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Open-App-152x300.jpg 152w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process<\/p>\n<p>When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the <em>Malwarebytes Setup Wizard<\/em> which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options.<br \/>This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106944\" title=\"Malwarebytes Setup Screen 1\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-1.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Setup Screen 1\" width=\"292\" height=\"577\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-1.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-1-152x300.jpg 152w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><br \/>Tap on &#8220;<strong>Got it<\/strong>&#8221; to proceed to the next step.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106945\" title=\"Malwarebytes Setup Screen 2\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-2.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Setup Screen 2\" width=\"292\" height=\"580\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-2.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-2-151x300.jpg 151w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><br \/>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 &#8220;<strong>Give permission<\/strong>&#8221; to continue.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106946\" title=\"Malwarebytes Setup Screen 3\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-3.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Setup Screen 3\" width=\"292\" height=\"570\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-3.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-3-154x300.jpg 154w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><br \/>Tap on &#8220;Allow&#8221; to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106947\" title=\"Malwarebytes Setup Screen 4\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-7.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Setup Screen 4\" width=\"292\" height=\"573\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-7.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-7-153x300.jpg 153w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android<\/p>\n<p>You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106939\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Fix-Issues.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes fix issue\" width=\"292\" height=\"579\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Fix-Issues.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Fix-Issues-151x300.jpg 151w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>Click on &#8220;<strong>Update database<\/strong>&#8221; to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on &#8220;<strong>Run full scan<\/strong>&#8221; to perform a system scan.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106948\" title=\"Update database and run Malwarebytes scan\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Update-Run-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"Update database and run Malwarebytes scan on phone\" width=\"291\" height=\"575\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Update-Run-Scan.jpg 291w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Update-Run-Scan-152x300.jpg 152w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 291px) 100vw, 291px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.<\/p>\n<p>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.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106943\" title=\"Malwarebytes scanning phone for malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Scanning-for-Malware.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes scanning Android for Vmalware\" width=\"292\" height=\"579\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Scanning-for-Malware.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Scanning-for-Malware-151x300.jpg 151w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click on &#8220;Remove Selected&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>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 &#8220;<strong>Remove Selected<\/strong>&#8221; button.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106942\" title=\"Tap on the Remove button to get rid of malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Removing-Malware.jpg\" alt=\"Remove malware from your phone\" width=\"760\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Removing-Malware.jpg 760w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Removing-Malware-300x237.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Restart your phone.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<p>Your phone should now be free of the &#8220;Your Google Account Has Been Locked!&#8221; pop-up ads and other malware.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<br \/>If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Restore your phone to factory settings by going to <em>Settings &gt; General management &gt; Reset &gt; Factory data reset.<\/em><\/li><li>Ask for help in our <strong><a title=\"Mobile Malware Removal Help &amp; Support\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/forums\/mobile-malware-removal-help-support.165\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mobile Malware Removal Help &amp; Support<\/a><\/strong> forum.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad3646900392\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381388-ad_309691-placement_381390\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3191649120\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Avoid Falling Victim<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While no internet user is completely immune to sophisticated scams, several best practices can greatly reduce your risks online:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Install Ad and Pop-up Blockers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many reputable ad block browser extensions like uBlock Origin help stop malicious content from even loading on sites. This prevents deceptive pop-up scams from appearing in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Configure browsers to block pop-ups by default for further protection against unwanted content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keep Software Updated<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always maintain the latest security updates for operating systems, browsers, plugins, and other software. Updates patch vulnerabilities that scammers can otherwise exploit to inject pop-ups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Enable auto-updates where possible so you don\u2019t have to manually apply every fix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use Antivirus Tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Well-rated antivirus software provides real-time scanning of sites you access to detect and block known scams or malicious code. This ensures you don\u2019t land on domains spreading \u201cYour Google Account Has Been Locked!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Run regular system scans as well to check for any malware that made it onto your devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Avoid Suspicious Downloads and Links<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Exercise caution around sites prompting you to download software or browser extensions. Likewise, avoid clicking links in unexpected emails directing to unknown pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These often lead to malware or directly open scam pop-up windows. Stick to trusted, verified sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Secure Accounts with 2FA<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For key accounts like Google, Facebook, and email, enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds a secondary login step beyond just a password.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">2FA prevents scammers from accessing accounts in the event they phish credentials. The extra login factor blocks unauthorized access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Never Share Access Remotely<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Refuse any calls claiming to be tech support requesting remote access to your device. Real support never needs such access without your explicit prior consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Never download software for strangers to view or control your system. Avoid becoming a victim from the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad3626427109\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381392-ad_309691-placement_381395\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"2944237110\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being online comes with inherent risks &#8211; but armed with the right knowledge, users can avoid perils like \u201cYour Google Account Has Been Locked!\u201d. Recognize telltale signs of scams, don\u2019t fall for manipulative messages, safeguard your system and accounts, and report any attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spreading awareness among family and friends can also help protect wider communities against fraud. Together we can all reclaim security and peace of mind across the digital world.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The internet is filled with threats looking to take advantage of unsuspecting users. One such threat is the \u201cYour Google Account Has Been Locked!\u201d pop-up scam. This fraudulent pop-up claims your Google account has been &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"Beware Of &#8220;Your Google Account Has Been Locked!&#8221; Pop-ups\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/your-google-account-has-been-locked\/#more-207664\" aria-label=\"Read more about Beware Of &#8220;Your Google Account Has Been Locked!&#8221; Pop-ups\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":207666,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-207664","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-scam-reports","masonry-post","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50","resize-featured-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/207664","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=207664"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/207664\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/207666"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=207664"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=207664"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=207664"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}