How to remove apps force-opening Chrome search contest 2021 websites?

What is "Chrome search contest 2021"?

Practically identical to "You've Made The 5-billionth Search", "Chrome search contest 2021" is a scam promoted on various deceptive websites. This scheme claims that users have been selected as winners to win valuable prizes.

All scams aim to generate revenue for their designers, yet how they profit - differs. Typically, scams like "Chrome search contest 2021" ask victims to pay to receive the fake prizes and/or operate as phishing schemes (collect sensitive/personal data).

Users rarely access deceptive sites intentionally; most get redirected to them by intrusive advertisements or installed PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications). This software can have heinous functionalities, and users may be unaware of its presence as it does not require explicit permission to infiltrate systems.

The "Chrome search contest 2021" scam states that users have made the lucky 5-billionth web search. Therefore, they will win a prize if they select it within 15 minutes.

The scheme claims that this prize giveaway occurs every 5-billionth search and provides fake details of previous winners. The prior winner supposedly won a "Samsung KU6179 Ultra HD TV", and others are listed to have won valuable Google Play, Sony, Samsung, and Apple brand prizes.

The scheme urges users to select one of the three graphic representations of gift-boxes - in order to claim their prize. It must be emphasized that "Chrome search contest 2021" is a scam, and all of the information provided by it is false. Hence, it is strongly advised to simply close the site running this scheme.

Should that be impossible, the Windows Task Manager must be used to end the browser's process. It is crucial not to restore the previous browsing session upon reopening the browser - as that will also reopen the scam page.

As mentioned in the introduction, the sole aim of online scams is to generate profit for scammers. The fake prize scam model often operates by requesting victims to pay to receive the nonexistent prize.

For example, users may be asked to pay shipping, storage, transaction, registration, subscription, and similar fees. The bogus payments are usually small - in comparison to the value of the fake prize. This is intentional, as it lulls victims into believing that the relatively insignificant fee is worth paying.

Schemes of this type commonly work in tandem or as phishing scams. In other words, they request users to provide vulnerable/private data, e.g., names, addresses, emails, telephone numbers, banking account and/or credit card details, etc.

The collected information can then be used to further other scams and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals). To summarize, by trusting the "Chrome search contest 2021" scam, users can experience severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

PUAs are a prime suspect behind rogue redirects to various misleading, deceptive, and malicious websites (e.g., ones running "Chrome search contest 2021"). However, these applications can have other/additional harmful functions. Adware-types deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns.

The delivered ads diminish the browsing experience and are considered to be dangerous. Once clicked on, intrusive adverts redirect to untrustworthy/malicious webpages, and some can stealthily download/install software.

Browser hijackers are another type of PUAs; they operate by modifying browser settings and restricting/denying access to them - in order to promote fake search engines. The promoted web searchers seldom can provide search results, so they redirect to Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other legitimate search engines.

What is more, most PUAs have data tracking abilities. Information of interest includes: browsing and search engine histories, IP addresses, geolocations, and personally identifiable details. The gathered data is then monetized by being shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

Therefore, it is highly recommended to remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.

Threat Summary:

Name	Chrome search contest 2021 pop-up
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Fake Claim	Scam claims users have won a prize.
Related Domains	group160beginmarket[.]live
Symptoms	Fake error messages, fake system warnings, pop-up errors, hoax computer scan.
Distribution methods	Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications.
Damage	Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, possible malware infections.
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"Spin The Wheel", "Congratulations Samsung user!", "Win The New iPhone 12", and "You've made the 9.68-billionth search" are some examples of scams similar to "Chrome search contest 2021". The Web is full of misleading and deceptive content.

Popular scam models include (but are not limited to): fake prize giveaways and raffles, unbelievable offers and deals, warnings that the device is infected or at risk, alerts that an essential piece of software is outdated or missing, etc.

Regardless of what these schemes promise, request, or demand, the end-goal is always the same - to generate revenue at user expense. Due to how widespread online scams are, it is advised to exercise caution when browsing.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Select PUAs have "official" download pages, which are often promoted by deceptive/scam sites. These applications can also be downloaded/installed together with other programs.

This false marketing tactic of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is termed "bundling". Rushed download/installation processes (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, etc.) increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.

Upon being clicked, intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to download/install PUAs without user consent.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is recommended to research software before download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be done from official and verified sources.

Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - can offer harmful and/or bundled content.

When downloading/installing, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out from supplementary apps, tools, features, and other additions.

Intrusive adverts appear ordinary and innocuous; however, they redirect to questionable webpages (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).

In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, the system must be checked and all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - removed from it without delay.

If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Text presented in the "Chrome search contest 2021" scam:

Chrome search contest 2021

 

You've made the 5-billionth search.

 

Congratulations! You may be our next lucky winner!

 

Our last winner was Brad Jenkins from your city , who won a Samsung KU6179 Ultra HD TV on 14.05.2019 with his 5-billionth Search.

 

Every time the 5-billionth search is reached, we proclaim a winner and reset the counter.

 

You may choose one of three hidden prizes below. In addition, you will be entered in our Hall of Fame and receive a winner's certificate.

 

Behind every box is a prize. Click on a box to uncover it.

 

For technical reasons, we are not allowed to keep your invitation open for more than 15 minutes. Choose one of the prizes below and follow the instructions on your screen.

 

Recent Winners

 

Richard Sutherland 19. February 2021
Prize: $100 Google Play Card Brendan Skoal 23. January 2021
Prize: Sony Playstation 3 Andre S 20. December 2020
Prize: $500 Google Play Card Therese Bläsen 26. November 2020
Prize: $250 Google Play Card Anime Sucht 22. October 2020
Prize: Apple Watch 3 Katja Schönefeld 23. September 2020
Prize: Galaxy S10 Stefan Lochter 25. August 2020
Prize: $250 Amazon Gift Card suri- ja 16. July 2020
Preis: iPhone Xs Basti Friedel 19. June 2020
Preis: Apple Watch 3 Rene Weger 24. May 2020
Prize: $500 Google Play Card

The appearance of "Chrome search contest 2021" pop-up scam (GIF):

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Quick menu:

• What is "Chrome search contest 2021"?
• STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
• STEP 3. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
• STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
• STEP 6. Remove adware from Internet Explorer.

Removal of potentially unwanted applications:

Windows 11 users:

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

In the uninstall programs window, look for any suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon  (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the chrome search contest 2021 pop-up, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon  (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with chrome search contest 2021 pop-up removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.

Select Troubleshooting Information.

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Remove malicious extensions from Safari:

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Click the Edge menu icon  (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the chrome search contest 2021 pop-up, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon  (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

• If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Click the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the chrome search contest 2021 pop-up, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Click the Reset button.

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Summary:

Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

Removal assistance:
If you are experiencing problems while trying to remove chrome search contest 2021 pop-up from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.

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