FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

How to recognize scams like advanced-checker.com?

Also Known As: advanced-checker.com pop-up
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is advanced-checker[.]com website?

Websites like advanced-checker[.]com often use scare tactics to trick visitors into downloading (and installing) a potentially unwanted application (PUA). Most of them display fake virus notifications suggesting that a device is infected. Advanced-checker[.]com offers visitors to clean up their phones.

advanced-checker[.]com scam

Advanced-checker[.]com in detail

There are at least two variants of pop-ups that advanced-checker[.]com can display. Both of them offer visitors to install a PUA that is supposed to clean up iPhones to make them work faster. It is possible that advanced-checker[.]com is used to promote adware, browser hijacker, or some other potentially unwanted application.

Threat Summary:
Name advanced-checker.com pop-up
Threat Type Phishing, Scam, Mac malware, Mac virus
Fake Claim iPhone could work faster after cleaning it with the downloaded application
Detection Names ESET (Malware), Full List (VirusTotal)
Symptoms Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Advanced-checker[.]com in general

It is strongly recommended not to trust advanced-checker[.]com. This page is likely to be promoted through other untrustworthy pages, shady advertisements, or PUAs (it is unlikely for this page to be opened intentionally). More examples of similar sites are nicyaboyenan[.]com, secure-support[.]space, and track-app[.]fun.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Users cause unwanted downloads and installations through deceptive ads that can run certain scripts or downloaders and installers for other programs or fake installers. In the second case, users download, install PUAs when they leave checkboxes ticked or "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings unchanged.

Most fake installers are downloaded from deceptive websites. Advertisements that can cause unexpected downloads or installations are displayed on dubious, potentially malicious sites.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Unwanted downloads and installations can be avoided by downloading apps and files from official websites and via direct links. Also, it can be done by checking "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings of downloaders or installers before downloading or installing programs.

Additionally, it is recommended not to click on ads that appear on questionable pages (for example, on adult sites). If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

Text in the first advanced-checker[.]com variant:

Apple iPhone cleanup might be required!
Your Apple iPhone might be slowed down and your battery may discharges quickly.

Please clean your phone memory to solve this problem and increase speed.


Install recommended app for FREE to clean your Apple iPhone immediately!

Cancel
Install

Screenshot of the second advanced-checker[.]com variant:

advanced-checker.com pop-up scam second variant

Text in this  variant:

Cleaner Update for Apple is Recommended!
Your phone mobile can work faster, we released a Cleaner update, and it is recommended for every phone.

If you do not upgrade, your mobile might be slowed down and your battery may discharge quickly.

Update now for FREE to clean and boost your Apple immediately!

5 minutes 52 seconds

CANCEL
UPDATE NOW

To enable pop-up blocking, fraudulent website warnings, and remove web browsing data in mobile Apple devices, follow these steps:

First, go to "Settings", and then scroll down to find and tap "Safari".

remove pop-ups and clear cache step 1

Check if the "Block Pop-ups" and "Fraudulent Website Warning" toggles are enabled. If not, enable them immediately. Then, scroll down and tap "Advanced".

disable pop-ups and clear cache step 2

Tap "Website Data" and then "Remove All Website Data".

disable pop-ups and clear cache step 3

Instant automatic Mac malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

Potentially unwanted applications removal:

Remove potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

mac browser hijacker removal from applications folder

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Remove adware-related files and folders

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a pop-up scam?

A pop-up scam is a fake system, virus, or another notification designed to trick users into downloading questionable software, providing personal information, or performing other actions.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

Most pop-up scams are used to proliferate malicious software, extract sensitive information or for other purposes. Gathered information could be sold used for illegal activities (for example, to steal identities).

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Pop-up scams are delivered by untrustworthy websites that users open unintentionally. It is common for these scams to be opened by present malicious applications or through sites that use questionable advertising networks.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Combo Cleaner can scan all websites that users visit and detect the malicious ones. Websites delivering pop-up scams also fall under the category of malicious pages. Thus, Combo Cleaner warns users about malicious sites and restricts access to them.

▼ Show Discussion

About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
advanced-checker.com pop-up QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of advanced-checker.com pop-up on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Mac malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner for Mac

Platform: macOS

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.