Avoid getting scammed by the promoland.space website

What is the promoland[.]space site?

Promoland[.]space is a deceptive website running various scams. At the time of research, it promoted a scheme targeting iPhone users with claims that their data may be at risk. It must be emphasized that no website can detect threats/issues present on visitors' devices; hence, any that make such statements - are scams.

This scam model is typically used to promote untrustworthy software, e.g., fake anti-viruses, adware, browser hijackers, and other PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications). In rare cases, schemes of this type proliferate malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, etc.).

Webpages like promoland[.]space are usually accessed via mistyped URLs, or redirects caused by rogue sites, intrusive ads, or installed PUAs.

Promoland[.]space in detail

The scam run on promoland[.]space claims that sensitive content (e.g., browsing history, photos, messages, etc.) stored on visitors' iPhones might be accessible to third-parties. To secure the allegedly exposed data, the scheme recommends downloading/installing the endorsed application. As mentioned in the introduction, all of these claims are fake. Furthermore, trusting them can result in various issues.

Scams of this kind seldom endorse legitimate products, in most cases - they push PUAs. These apps appear harmless, yet they usually have harmful abilities.

For example, unwanted software can force-open dubious and malicious sites (e.g., promoland[.]space), promise fake features that do not work after purchase (e.g., fake anti-viruses), display intrusive ads (adware), modify browsers and promote fake search engines (browser hijackers), and collect private data (e.g., browsing information, personally identifiable details, etc.), and so forth.

In summary, the presence of PUAs on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	promoland.space pop-up
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Mac malware, Mac virus
Fake Claim	Scam claims that the data stored on visitors' iPhones may be accessible to third-parties.
Detection Names	N/A (VirusTotal)
Promoted Unwanted Application	Various dubious apps
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.

Scam website examples

Advanced-checker[.]com, nicyaboyenan[.]com, secure-support[.]space, and churrasqueirataylor[.]com are some examples of websites akin to the promoland[.]space site.

The Internet is rife with misleading, deceptive, and even malicious content. There are thousands of different scams online, and their sole goal is to generate profit at user expense. Due to how widespread schemes are on the Web, it is strongly advised to exercise caution when browsing.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Select PUAs have "official" download pages that are often pushed by scam sites (e.g., promoland[.]space). These applications are also distributed using the "bundling" method - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions. Rushed downloads/installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Intrusive ads proliferate PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the advertisements can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is advised to research software and only download from official/verified channels. Untrustworthy sources, e.g., Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, unofficial and freeware websites, etc. - commonly offer bundled content.

When downloading/installing, it is important to read terms, explore available options, and use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out from all additions. Intrusive adverts appear innocuous; however, they redirect to questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, the device must be checked and all suspicious 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 macOS to automatically eliminate them.

Text presented in the scam promoted on promoland[.]space website:

Pop-up:

 

(1) SECURITY NOTIFICATION
Your personal data might be stolen!
Hit OK to protect your iPhone.

 

OK

 

------------------

 

Background page:

 

Security Notification

Tuesday
5 October 2021

Your personal data might be stolen!

 

Third-party may have access to your photos and messengers. Third-party may know your internet browser history. How to stop it now:

 

Step 1: Tap the button below & install the recommended security application free from the AppStore

 

Step 2: Run the app and follow on screen instructions.

01 minutes 55 seconds

Download and Install

Appearance of the promoland[.]space website's background page:

Appearance of the application promoted through the scam run on promoland[.]space website:

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".

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

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

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:

• What is "promoland[.]space"?
• STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.

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:

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

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

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

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

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.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

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

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

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

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

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.

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

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

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.

Scan 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.

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.

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

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Remove malicious Safari extensions:

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

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.

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 extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

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

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (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".

• 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?

Pop-up scams are fake messages intended to trick users into performing specific actions (e.g., disclosing vulnerable data, downloading files, installing malicious software, etc.). In case of the scheme promoted by promoland[.]space - it aims to lure visitors into downloading/installing endorsed apps.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

The purpose of pop-up scams is to generate revenue for their designers. They may profit by promoting questionable or malicious software, collecting and selling personal information, scamming users out of their money (e.g., fake fees, cryptocurrency giveaways, lotteries, etc.), and so forth.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Pop-up scams are hosted on various deceptive websites, which users seldom visit intentionally. These pages are typically accessed via mistyped URLs, or redirects caused by sites employing rogue advertising networks, browser notifications/ intrusive ads, or harmful applications already installed onto the system.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning the sites you visit and detecting malicious ones. Webpages that host pop-up scams are included in this category. Therefore, you will be immediately warned, and access to such websites will be restricted.

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