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How to get rid of the fake Google application

Also Known As: Google Software Scam
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Google App scam?

Scammers are using a fake Google application to steal CoinBase login credentials. They use malicious installers to inject modified Chrome browser or similar software that changes the Google Chrome shortcut target. When users try to access a legitimate CoinBase page, they get redirected to a fake one.

google app scam installation folder

Google App scam in detail

This fake Google application gets installed on the operating system as "Chrome Software". Its setup alters Google Chrome (or installs a modified Chrome version). It sets the Chrome target to "C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome Software\Chrome Software.exe" and adds the "google app" extension to a browser.

Also, the modified browser has the "Managed by your organization" feature added to it. The purpose of this fake Google app is to redirect users to a fake CoinBase page (coinbase.security[.]com) when they enter the address of a legitimate CoinBase page and steal entered login credentials (CoinBase accounts).

Threat Summary:
Name Google Software Scam
Threat Type Fake Google application
Related Domain coinbase[.]security.com
Detection Names (Installer) Avast (Win32:Trojan-gen), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Jaik.47957), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), Kaspersky (Trojan.Win32.Mixer.t), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Downloader.GA!MTB), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Detection Names (Malicious Application) MaxSecure (Trojan.Malware.300983.susgen), SentinelOne (Static ML) (Static AI - Suspicious Archive), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Detection Names (coinbase.security[.]com) N/A (VirusTotal)
Distribution Methods Deceptive pop-up ads and websites, fake installers
Damage Stolen CoinBase accounts
Malware Removal (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
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To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

More details about a fake Google application

Additionally, the "google app" extension can read and change all users' data on all websites and manage installed apps, extensions, and themes. This fake Google Chrome browser and its components must be removed from the affected operating systems and browsers as soon as possible.

How did this app got installed on my computer?

The installer for the fake Google Chrome (or its modifier) likely is distributed through some deceptive website or advertisements designed to run certain scripts. It is also possible that it is available for download on other unreliable sources like Peer-to-Peer networks, free file hosting pages, freeware download sites.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Use official websites as sources for downloading software and files and avoid using other sources (like P2P networks, unofficial sites). Do not click on advertisements appearing on dubious websites. Do not download and install programs until all unwanted apps included in their downloaders and installers are deselected.

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

Fake Google application redirects to a fake CoinBase website used to steal login credentials (GIF):

fake google app redirects to a fake coinbase website

Screenshot of the fake CoinBase website:

google app scam fake coinbase page

Screenshot of the Chrome shortcut target changed to "C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome Software\Chrome Software.exe":

fake google app changed chrome shortcut target location

Screenshot of the "google app" description:

google app description

Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner 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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Unwanted software removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

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:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

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.

Google fake app uninstallation via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for any potentially unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

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

Remove adware from Internet browsers:

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

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing fake Google app from 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 "google app" and other recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.

Removing fake Google app from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the google software scam, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

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

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

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

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing fake Google App from Mozilla Firefox step 1

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

Removing fake Google App from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with google software scam removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

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

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

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

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

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

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

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...

resetting safari step 1

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

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the google software scam, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

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.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

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

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

My computer is infected with a fake Google Chrome application, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

This fake application/Chrome modifier can be removed without formatting. Removal guide for such software is provided above

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

It depends on the type of malware. Having a computer infected with malware can lead to identity theft, financial losses, decreased computer performance, further infections, and other problems.

What is the purpose of a fake Google Chrome browser/Chrome modifier?

The purpose of this app is to redirect users to a fake CoinBase website and obtain login credentials.

How did a malware infiltrate my computer?

In most cases, malicious apps are distributed using various phishing and other social engineering techniques (like malicious emails, fake system warning messages), drive-by downloads, Peer-to-Peer networks, software cracking tools.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and eliminate almost all known malware infections. It is recommended to scan the operating system fully (using a full scan option) because malware can be hiding deep in the operating system.

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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.

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

QR Code
Google Software Scam QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Google Software Scam on your mobile device.
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Platform: Windows

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To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.