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Removal instructions for the Shopping Pal adware-type browser extension

Also Known As: Ads by Shopping Pal
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Shopping Pal?

While investigating dubious websites, our research team discovered the Shopping Pal browser extension. It promises easy access to exclusive deals straight from the Google search engine. However, our inspection of the Shopping Pal extension revealed that it is adware.

Shopping Pal adware asking for permissions

Shopping Pal adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by running intrusive advert campaigns, i.e., displaying various ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

These advertisements promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent – upon being clicked.

Note that any genuine products or services encountered through these ads – are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers/creators. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Adware may not deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are incompatible. However, regardless of whether Shopping Pal displays ads – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

Furthermore, Shopping Pal has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected information be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of software like Shopping Pal on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Shopping Pal
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Shopping Pal
Supposed Functionality Easy access to exclusive deals
Symptoms Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed.
Distribution Methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers.
Damage Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections.
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.

Adware examples

We have analyzed thousands of adware-type apps and extensions; Breaking NewsFiles Downloader AssistBlock Site Access – are merely a couple examples of our latest finds.

Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and offers "handy" abilities. However, the promised functions are seldom operational. Even if they do work – that is not proof of the software's legitimacy or safety.

How did Shopping Pal install on my computer?

We acquired Shopping Pal from its "official" promotional page. In addition to such sites, adware is endorsed on scam webpages. Most users enter these types of websites through redirects caused by misspelled URLs, sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing installation processes (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.

Adware is proliferated by intrusive advertisements as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Installation must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of supplementary apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to approach browsing with caution – since fake and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look legitimate yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Shopping Pal, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot of the official website used to promote Shopping Pal adware:

Website promoting Shopping Pal adware

Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote Shopping Pal adware:

Deceptive website promoting Shopping Pal adware

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:

Adware 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.

Adware uninstall via Control Panel

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

After uninstalling the unwanted applications, 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 Shopping Pal adware using Combo Cleaner:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing unwanted ads 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 "Shopping Pal" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing unwanted ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by shopping pal, 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 plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing unwanted ads from Mozilla Firefox step 1

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

Removing unwanted ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by shopping pal 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 ads by shopping pal, 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.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on ads by shopping pal or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays advertisements endorsing deceptive and malicious content capable of causing serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, this software usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It enables the placement of ads on various interfaces. Some types can also cause redirects and gather private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting websites, applications, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Shopping Pal adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all the adware-type apps present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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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
Ads by Shopping Pal QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Shopping Pal on your mobile device.
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