Update Google Chrome Scam: How It Works
What browser do you have installed on your device? Chrome, Safari, Mozilla, or even Internet Explorer? Is there any other one? Please beware of the latest scam involving Chrome, although it is a straightforward trick that could easily lure you into compromising your device by using the other ones. Let’s look at how it works and how you can avoid it.
Imagine this scenario: You’re navigating the Internet using your Chrome browser. As you’re reading the latest news on your favorite site, suddenly, an urgent message pops up, warning that you are using an older version of Chrome. Did you ever get that?
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Here is a screenshot of the bogus notification:
Under the ‘old version’ notification message, there is also a convenient green button (or red, sometimes) labeled – you guessed it – “Update Chrome.” As you can assume, clicking that button won’t update your Chrome browser. Instead, it will infect your machine with one or more dangerous viruses. It happens all the time these days, so beware.
The scam is not pulled by the official Chrome extension – as many users may wrongly think – but by random cybercrooks trying to get into your device.
The screenshot above features the most current fake Chrome update notice version. If you see a pop-up similar to this pop-up on your computer, don’t click it. It could show on your mobile screen, too.
Please close your browser immediately, reopen it, and then clear Chrome’s browser cache. If you don’t know how, don’t worry – there is how below.
Fake Google Chrome Update: How To Avoid
As a rule of thumb, you should regularly check to ensure you have the latest updates installed, whether about Chrome or any other extension. How to?
You can do that easily from Chrome’s “Customize and Control” menu. Here are the steps you need to take:
- Launch your Chrome browser.
- Select the Customize and Control icon in the upper-right corner of the browser window, usually three vertical dots.
- Choose Help, then select About Google Chrome.
At this point, your Chrome browser will check to see if any uninstalled updates are available. If that’s the case, they will be installed automatically.
If it makes it easier, watch the clip below to see how to update your Google Chrome:
Google Chrome Scam: How To Report
Warn your family and friends about the fake Google Chrome Update by sharing it on social media using the buttons provided. However, you can report scammers and any suspicious activity officially to the Federal Trade Commission (most important), the Office of the Inspector General, and the FBI Internet Complaint Center by using the pages below:
Report To The FTC
Submit Claim To The Office of the Inspector General
Report To The FBI Internet Complaints Center
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Meanwhile, educate yourself with some other fraud-related articles featured right under this paragraph, so that you can protect yourself in many other aspects and niches. Last but not least, use the comments section below to expose other online scammers.
Here are some must-reads for the end:
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Yes, I have clicked on this button.
Fortunately I have an effective anti-virus program and thanks to your article I know how to update Google Chrome safely. Thanks.
I’m 72 but fairly computer literate. I’ve seen this message lots of times and I’m almost certain I’ve clicked on the button in frustration. I have ESET on my PC, would it pick up that it was dangerous if I have clicked on it?
Theres also the Evan Kate on tik tok were shes a billionaire giving awsy money nut like the older version of the drop you have to purchase a 200 dollar visa andvyou recievev2,5 million. Right ?
Chrome was slow to respond still haven’t and why if you try to investigate does it say web site not available surely if a layman like me is suspicious they should be!? https://appcleanup.club/landers/d2e2513af1/Eng/index.html#
Why was it allowed in the first place?
I was getting those messages over a year ago. I wrote out post explaining it to others. Now since this is a Facebook thing I understand that they are the problem. The reporting system they have is completely useless. I have always told everyone to never open a link unless you know 100% what that link is.