What Is Chrome Search Contest 2021
Chrome Search Contest 2021 is the name of a nasty scam that aims to trick victims into entering their critical personal information on their computers. This scam may pretend that you have done your 5th billion Google search and you are eligible for a big reward. But the scammers wont give you this reward unless you type in your credit card and personal details. This may result in the loss of your money and ultimately information theft.
Since Chrome Search Contest 2021 could be appearing on your computer because of adware or other nasty software, we suggest that you read this article to see how it works and how to remove it.
Threat Summary
Name | Chrome Search Contest 2021 |
Type | Scam / Fake Survey / Phishing |
Short Description | May pretend that you are a prize winner to get you to fill in your personal information and steal it. |
Symptoms | You may see a browser redirect to a new page, called “Chrome Search Contest 2021” stating that you have made the “5th billion search” in Google and are a lucky winner. |
Distribution Method | If you see this scam, then you probably have adware, causing risky ads on your browser. |
Detection Tool |
See If Your MacOS or Windows Has Been Affected by Chrome Search Contest 2021
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Chrome Search Contest 2021. |
Chrome Search Contest 2021 Scam – More Information
The main window of the Chrome Search Contest 2021 scam appears on both Windows and macOS computer and may look like the following:
As yo can see the scam may lure you into entering a fill-out form that you must complete in order for the reward to be wired to your account. This is how these scammers often get victims to enter their credit card details and end up loosing their financial information and likely the money from their account. Other scams to watch for that may also be after your money, just like this one are Chrome Search Contest 2020, Wallet Secure POP-UP Scam and Apple Platform Security fraud.
But how did you start seeing those scams to appear? The answer to that is called a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Software). In the PUP group of apps often are rogue programs, adware and browser hijackers. These apps may heavily modify your web browsers, add extensions, change their home and new tab pages and also display the following types of advertisements:
- Pop-ups.
- Ads, embedded in text.
- Banner promotions.
- Push pop-ups.
- Redirections.
- Search result ads.
The main purpose of such adware programs is to make profit from those ads. What these people do is likely to get paid by scammers, like the Chrome Search Contest 2021 ones to push their nasty pages. This is how these adware programs may also end up leading you to the following risky sites as well:
- Fake Tech Support
- Survey frauds.
- Phishing.
- Virus pages or domains.
Since such adware applications are created solely to generate profit to their developers, they do not care what it is they push as advertisements on your computer. This is why such programs are classified as indirectly risky for your PC or Mac and should be removed as soon as you can.
How to Remove Chrome Search Contest 2021
The Chrome Search Contest 2021 web page can be removed if you remove the software that keeps redirecting you to pages like itself. Such may be websites that could show you this nasty add, like low-reputation sites, fake torrent sites and others. But, there is also a high possibility that Chrome Search Contest 2021 appears on your browsers as a result of an app installed on your computer. Such apps often get added optionally to the setups of other free software and this is how you do not know they are on your device.
To remove what is causing Chrome Search Contest 2021, we suggest that you follow the removal guide we have created underneath. It has been made to help you delete the program behind Chrome Search Contest 2021 and other pop-ups from your browser and your PC or Mac. But be advised that for the most effective removal, we would strongly suggest that you download and scan your device, using anti-malware. Experts often use such software, since it conveniently finds any adware and unwanted software or viruses and automatically gets rid of those threats without wasting any time.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Chrome Search Contest 2021 from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Chrome Search Contest 2021 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Chrome Search Contest 2021 and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Chrome Search Contest 2021 on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Chrome Search Contest 2021 there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for Chrome Search Contest 2021 (Windows).
Get rid of Chrome Search Contest 2021 from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Chrome Search Contest 2021 and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Chrome Search Contest 2021. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Chrome Search Contest 2021 via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Chrome Search Contest 2021 files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Chrome Search Contest 2021, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for Chrome Search Contest 2021 (Mac)
Remove Chrome Search Contest 2021 from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase Chrome Search Contest 2021 from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall Chrome Search Contest 2021 from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove Chrome Search Contest 2021 from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Chrome Search Contest 2021 will be removed.
Eliminate Chrome Search Contest 2021 from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Chrome Search Contest 2021-FAQ
What Is Chrome Search Contest 2021?
The Chrome Search Contest 2021 threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Chrome Search Contest 2021?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Chrome Search Contest 2021?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Chrome Search Contest 2021 Work?
Once installed, Chrome Search Contest 2021 can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Chrome Search Contest 2021 can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Chrome Search Contest 2021 Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Chrome Search Contest 2021 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Chrome Search Contest 2021 how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Chrome Search Contest 2021?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Chrome Search Contest 2021 threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.