What Is Google Docs Virus
Google Docs Email Scam is the name of a fraud email, which may be sent to you appearing as if it is the legitimate Google documents. The main issues that may because as a result of this scam is to get you to click on a fake web link, which may infect your computer with malware or get you to type in your personal information, like passwords, bank accounts etc. this is why it is strongly advisable in case you have clicked on any links that are related or simply open these emails from an unsecured mailbox do you immediately focus on securing your device.
Read this article to learn more about the Google Docs Email Scam, its consequences on your device and what you can do to remove it.
Google Docs Summary
| Name | Google Docs Scam |
| Type | Phishing, PUP, Scam, malware |
| Short Description | Phishing e-mail messages may be trying to trick you into clicking links to get redirected. Once redirected you will be asked to do an action, such as providing personal details, data about credential information or fill in a form. In some cases, clicking a link will download malware on your device. |
| Symptoms | You receive an e-mail message appearing legitimate. You could be urged to click on a link. You can then get malware on your computer or get redirected from link to a landing page mimicking an original website asking you to fill in information. |
| Distribution Method | Phishing Emails, Pop-up messages, Redirects |
| Detection Tool |
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Google Docs Email Scam Virus – How I Did I Get It?
Google Docs scam is a typical fraud and may be similar to other differently themed frauds, like the DHL Scams, “I am aware” scam and “Save Yourself” “This Is Not A Formal Email”.
Depending on the type of scam, it may be aiming for more than one goal once it is presented to the victim:
- Downloading some type of malicious e-mail attachment.
- Typing in your personal information by clicking on some web link.
- Visiting a dangerous website linked in the e-mail, that may compromise your computer with malware.
- Extorting you into paying BitCoin or money by using convincing message, for example accusing you of breaking the law.
Google Docs E-Mail Scam Virus – What Does It Do?
Google Docs E-Mail scam may pretend to be the legitimate Google Docs in a carefully crafted phishing e-mail. There is also a high probability that it contains a malicious e-mail attachment as well, which can infect you with viruses, like the following:
- Rootkits.
- Botnets.
- Phishing.
- Trojans.
- Adware (Clicker) viruses.
Victims of the Google Docs E-mail scam report it to have the following message:
Subject: Very Important
Good morning
find Attached of google docs below to check on the correct invoice.Kind regards
Susanne Gunter
Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
Siemensstr. 10
27283 Verden, Germany
Tel.: +49 4231 991-0
sales@focke_ps.de
This scam also has a number in it, suggesting it could also lead to a fake tech support fraud attempt on your information and money.
If the Google Docs scam has infected you by clicking on the link or downloading an attachment, then the virus may assume control over your computer and likely perform malicious activities, such as:
- Deleting files.
- Stealing files.
- Tapping into your microphone or camera.
- Downloading an adding other adware.
- Damage causing your files to no longer be able to be opened.
- Controlling your internet connection.
- Taking screenshots.
- Logging the keys you type in real-time.
- Stealing passwords and other information saved on your web browser.
Google Docs Scam – How to Avoid It?
Over years of covering the latest scams, we at SensorsTechForum have managed to summarise the following important tips:
- Avoid emails that are not addressed to you by name.
- Avoid messages sent by a service you don’t expect to hear from.
- Avoid messages that do not include a tracking number or specific details about your order or address.
- Do not provide any details about you, your addresses or similar information via email or unknown Websites.
- Avoid payments to someone whose identity you can’t confirm.
- Never pay before your goods get delivered.
- Avoid clicking on links to provide your email address for verification.
- Do not open email attachments.
- Avoid messages with grammatical or typographical errors.
Following these will not 100% protect you, but will decrease the chances of you becoming a victim as significantly as possible.
How to Remove Google Docs Email Scam Virus
Google Docs Email Scam can fully be erased from your Device if you follow the steps in the removal manual beneath. They have been designed primarily to provide you with the necessary information in order to detect and delete any malicious software that may currently be lurking around in your computer. If you want to achieve the best possible removal results, we suggest scanning your computer using a professional anti-malware program. The main reason for that is because such a software has been specifically designed in order to scan your device thoroughly and get rid of any malware files and other objects that are unsafe.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Google Docs E-Mail Scam from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Google Docs E-Mail Scam with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Google Docs E-Mail Scam and related software from Windows
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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Google Docs E-Mail Scam 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 Google Docs E-Mail Scam 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 Google Docs E-Mail Scam (Windows).
Get rid of Google Docs E-Mail Scam from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Google Docs E-Mail Scam 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 Google Docs E-Mail Scam. 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 Google Docs E-Mail Scam 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 Google Docs E-Mail Scam files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Google Docs E-Mail Scam, 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 Google Docs E-Mail Scam (Mac)
Remove Google Docs E-Mail Scam 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 Google Docs E-Mail Scam 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 Google Docs E-Mail Scam 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 Google Docs E-Mail Scam 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 Google Docs E-Mail Scam will be removed.
Eliminate Google Docs E-Mail Scam 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".
Google Docs E-Mail Scam-FAQ
What Is Google Docs E-Mail Scam?
The Google Docs E-Mail Scam 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 Google Docs E-Mail Scam?
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 Google Docs E-Mail Scam?
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 Google Docs E-Mail Scam Work?
Once installed, Google Docs E-Mail Scam 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.
Google Docs E-Mail Scam 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 Google Docs E-Mail Scam 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 Google Docs E-Mail Scam Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Google Docs E-Mail Scam 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 Google Docs E-Mail Scam?
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 Google Docs E-Mail Scam threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.