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  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Adware
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Apr 2020

How to remove Chrome search contest 2020

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Julie Splinters · Anti-malware specialist

Chrome search contest 2020 is a fake website that collects sensitive data

Chrome search contest 2020 virus removalChrome search contest 2020 is a pop-up alert that may randomly show up on the Chrome web browser and tempt people to take place in an alleged lottery[1].

The misleading pop-up site is directly related to a potentially unwanted program (PUP) or adware. Once PUP infiltrates the system, it injects an add-on to Google Chrome and makes a scheduled task on Chromate generate Chrome search contest 2020 ads by default. Even though the website itself is not malicious, cybersecurity experts recommend removing it due to the following reasons: the Chrome search contest 2020 pop-up is fake, it disrupts web browsing experience and poses Chrome users the risk of losing sensitive information.

The Chrome search contest 2020 virus has been circulated on the Internet since the beginning of 2020. Initially referred to as 5 Billionth Search scam, now it’s more commonly referred to as the Chrome search contest 2020 scam. Although it’s not clear if it has caused any damage to the Internet users, a 2-spyware team highly recommend people not to initiate any clicks on new tab windows that come from topreward.site[2] domain and contain the following information:

Chrome search contest 2020
You’ve made the 5-billionth search.

Congratulations! You may be our next lucky winner!

Our last winner was Brad Jenkins from Seattle, who won a Samsung KU6179 Ultra HD TV on 14.05.2019 with his 5-billionth Search.

Every time the 5-billionth search is reached, we proclaim a winner and reset the counter.

You may choose one of three hidden prizes below. In addition, you will be entered in our Hall of Fame and receive a winner’s certificate.

Behind every box is a prize. Click on a box to uncover it.

For technical reasons, we are not allowed to keep your invitation open for more than 15 minutes. Choose one of the prizes below and follow the instructions on your screen.

The Chrome search contest 2020 tech support scam, similarly to other scams, has clear successions and aspirations that can be outlined as follows:

  • Drop a PUP on a targeted PC;
  • Inject a plug-in into Google Chrome;
  • Display misleading pop-ups on a regular basis;
  • Make people give away personal information, such as names, addresses, e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, etc.
  • Inject tracking cookies and accumulate some pieces of information.

Chrome search contest 2020 lottery scam

It can be assumed that scammers have already gathered a considerable amount of data since The Chrome search contest 2020 virus is really misleading. It claims that the potential victim has made the 5 Billion Search and, therefore, is a potential winner of valuable prizes. Even though the information may differ each time, the pop-up contains three gift boxes, and the potential victim has to choose one. Whichever gift may be chosen, it will always claim that the user can win coupons, iPhones, iPad, tickets, etc. and to claim the prize, he or she has to submit some pieces of personal information. That’s the scheme the frauds work on intensively.

Name Chrome search contest 2020
Type of malware Adware
Distribution methods Software bundles, infected websites, third-party ads
Symptoms Since Chrome search contest 2020 adware is not a virus, it may be active on the system for a while and remain undetected. Nevertheless, sooner or later it starts displaying pop-up ads, new tab ads, initiating Chrome redirects, and similar. Besides, it may cause web browser's slow downs and multiple changes in Chrome's settings. 
Why should I remove it? Chrome search contest 2020 virus removal is necessary for keeping the system from redirects to scam websites, misleading ads and other inappropriate content. 
Adware removal PUPs can be deleted manually. However, an easier way to get rid of all potentially unwanted programs and files is to run a full scan with an antivirus, such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner. 
System's optimization Even after removal, the adware may keep its some of its files active. Besides, antivirus is not oriented to the system's optimization. Therefore, it is advisable to download FortectIntego and fix the negative consequences of adware by running a scan.

Even though this scam page has nothing malicious on its nature, Chrome search contest 2020 removal is a step that we recommend taking without any delays. The adware responsible for the initiation of this scam website may also be accountable for using the system’s CPU power and causing slowdowns. Besides, regular tasks with Chrome may be disrupted by continuous pop-up ads, banners, and new tab windows, which may be difficult to close. However, the worst part is that the Chrome search contest 2020 redirect virus may trick people into subscribing paid services or revealing banking information.

In case the adware is already initiating misleading ads on Chrome, end Chrome’s task entirely and make sure to remove Chrome search contest 2020 scam[3] immediately. A reliable antivirus will do the job efficiently. After that, we recommend resetting Chrome’s settings or at least checking it for unknown plug-ins. Finally, following the Chrome search contest 2020 removal, scan the system with FortectIntego repair software to fix other possible adware damage.

Chrome search contest 2020 adware

Restrain from downloading doubtful programs

Adware and other potentially unwanted programs (PUP) are typically distributed in bundles with third-party software. This is the part where most PC users are tricked into downloading a couple of additional applications. Selecting a Quick installation technique gives user’s consent to install them without a direct inquiry. Thus, it’s is vital to pick up the Advanced installation method and uptick all add-ons or plug-ins.

However, not only third-party software is to be blamed for adware distribution. Many websites are involved in the dissemination of advertising programs, as well as random ads on legitimate sites that can initiate redirects to adware download websites. In any case, people have to be critical while surfing the net and select the content carefully.

Besides, all responsible PC users should ensure a full system's protection. By saying “full” we mean that it's not enough to install an antivirus tool and that's it. New PUPs and malicious viruses are developed every day, which is why it is important to update the security tool regularly. Besides, we highly recommend installing programs that provide real-time security and block malicious and potentially malicious websites instantly. 

Eliminate Chrome search contest 2020 scam from Chrome

Adware and other PUPs are not malicious and cannot initiate irreversible changes to the system. Therefore, it is possible to perform manual Chrome search contest 2020 removal. The steps on how to do that are provided down below.

Nevertheless, the Chrome search contest 2020 virus removal may be a challenging task to perform due to a variety of related files. A full system scan with a reputable antivirus is the best option when removing the whole bundle of PUPs. We recommend using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner and MalwarebytesMalwarebytes programs.

Uninstall from Windows

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

  1. Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 10/8

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 7/XP

Remove the unwanted program:

  1. In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
  2. If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.Uninstall the unwanted program from Windows

Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).Uninstall from Mac

Delete leftover files and folders:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
  3. Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.Delete leftover files from Mac
  4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.

Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
  2. Pick Manage Add-ons.
  3. You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.Remove add-ons from Internet Explorer

Change your homepage if it was altered:

  1. Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
  4. Click Apply and then select OK.Reset IE homepage

Delete temporary files:

  1. Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
  2. Under Browsing history, click Delete...
  3. Select relevant fields and press Delete.Clear temporary files from Internet Explorer

Reset Internet Explorer:

  1. Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
  2. Select Reset.
  3. In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.Reset Internet Explorer

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click Remove.Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.Reset MS Edge

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now.Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset.
  5. This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.Reset Chromium Edge

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data...
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.Reset Firefox 2

Remove from Google Chrome

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data.Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.

Reset Google Chrome:

If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings.Reset Chrome 2

Delete from Safari

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
  2. Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.Remove extensions from Safari

Clear history and website data:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
  2. Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.Clear history from Safari

Reset Safari:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
  2. Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  3. From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.Reset Safari

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