“Chrome Security Warning” scam (Support Scam) - Easy Removal Guide
“Chrome Security Warning” scam Removal Guide
What is “Chrome Security Warning” scam?
“Chrome Security Warning” – a fake alert that asks to call tech support

“Chrome Security Warning” is an example of technical support scam[1] that targets Google Chrome users. Typically, users are redirected to a scam website once their computers get infected with adware. These redirects can be followed by an increased amount of ads, pop-ups or similar commercial content.
However, the main purpose of “Chrome Security Warning” virus is to trick users into calling a provided phone number. Security researchers detected that scammers use 0800 046 5257 number. Though, the list of used phone numbers might be longer.
The “Chrome Security Warning” scam website delivers a pop-up that tells that about locked computer due to the violation of law related to access to child pornography. However, the website itself gives more details about possible threats that are not true:
SECURITY WARNING
Error Code 022-023-251
Do not ignore this critical alert.
If you close this page, your PC access will be disabled to prevent further damage to our network.
Your PC has alerted us that it has been infected with a virus and spyware. The following information is being stolen…
Facebook Login
Credit Card Detail
Microsoft Account Login
Photos stored on this PC.
You must contact us immediately so that our engineers can walk you through the removal process over the phone. Please call Microsoft within the next 5 minutes to prevent your PC from being disabled.Chrome Security Warning
Attackers currently on your browser might attempt to install dangerous programs on your computer that steal or delete your information (for example , photos , passwords, message and credit cards).
However, security researchers reported that scammers can deliver other threatening messages which provide slightly different information. Though, it does not change the fact that it is all fake. For instance, if you look up for the information about mentioned Error Code 022-023-251, you will find out that it’s a scam.[2] This error is non-existent and has nothing in common with Microsoft, Google or other legitimate corporation.
Therefore, if you receive unknown security alerts, you should always double-check the information about the problem before taking further actions. Additionally, grammar mistakes and typos, as well as urge to call Microsoft in only 5 minutes are other clear signs of the scam.
Thus, instead of grabbing your phone and making that phone, you should check your computer’s state by scanning the system with FortectIntego or another anti-malware software which is capable of “Chrome Security Warning” removal if needed.
Calling scammers even for curiosity might end pretty bad because:
- the phone call might cost a lot;
- scammers might trick you into revealing some personally identifiable details;
- you might be convinced into installing bogus or malicious software or other tools.
Thus, you should not take the risk and talk with cyber criminals. You should remove “Chrome Security Warning” adware immediately until this potentially unwanted program (PUP) hasn’t caused you more problems.

Scammers spread adware via software bundles
The program which is responsible for redirects to “Chrome Security Warning” tech support scam website spreads bundled with various free programs. It might be promoted as a useful application and users might agree to install it.
However, most of the time adware hijack occurs without users knowledge because they stick to Quick/Recommended installation settings which do not openly disclose about third-party components.
Security specialists from dieviren.de[3] remind to use Advanced or Custom installation settings to avoid installation of unwanted apps. It takes less time than PUP removal.
Eliminating “Chrome Security Warning” scam
To remove “Chrome Security Warning” adware, you have to uninstall questionable programs via Control Panel, uninstall suspicious Chrome extensions and reset the browser. The instructions how to perform all these tasks properly are provided below.
However, you can opt for the automatic “Chrome Security Warning” removal and save up your time. This method suggests scanning the system with anti-malware/anti-spyware software and resetting affected web browser.
You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
Getting rid of “Chrome Security Warning” scam. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
To remove “Chrome Security Warning” malware from Windows OS entirely, follow these steps:
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Click Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
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If you are Windows 10 / Windows 8 user, then right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once Quick Access Menu shows up, select Control Panel and Uninstall a Program.
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Uninstall “Chrome Security Warning” scam and related programs
Here, look for “Chrome Security Warning” scam or any other recently installed suspicious programs. -
Uninstall them and click OK to save these changes.
Delete from macOS
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If you are using OS X, click Go button at the top left of the screen and select Applications.
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Wait until you see Applications folder and look for “Chrome Security Warning” scam or any other suspicious programs on it. Now right click on every of such entries and select Move to Trash.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click Remove.

Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- 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.

Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- 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.

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.

Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.

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

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Uninstall suspicious add-ons and reset Mozilla Firefox in order to stop redirects to “Chrome Security Warning” scam website.
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.

Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data…
- Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.

Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.

- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox…
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.

Remove from Google Chrome
These instructions will show you how to stop “Chrome Security Warning” pop-ups from showing up on Google Chrome:
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.

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

Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- 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:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.

Delete from Safari
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Remove dangerous extensions
Open Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu at the top left of the screen. Once you do this, select Preferences.
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Here, select Extensions and look for “Chrome Security Warning” scam or other suspicious entries. Click on the Uninstall button to get rid each of them.
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Reset Safari
Open Safari browser and click on Safari in menu section at the top left of the screen. Here, select Reset Safari....
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Now you will see a detailed dialog window filled with reset options. All of those options are usually checked, but you can specify which of them you want to reset. Click the Reset button to complete “Chrome Security Warning” scam removal process.
After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of “Chrome Security Warning” scam registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting malware
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
- ^ Liam Tung. Windows 10 security: Here's tech support scammers' latest ploy, says Microsoft. ZDNet. Technology news, analysis, comments and product reviews.
- ^ Andy O'Donnell. How to Spot an Online Scam. Lifewire. Tech how-to guides and tutorials.
- ^ DieViren. DieViren. Cyber security, spyware and malware news.