Golend.xyz scam (fake) - Free Instructions

What is Golend.xyz scam?

Golend.xyz is a fake website trying to convince you that you are infected with dangerous malware

Golend.xyz is a deceptive website that has gained notoriety for its misleading tactics, aimed at tricking users into downloading and paying for unnecessary software. It falsely represents itself as being associated with McAfee, a well-known security software company, although there is no connection whatsoever.

Users who visit Golend.xyz are confronted with alarming and fraudulent messages claiming that their anti-malware license has expired or that their system is infected with viruses. These messages are entirely fake and are designed solely to create panic among users, leading them to take immediate action.

The ultimate goal of Golend.xyz is to make individuals pay for software that they neither need nor want, exploiting their fears and lack of technical knowledge. Understanding this scam is vital for online security, as it can prevent financial loss and the potential compromise of personal information. The following sections will delve into further details about the methods employed by this fraudulent site and how to recognize and protect against such tactics.

How users enter fake websites

Unintentional navigation to malicious websites often occurs through various avenues. One of the primary methods is through social media platforms, where scammers post links that lead unsuspecting users to sites like Golend.xyz. These links are frequently disguised as alluring content, tempting users to click on them out of curiosity or a perceived necessity.

Additionally, Golend.xyz can be accessed through other questionable websites, which may lack stringent security measures. These websites often host pop-ups or embedded links that redirect users elsewhere, further contributing to dubious traffic.

In other instances, a user's system might already be infected with malware, particularly adware, which can lead to involuntary redirection to suspicious sites. Such malware often manipulates browser settings, resulting in unexpected redirections to fraudulent websites. These tactics highlight the pervasive nature of online scams and underscore the importance of maintaining vigilance while navigating digital spaces.

To avoid being redirected to scam sites like Golend.xyz, users can adopt the following practices:

• Be cautious with links. Whether on social media or emails, users should hover over links to preview the URL and avoid clicking on anything from unknown or untrustworthy sources.
• Use reputable security software. Installing and keeping up-to-date a trustworthy anti-malware program, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes, can help detect and block redirects to malicious sites.
• Avoid suspicious websites. Users should steer clear of websites that lack proper credentials, such as HTTPS certification, or seem otherwise unprofessional or questionable.
• Keep Software Updated. Regularly updating browsers and operating systems ensures that known security vulnerabilities are patched.
• Utilize browser security settings. Many browsers offer settings to block pop-ups and redirects. Enabling these can add an extra layer of protection.

Users get tricked by manipulation tactics

Upon landing on Golend.xyz, users are confronted with a series of pop-ups that imitate the scan process of a reputable anti-malware vendor. Within moments, the false scan concludes, presenting the user with alarming and seemingly urgent notifications. The warning typically reads something along the lines of:

Scan results: 2023_TROJAN virus, password_SPY, AdSwitcher detected

• Trojan found on this PC will most likely copy and delete all data from hard drives.
• Spyware will attempt to collect logins, passwords, and banking details.
• Adware usually replaces search results with false and scammy websites.

It is highly recommended to use an antivirus immediately!

This entire process is a ruse, carefully crafted to incite panic and urgency in the user. The alarming language and technical jargon are designed to exploit the general lack of technical understanding among everyday users. However, those familiar with online security may recognize several signs that reveal this as a scam.

Reputable anti-malware software takes time to conduct a thorough scan and provides detailed information about potential threats. Immediate results and generic warnings are signs of deception. Legitimate security scans require user consent, so if a scan is conducted without the user initiating it, it's almost certainly fake.

While the message may look professional at a glance, close inspection might reveal spelling and grammatical mistakes, which are common in many online scams. The urgent language and dire warnings are common tactics to create a sense of panic, rushing the user into taking action without thinking. If the user doesn't recognize the website or wasn't intending to conduct a scan, it's a clear sign that something is amiss.

Though the scam may pretend to be from McAfee or another reputable vendor, inconsistencies in logos, language, or the URL can be telltale signs of a fake. Pop-ups that are difficult to close or webpage behavior that seems aggressive or intrusive are further indications of a scam.

Taking care of adware and trackers

While the alarming messages displayed on Golend.xyz are fabricated and entirely false, the situation may still raise a valid concern about the potential presence of unwanted or malicious programs on the device. This is particularly true if users find themselves frequently redirected to suspicious websites, indicating underlying adware or other forms of malware.

To address this concern, it is advisable to conduct a thorough system scan using dependable security software from reputable vendors. Modern security tools are specifically crafted to detect and eliminate adware and other harmful components, offering a rapid and efficient solution for users concerned about their system's integrity.

Manual removal of unwanted programs is an option but tends to be more complicated and labor-intensive. Furthermore, there's a risk of mistakenly deleting essential files, which can create additional problems. Therefore, utilizing an automated removal method through trustworthy security software is often the safer and more practical option.

After ensuring the device has been scanned, and any malware or adware has been purged, a further essential step involves cleaning the browser of cookies, trackers, and other potentially invasive elements. Specialized tools, such as FortectIntego, are available for this purpose, but users may also choose to carry out this task themselves by following these specific instructions:

Google 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.

Mozilla Firefox

• Click Menu and pick Options.
• Go to Privacy & Security section.
• Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
• Click on Clear Data…
• Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content, and press Clear.

MS Edge (Chromium)

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

Safari

• Click Safari > Clear History…
• From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
• Confirm with Clear History.