Videochatnewz.com ads (scam) - Tutorial

What is Videochatnewz.com ads?

Videochatnewz.com is a fake website created by scammers to earn money through ad revenue

You might start noticing Videochatnewz.com ads suddenly appearing on your device without any prior warning. These ads can affect various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and mobile platforms like Android smartphones or tablets. The primary method through which this activity operates is via web browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and others. To stop these intrusive pop-ups, users typically need to adjust specific settings within their browsers.

A common misconception is that Videochatnewz.com ads are caused by a computer virus. While it's true that adware can lead to browser redirects and an increase in advertising, these pop-ups are often the result of granting a potentially harmful website permission to send push notifications. This issue arises when users unknowingly allow notifications, enabling the site to display ads freely. Removing these notifications requires manual action, as explained further in our guide below.

It is crucial to address and eliminate these pop-ups promptly, as they can expose your browser to malicious links at any time the browser is active, even when it's running in the background. By taking the necessary steps, you can ensure your device remains secure and free from unnecessary interruptions.

Difference between pop-up ads and push notifications

The push notification feature has been part of web browsing for almost a decade now. Since then, push notification scams have become a persistent issue, often tricking users into enabling notifications through misleading prompts or deceptive background images. While some websites misuse this functionality for malicious purposes, many legitimate platforms use it responsibly to provide updates or relevant information without spamming users with intrusive ads.

Push notifications function through a browser's Application Programming Interface (API). When a user permits a website to send notifications, the site can deliver updates directly to the system’s notification center, bypassing the need for an active browser session. While this is useful for legitimate purposes, malicious websites exploit this feature to send aggressive ads or even links to harmful content, making these notifications difficult to ignore.

Users may confuse these intrusive notifications with signs of malware or adware infections, which also trigger pop-ups and redirects. The key difference is that push notifications require user consent to activate, while malware operates independently. However, both can lead to the same harmful outcomes, such as phishing attempts or exposure to malicious websites.

To block Videochatnewz.com push notifications, users need to access browser settings and remove the site from the allowed notifications list. If excessive pop-ups, phishing attempts, or frequent redirects occur alongside these notifications, it’s essential to check the system for malware or adware.

Scanning with security tools like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes can detect and remove infections effectively. Additionally, FortectIntego can be used to clear browser caches, cookies, and other data to prevent tracking and enhance browser security after removing these threats.

How scammers trick people into subscribing

Users would never knowingly grant permission for push notifications from a site like Videochatnewz.com, which is designed for scamming purposes. Scammers behind such schemes are aware of this and have devised deceptive tactics to trick users into clicking the “Allow” button. They create fake websites that manipulate individuals into believing that granting this permission is necessary.

These scams rely heavily on social engineering techniques to mislead users. For example, a site might claim that a video cannot be played due to browser restrictions or ask the user to confirm they are not a robot. Others may prompt users to verify their age or claim a reward. Since many people have encountered similar prompts on legitimate websites, they may assume the request is genuine and click “Allow” without hesitation.

Examples of fake messages commonly used on such scam sites include:

• If you are 18+, click Allow
• Press Allow to confirm you are not a robot
• Download is ready – click Allow to download your file
• Click the Allow button to subscribe to notifications and continue watching
• Click “Allow” to claim your prize and receive it in our store!

These tactics are frequently seen across numerous push notification scam sites, many of which reuse the same visuals and text. If a user encounters a prompt like this, the safest course of action is to close the browser immediately to avoid falling for the scam.

If you have already allowed Videochatnewz.com to send push notifications, they will persist on your device until manually blocked. Detailed instructions for disabling these notifications are provided in the following section.

Removal of intrusive pop-ups

Even if you have accidentally enabled push notifications from a scam site like Videochatnewz.com, the situation is generally manageable as long as you avoid clicking on the ads or links sent through these notifications. These pop-ups may appear intrusive and persistent, but they will not cause direct harm unless interacted with.

If you are unsure how to block a website from sending push notifications, it’s important to take action promptly. Below, you will find instructions specific to the browser you are using to help you disable these unwanted notifications and regain control over your browsing experience.

Google Chrome (desktop)

• Open the Google Chrome browser and go to Menu > Settings.
• Scroll down and click on Advanced.
• Locate the Privacy and security section and pick Site Settings > Notifications.
• Look at the Allow section and look for a suspicious URL.
• Click the three vertical dots next to it and pick Block. This should remove unwanted notifications from Google Chrome.

Google Chrome (Android)

• Open Google Chrome and tap on Settings (three vertical dots).
• Select Notifications.
• Scroll down to the Sites section.
• Locate the unwanted URL and toggle the button to the left (Off setting).

Mozilla Firefox

• Open Mozilla Firefox and go to Menu > Options.
• Click on Privacy & Security section.
• Under Permissions, you should be able to see Notifications. Click the Settings button next to it.
• In the Settings – Notification Permissions window, click on the drop-down menu by the URL in question.
• Select Block and then click on Save Changes. This should remove unwanted notifications from Mozilla Firefox.

MS Edge (Chromium)

• Open Microsoft Edge, and go to Settings.
• Select Site permissions.
• Go to Notifications on the right.
• Under Allow, you will find the unwanted entry.
• Click on More actions and select Block.

Safari

• Click on Safari > Preferences…
• Go to the Websites tab and, under General, select Notifications.
• Select the web address in question, click the drop-down menu and select Deny.

Internet Explorer

• Open Internet Explorer, and click on the Gear icon at the top-right of the window.
• Select Internet options and go to the Privacy tab.
• In the Pop-up Blocker section, click on Settings.
• Locate the web address in question under Allowed sites and pick Remove.