Yodste.com ads (scam) - Tutorial

What is Yodste.com ads?

Yodste.com – a misleading website trying to trick users by using simple but effective scamming techniques

Yodste.com ads may suddenly appear on your Windows, Mac, or mobile device while you are engaged in other activities, such as browsing social media, watching a YouTube video, or even when your web browser is not in use. These ads typically manifest as pop-up windows in the top or bottom-right corner of a desktop screen, or as notifications on smartphones and tablets.

Yodste.com pop-ups can contain unexpected and potentially alarming content. They might show inappropriate images or links, expose you to phishing attempts, promote unwanted software, or present fake giveaways and schemes promising quick wealth. The questionable nature of these messages can direct you to malicious websites, where you could be tricked into paying for fake services, downloading harmful programs, or subscribing to spam notifications.

While this intrusive behavior may resemble a virus infection, it is actually linked to the push notification feature in modern web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. To prevent these notifications, you must go to your browser settings and block Yodste.com from sending them. Even though this issue is not caused by a computer virus, it is still recommended to scan your system for adware to ensure its security.

Scammers use fake captcha or age verifications to achieve their goals

Few users would willingly disrupt their online experience with intrusive ads that appear out of nowhere. There is a whole strategy that scammers use to trick users into subscribing to these push notifications, and it begins with a suspicious redirect from another website – after clicking a booby-trapped link or encountering a malicious script. Unexpected redirect ads add an element of surprise, which is particularly effective with phishing content, as the more caught off guard people are, the more likely they are to make mistakes.

Upon visiting the Yodste.com site, users are immediately confronted with a message that may initially appear innocent and familiar. For instance, users may encounter something resembling a captcha verification or a request to confirm their age:

• Click Allow to confirm that you are not a robot.
• If you are 18+, click Allow.
• Click Allow to continue.
• Click “Allow” to win a prize and it in our shop!
• Your file is ready to download. Press Allow to continue.

Clearly, these messages are deceptive, with the sole purpose of enticing people to click the “Allow” button within the notification prompt. Once they do, not much happens, and they usually forget about the incident. It is only later that users begin to see Yodste.com ads, which comes as a surprise to them. These exact techniques are used by thousands of other websites, so it's important to be vigilant while browsing the web.

Check your system for adware or other infections

It is not uncommon for users to find themselves on phishing websites after being redirected from other sources. Adware, a type of potentially unwanted program, can also be responsible for the excessive display of advertisements and the frequent visits to suspicious sites.

Additionally, PUPs are often distributed through freeware bundles or similar deceptive methods, making it difficult for some users to detect their presence on their computers. To safeguard your device, we recommend using effective anti-malware software like Malwarebytes or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner. Before scanning for malware, ensure that the application is regularly updated with the latest definitions.

Once all malware has been removed from your system, we suggest using FortectIntego to clean your browsers of cookies and other tracking elements, which will help address any potential damage caused by the infection.

How to remove annoying Yodste.com ads

When users come across suspicious pop-up ads on their screens, they often assume that their systems have been infected, and it is easy to see why some would reach this conclusion. The push notifications from scam sites frequently feature misleading content, such as false promises of quick riches or claims of winning expensive gifts.

While malicious ads usually originate from some type of infection, this is not the case here, so scanning the system with security software would not be beneficial. If one has accepted notifications through the prompt, they should cancel them via the settings menu, as explained below.

Google Chrome

• 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 position).

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.

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.

MS Edge

• 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.

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.