You've made the 9.68-billionth search scam: how to spot it and what to do
The 9.68-billionth search scam tricks users with fake Google messaging claiming they've won prizes. It redirects to phishing sites or appears via adware.
Facts checked October 5, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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You've made the 9.68-billionth search scam: summary
| Name | You've made the 9.68-billionth search scam |
|---|---|
| Type | Scam, phishing, survey scam |
| Infiltration | The appearance of scam content on your browser might indicate adware infection, although you might access a phishing website accidently |
| Scam content | Claims that the visitor is 9.68-billionth Google visitor who can pick a free gift |
| Dangers | Installation of PUPs or malware, sensitive information disclosure, monetary losses |
| Removal and mitigation | In order to avoid viewing malicious ads, you should install a reliable ad-blocking app. You should also check your system for adware – you can either do it manually or perform a full system scan with antivirus for a quicker solution |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 8 more facts
| Symptoms | A phishing e-mail asking you to sign in |
|---|---|
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Arrives as | |
| Pretends to be | A well-known company |
| Claim | Your account needs urgent attention |
| Asks for | Your password |
| First seen | 26 July 2021 |
| Facts checked | 5 October 2026 |
What the You've made the 9.68-billionth search scam message looks like
Text of a phishing e-mail asking you to sign in, as people saw it
You've made the 9.68-billionth search!
Congratulations! You are the lucky winner!
Every 10 millionth search is reached worldwide, we will proclaim a winner to send out a thank-you gift.
Please select your lucky prize below and claim it by following the instruction.
From our report of Jul 2021 · not reviewed since
You've made the 9.68-billionth search - a message delivered by malicious websites
If you have come across the "You've made the 9.68-billionth search" notification on Google Chrome or another web browser, you should definitely ignore it.
It is a scam designed to trick users into providing their personal information, make them download and install malware/PUPs, or purchase useless services or software.
In order to convince users that they have won an expensive gift, various phishing techniques by cybercriminals are used. For example, in this case, Google's logo and name are used, along with familiar formatting of the official website, making it more believable. The scam claims that the visitor is the lucky winner, and what needs to be done in order to claim the prize to select the "thank you gift."
We have previously discussed the Google 5 Billionth Search scam, and it seems like crooks have moved on and came up with a new idea for fooling users. In this guide, we will provide some insights about how to tackle the scam once it is encountered and what to do if you already provided personal information or clicked on malicious links.
Google-themed scams are extremely prevalent, as this tech giant is likely to be the most recognized brand in the online world. Cybercriminals know that very well, hence they are not hesitant to abuse the trust users built for Google over the years.
It is evident that Google has nothing to do with "You've made the 9.68-billionth search" scam distribution, as the fake message is always hosted on some shady website, e.g., aplicationfreeprivacyphone.club or incentive-congratulation-win-winner.club, etc. The full message reads as follows:
Most of the fraudsters rely on momentum, be it the excitement of receiving a free item or anxiety due to scare tactics commonly used in these scams (Pornographic virus alert from Microsoft or extortion scam messages are good examples). The main goal is to make the visitor not think much about what is happening and act quickly before thinking.
In this situation, you could be thrilled of being the "selected" one for a grand prize - and all you have to do is picking one from the hidden ones. Once you pick, you will be presented with an amazing offer, for example, a $1,000 Amazon Gift card or the newest iPad. However, you should keep in mind the following:
- What are the odds of you being the 9.68-th billionth visitor?
- Google (or any other reputable company) does not randomly pick people and shower them with gifts
- Check the web address of the URL bar - it will sound nothing like Google's main website
- If something is too good to be true, it likely is.
Is You've made the 9.68-billionth search scam dangerous? What the senders want
From our report of Jul 2021 · not reviewed since
Why are you seeing the scam?
Scams are typically created quickly - they do not require some sophisticated hacking skills.
All the crooks have to do is put the components of the scam together - a convincing message, fake social media comments, familiar company name, and branding, etc.
As soon a the phishing page is created, it can then be spread via insecure advertising networks. Typically, untrustworthy websites are full of links to scam pages like "You've made the 9.68-billionth search," even after clicks on such links are not intentional.
Thus, you see the scan page after visiting another site, you were simply redirected to it, and all you should do is leave the page without interacting with it.
Alternatively, if you keep seeing malicious or suspicious websites while browsing the web, there is likely a potentially unwanted program (namely, adware) installed on your system. This is especially true if you also notice an increased amount of pop-ups, banners, offers, and other commercial content constantly.
Adware may seem useful initially, although they usually provide little to no benefits for the user. Alternatively, users might install it unintentionally along with freeware downloaded from the third-party website - this is the most common PUP distribution method.
In order to remove adware, you should access the list of the installed apps on your Windows system and eliminate the unwanted one - here's how:
Adware is a well-known and, by now, prominent problem on macOS computers as well. If you are using a Mac, proceed with the following steps:
To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:
If you are not sure which programs or apps could be causing the erratic browser behavior, you should instead rely on a trustworthy anti-malware so it can do the job for you. and are our top choices when dealing with potentially unwanted programs, although any other security solution with a PUP detection feature should suffice.
Keep in mind that this method will also ensure that there is no dangerous malware installed on your system, as such malicious software as Trojans or backdoors are known to lay doormat for a while before they show any signs of infection.
- Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
- Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
- In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
- Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.
From our report of Jul 2021 · not reviewed since
Deal with the scam accordingly
Once you have checked your system for infection, it is time to take care of your web browser.
Adware is known to insert cookies and other data, and also might sometimes install browser extensions without permission. In some rare cases, "Managed by your organization" setting might also be applied, which can prevent and easy removal of unwanted software.
Therefore, you should make sure that you clean your web browsers accordingly. One of the easiest ways of doing so is by employing a PC repair and maintenance utility , it can easily take care of your privacy by cleaning your browsers quickly. Also, malware-related damage, some computer infections, and even computer errors can be removed thanks to this application.
If you want to clean your browsers manually, you can do that as well, although keep in mind that it is a much more tedious process than using an automatic tool.
From our report of Jul 2021 · not reviewed since
Google Chrome
If this didn't help you to stop random redirects to malicious and suspicious websites, we strongly recommend you reset the browser altogether.
You can do it without losing your bookmarks or other information - as long as you remember your Gmail/Google account login information.
- 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 the suspicious plugins that might be related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
- 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.
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
What to do after the You've made the 9.68-billionth search scam e-mail
If you only received the message and clicked nothing, step 3 is all you need.
If you clicked the link or typed anything on the page it opened, do every step, starting with the password.
Step 1: Change the password you typed on the fake page
If you entered a password after clicking the link in the You've made the 9.68-billionth search scam message, treat that account as known to the sender.
Open the provider's real site by typing its address yourself, not through any link in the e-mail, and change the password there. Choose a new one you have never used before, and change it on every other account that shared the old one.
Then use the option to sign out of all other sessions or devices, if the provider has one. This works the same in any browser on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Microsoft account, Security page (account.microsoft.com/security): Change password. Full procedure with screenshots: Turn on two-step verification / secure a hacked account
Step 2: Turn on two-step verification
Two-step verification asks for a code from your phone or an authenticator app whenever someone signs in from a new device. A stolen password alone is then not enough to open the mailbox.
Turn it on in the security settings of the e-mail account first, then for the bank, shop and social accounts that send their reset links to that address.
While you are there, check the recovery e-mail and phone number and the forwarding rules, which attackers sometimes change to keep access. The settings pages look the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Microsoft account: Manage how I sign in, where two-step verification and the sign-in methods are. Full procedure with screenshots: Turn on two-step verification / secure a hacked account
Step 3: Report the e-mail and delete it
Report the message instead of only deleting it. In Outlook choose Report > Report phishing, in Gmail the three-dot menu > Report phishing; the provider then blocks the same message for other people.
Do not reply and do not click anything else in it. On a work account, forward it to your IT team as an attachment first. Web mail and the mail apps on Windows 11 and Windows 10 offer the same options.
New Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web: Report > Report phishing. Full procedure with screenshots: Report a phishing e-mail
Step 4: Scan the PC if you opened a file from the message
A page that only asked for a password installs nothing, so most readers can skip this step.
If the You've made the 9.68-billionth search scam e-mail or the page it opened made you download or open a file, delete it and run a full scan, then a Microsoft Defender Offline scan.
In Windows 11 and Windows 10 open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now. The PC restarts and the scan takes about 15 minutes, so save your work first.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
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 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 for the data restoration process.
Questions about You've made the 9.68-billionth search scam
Is the 9.68-billionth search scam real?
No. "You've made the 9.68-billionth search" is a scam designed to trick users into providing personal information or downloading malware. It is not from Google. The fake message appears on shady websites using Google's logo and familiar formatting to appear legitimate.
The scam claims the visitor is the lucky winner of a free gift and asks them to select a prize. Google and other reputable companies do not randomly select people and shower them with prizes via pop-ups.
What does the scam message claim?
The full message reads: "You've made the 9.68-billionth search! You are the lucky winner! Every 10 millionth search is reached worldwide, we will proclaim a winner to send out a thank-you gift.
Please select your lucky prize below and claim it by following the instruction." The message uses false urgency and excitement to pressure quick action.
After selecting, users are offered amazing prizes like $1,000 Amazon gift cards or new iPads. But nothing is legitimate.
Why am I seeing this scam on my browser?
You're likely seeing this scam because you were redirected to a phishing website after visiting another site. Untrustworthy websites are full of links to scam pages like this one, often creating unintentional redirects. Alternatively, you may have adware installed on your system.
Adware causes increased pop-ups, banners, offers, and commercial content constantly. If seeing malicious or suspicious websites frequently while browsing, a potentially unwanted program is likely installed. Adware is usually installed unintentionally with freeware from third-party websites.
What happens if I click on the scam or provide information?
Clicking the scam or providing personal information leads to serious consequences. Scammers gain access to your identity details for fraudulent campaigns and potential identity theft. Clicking links redirects you to unsafe websites that further compromise your system.
You may be pressured to download malware or PUPs masquerading as useful programs. You could lose money by purchasing useless services or software. Fraudsters also sell your information to third parties for additional targeted attacks.
What should I do if I already provided information?
If you provided personal information on the 9.68-billionth search scam page, monitor your accounts for unusual activity. Change passwords for important accounts, especially banking and email.
Contact banks to report potential fraud. Consider placing a fraud alert with credit bureaus. Check credit reports for unauthorized accounts.
Do not send money if contacted by scammers. They cannot be trusted, even if claiming to require payment to release your information. Run antivirus and anti-malware scans on your computer immediately.
How did I access this scam website?
Scams are distributed through insecure advertising networks that link to phishing pages. Untrustworthy websites host links sending you to scam sites.
If you clicked a link or visited an unsafe site unintentionally, you were redirected. Adware on your system automatically opens scam pages.
Some redirects happen through browser hijacker extensions that redirect your searches. Additionally, you may have followed a malicious link from social media or email. Never click links in messages from unknown sources.
How do I remove adware causing these redirects?
First, identify which program is causing redirects. Access your system's installed applications list. In Windows, open Control Panel, select Programs, then Uninstall a Program.
Search for suspicious entries and right-click to uninstall. On Mac, select Go > Applications, drag suspicious apps to Trash, then delete related files in Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders.
After removal, restart your computer. Use professional anti-malware tools for complete detection and removal.
How do I prevent this scam from appearing again?
Install reliable ad-blocking software to stop malicious ads. Keep your operating system and software updated.
Use only official websites and developer sites for downloads. Choose Advanced or Custom installation methods when installing programs.
Deselect bundled components you don't recognize. Maintain updated antivirus and anti-malware protection. Clear browser cookies and cache regularly.
Check browser extensions and remove suspicious ones. Be cautious clicking links in emails and social media. Never download attachments from unknown senders.
Will Fortect remove You've made the 9.68-billionth search scam?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For You've made the 9.68-billionth search scam, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Phishing (read October 5, 2026)
- CSO Online: Malware explained: How to prevent, detect and recover from it (read October 5, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize and avoid phishing scams (read October 5, 2026)
- CISA: Recognize and report phishing (read October 5, 2026)
- Microsoft Support: Protect yourself from phishing (read October 5, 2026)