Browser Notification Scam: How to Spot and Avoid it

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

In this guide, you will learn:

• What is a Browser Notification Scam?
• What is a Browser Notification?
• Why Am I Receiving These Messages?
• How to Identify a Browser Notification Scam
• How Do I Get Rid of Browser Notification Scams?
• What If I've Already Clicked on a Suspicious Notification?

What is a Browser Notification Scam?

A browser notification scam consists of fake messages that look like real notifications from websites. These scams deceive users into clicking on links that could direct them to harmful websites, phishing schemes, or malware downloads. The notifications often imitate real alerts, such as system updates, subscription confirmations, or attractive offers, making them hard to spot initially.

What is a Browser Notification?

Browser notifications are messages that websites send to your device, typically showing up as pop-ups or alerts in the corner of your screen. These notifications can offer helpful information, like social media updates, reminders, or news alerts. When you visit a site that requests permission to send notifications, you’ll usually see a prompt asking if you want to allow or block these messages.

While legitimate notifications can enhance your online experience, scammers have found ways to exploit this feature for malicious purposes.

Why Am I Receiving These Messages?

You may receive browser notifications for several reasons:

• Subscription to Websites: If you allow notifications from a website, it can send you alerts about new content or promotions.
• Malicious Sites: Some scam websites trick users into subscribing to notifications, often promising exciting content or offers. For example, illegal streaming sites may redirect you to a page containing a fake video player and ask you to click on the “Allow” button before you can play the video.
• Adware or Malware: If your device is infected with adware or malware, it may generate notifications without your consent.

How to Identify a Browser Notification Scam

Spotting a browser notification scam can be tricky, but there are key indicators to watch for:

• Unknown Source: Notifications from websites you haven’t visited or interacted with are likely scams.
• Urgent or Threatening Language: Scammers often use scare tactics to prompt quick action. Be cautious of notifications claiming you’ve won a prize, need to verify your account, or have a security issue.
• Too Good to Be True Offers: Notifications promising unrealistic rewards, like large financial gains or free products, are red flags.
• Odd Behavior: If notifications keep appearing even after dismissal or redirect you to unfamiliar sites, it could be a scam.

How Do I Get Rid of Browser Notification Scams?

Follow these steps to remove browser notification scams:

1. Update Trend Micro Program:
   1. Right-click the Trend Micro icon in the taskbar notification area, then select Check for Program Updates. If you cannot see it, click the Show hidden icons arrow ^ next to the notification area.
   2. The About Your Software window will appear and check for available updates.
   3. Click Close after seeing Components are up-to-date.
   4. Restart your computer.
2. Run a Hotfix (for Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge on Windows):
   1. Download the hotfix here.
   2. Close all open browsers. Bookmark your opened tabs so you can visit them later.
   3. Double-click the downloaded file: Ti_1700_win_en_UnwantedNotificationBlockerFb_hfb1331(2401180133_tita3).exe.
   4. Follow the prompts to install the hotfix.
   5. Once done, it will open a Notepad window showing all blocked malicious links that send suspicious notifications on your browser.
   6. Restart your computer to apply the changes.
3. Change Notification Settings on Your Browser:
   ▼ For Computers

   Google Chrome

   1. Open Chrome on your computer.
   2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner to open the menu.
   3. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
   4. In the left sidebar, click on Privacy and security.
   5. Click on Site Settings.
   6. Scroll down and select Notifications.
   7. Under "Allowed to send notifications," find any suspicious sites.
   8. Click on the three dots next to the suspicious site and select Remove.

   Microsoft Edge

   1. Open Edge on your computer.
   2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner to open the menu.
   3. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
   4. In the left sidebar, click on Cookies and site permissions.
   5. Scroll down and select Notifications.
   6. Review the list of sites and manage any unwanted sites by clicking on the three dots next to them.
   7. Select Remove to delete any unwanted notifications.

   Firefox

   1. Open Firefox on your computer.
   2. Click on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner to open the menu.
   3. Select Options (or Preferences on Mac).
   4. In the left sidebar, click on Privacy & Security.
   5. Scroll down to the Permissions section.
   6. Click on the Settings button next to Notifications.
   7. Review the list of websites and find any suspicious sites.
   8. Click on the Remove Site button to delete any unwanted websites from the list.

   Safari

   1. Open Safari on your computer.
   2. Click on Safari in the top menu bar and select Preferences.
   3. Click on the Websites tab.
   4. In the left sidebar, select Notifications.
   5. Here, you can allow or deny notifications from sites.
   6. To remove unwanted notifications, select the site from the list and click Remove.
   ▼ For Mobile

   Google Chrome (Android)

   1. Open Chrome on your Android device.
   2. Tap the three dots in the top right corner to open the menu.
   3. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
   4. Tap on Site settings.
   5. Select Notifications.
   6. Toggle off notifications to disable them entirely, or manage which sites are allowed by reviewing the list and adjusting permissions as needed.

   Safari (iOS)

   1. Open Settings on your iOS device.
   2. Scroll down and tap on Safari.
   3. Tap on Notifications.
   4. Here, you can manage site settings.
   5. To clear any unwanted sites, select the site and adjust the permissions or remove it.

   Google Chrome (iOS)

   1. Open Chrome on your iOS device.
   2. Tap the three dots in the bottom right corner to open the menu.
   3. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
   4. Tap on Content settings.
   5. Select Notifications.
   6. Adjust permissions as needed for each site listed.

   Firefox (Mobile)

   1. Open the Firefox app on your mobile device.
   2. Tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner to open the menu.
   3. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
   4. Tap on Notifications.
   5. Review and adjust permissions for different sites as needed.

What If I've Already Clicked on a Suspicious Notification?

If you’ve already clicked on a suspicious notification, take these steps immediately:

1. Close the tab or window.
2. Clear your browser's cache and cookies:
   • How to Clear Cache & Cookies on Windows PC
   • How to Clean Your Mac's Cache & Cookies
3. Run a security scan to check for malware:
   • How to scan for viruses on Windows
   • How to scan for viruses on Mac
   • How to scan your iPhone or iPad
   • How to scan your Android
4. Change passwords if necessary.
5. Stay cautious and avoid untrusted notifications.

Want to Check Your Device for Malware?

Use Trend Micro’s solutions to ensure your device is free from malware:

• Malware: Introduction, Prevention and Trend Micro Solutions

I Am Not Yet a Trend Micro User

If you’re not yet using Trend Micro, consider these options for protection:

• Trend Micro Maximum Security for PC users to stop malware, fraud, phishing, email hacking, and other targeted attacks on your PC and online accounts.
• Trend Micro Mobile Security for Android phones and tablets.
• Trend Micro Mobile Security for iPhones and iPads.
• Trend Micro Check to stop spam and scam texts and check scammer websites and scammer phone numbers.

See also

• [Scam Alert] Browser Notification Scams
• Dangerous Notification Scanning pop up from Trend Micro