Golend.xyz Scam – Adware Explained and How to Get Rid of It?

Contents

How Do Users End Up on Fake Websites Like Golend.xyz and How to Prevent It?

Best Practices to Prevent Being Redirected to Scam Websites

How Manipulative Tactics of Golend.xyz Tricked Users

How to Remove Adware and Trackers Like Golend

Clearing Browser Data on Mozilla Firefox

Clearing Browser Data on Microsoft Edge (Chromium)

Clearing Browser Data on Google Chrome

Internet Explorer

Clearing Browser Data on Safari

Conclusion

Remove It Now

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Golend.xyz is an unscrupulous website infamous for its deceptive website manipulative tactics, aimed at misleading tactics hoodwinking users into downloading and purchasing unnecessary software. It masquerades as being affiliated with McAfee, a reputable security software firm, despite having no actual connection.

Upon landing on Golend.xyz, users are met with false and distressing messages, suggesting that their anti-malware license has expired or their system is riddled with viruses other malware. These assertions are entirely baseless and crafted with the sole intention of creating a sense of urgency create panic among users, pushing them toward immediate action.

The primary objective of Golend.xyz is to deceive individuals into shelling out money for software they neither require nor desire, taking advantage of their anxieties over financial details and limited technical proficiency.

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How Do Users End Up on Fake Websites Like Golend.xyz and How to Prevent It?

Users often end up on deceitful websites like Golend.xyz inadvertently through a variety of channels. One primary method is through social media platforms, where fraudsters share links to other websites that mislead unsuspecting users to these harmful scam sites themselves. These links are usually dressed up as appealing content, enticing users to click on them out of curiosity or perceived necessity.

Furthermore, questionable websites with weak security measures can often serve as gateways to Golend.xyz. These sites usually host pop-up back-ups or embedded links that lead users astray, hence increasing fraudulent traffic.

On certain occasions, a user’s device might already be infected with malicious software, or malware warning especially adware. This kind of malware tends to tamper with browser settings, causing involuntary redirects to malicious websites. These strategies demonstrate the insidious nature of online fraud and emphasize the need for caution when browsing the web.

Best Practices to Prevent Being Redirected to Scam Websites

1. Be Judicious with Links:
   Whether found in social media feeds or emails, it is always safer to hover over links to preview the URL and avoid clicking anything from dubious or unknown sources.
2. Utilize Credible Security Software:
   Installing and maintaining up-to-date, trustworthy anti-malware software, such as Norton, McAfee, or Malwarebytes, can help identify and ward off redirects to harmful websites.
3. Steer Clear of Suspicious Websites:
   Users should avoid websites that lack credible certifications, such as HTTPS, or appear otherwise unprofessional or doubtful web pages.
4. Keep Software Up-to-Date:
   Regularly updating browsers and operating systems ensures that identified security loopholes are addressed.
5. Leverage Browser Security Settings:
   Most browsers offer settings that block pop-ups and redirects with alarming messages. Activating these can provide an additional level of protection.

How Manipulative Tactics of Golend.xyz Tricked Users

When users unintentionally arrive at Golend.xyz, they are met with a series of deceptive pop-ups push notifications that mimic the scanning process of reliable anti-malware software. Almost instantly, the bogus scan concludes, bombarding the user with alarming and seemingly urgent alerts. The typically ominous alarming and fraudulent messages in pop up ads might read as follows:

“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, phone numbers, and banking details. Adware usually replaces search results with false and scammy websites. It is highly recommended to use an antivirus software immediately!”

This entire sequence is a cleverly designed sham, aimed at generating a sense of panic and urgency in the user. The dramatic language and technical jargon exploit the common lack of serious technical knowledge and understanding among regular users. However, those savvy about online security may spot several signs indicating that this is a scam.

Legitimate anti-malware software usually takes considerable time to perform an in-depth scan and provides comprehensive information about potential threats. Instant results and generic warnings are red flags signaling deceit. Real security scans also require user initiation, so if a scan begins without the user’s intervention, it’s almost certainly a hoax.

While the warning message may appear professional at first glance, a closer inspection of fake website might reveal spelling and grammar errors, which are typical in many online scams. The urgency in language and grim warnings are common scare tactics to provoke panic, rushing the user into action without critical thought. If the user doesn’t recognize the website or didn’t plan to conduct a full scan beforehand, it’s a definite red flag.

Even if the scam pretends to originate from McAfee or another reputable brand, disparities in logos, language, or the URL or web page can indicate a forgery. Pop-ups that are challenging to close or webpage behavior that feels aggressive or intrusive are additional signs of a scam.

How to Remove Adware and Trackers Like Golend

Despite the fictitious and deceptive nature of Golend.xyz’s warning messages, it’s reasonable for such a situation to prompt concerns about potential malicious or potentially unwanted programs already residing on the device. This is especially true if users are experiencing frequent redirections to questionable websites, which may suggest the presence of underlying adware or other forms of malware.

To alleviate such concerns, conducting an in-depth system scan using reliable security software from a trustworthy vendor is recommended. Modern anti-malware tools are designed to detect and remove malware, adware and other harmful components, providing a quick and efficient solution for users worried about their operating system’s safety.

While manual removal of undesired or malicious programs is possible, it can be more complex and time-consuming. Moreover, the risk of accidentally deleting critical files may cause further issues. Thus, relying on an automated removal process via reputable security software tends to be a safer and more convenient option. It is also highly recommended to use an antivirus immediately!

Clearing Browser Data on Mozilla Firefox

If you’ve accessed Golend.xyz through Mozilla Firefox, it’s a good practice to remove any potential unwanted traces and refresh Firefox Here’s how to do it:

1. Click on the three-line menu icon on the top-right corner of Mozilla Firefox, and choose ‘Options‘.
2. Navigate to the ‘Privacy & Security’ section.
3. Scroll down until you find ‘Cookies and Site Data’.
4. Click on the ‘Clear Data…’ button.
5. Ensure that both ‘Cookies and Site Data’, as well as ‘Cached Web Content’ are selected in the next window.
6. Press the ‘Clear’ button to delete the selected data from your browser.
7. This will reset settings in your firefox browser.

Clearing Browser Data on Microsoft Edge (Chromium)

Should you have visited Golend.xyz using Microsoft Edge (Chromium version), it is prudent to clear any related browsing data. Here’s how:

1. Click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner of the Microsoft Edge browser and choose ‘Settings’.
2. Select ‘Privacy, search, and services’ from the sidebar menu.
3. Under the ‘Clear browsing data’ section, click on ‘Choose what to clear’.
4. In the ‘Time range’ drop-down menu, select ‘All time’.
5. Click on the ‘Clear now’ button to erase the selected browsing data from your browser.
6. This will lead to a full browser reset on your operating system.

Clearing Browser Data on Google Chrome

Navigating to Golend.xyz might leave some unwanted traces on your browser. Clearing these is an essential step to ensure your browsing data stays safe.

1. Click on the three-dot menu icon on the top-right corner of Google Chrome, and pick ‘Settings’.
2. Scroll down to the ‘Privacy and security’ section, and select ‘Clear browsing data’.
3. In the next window, ensure that ‘Browsing history’, ‘Cookies and other site data’, as well as ‘Cached images and files’ are selected.
4. Finally, click on the ‘Clear data’ button to remove the unwanted data from your browser.

Internet Explorer

If you have visited Golend.xyz or similar websites using Internet Explorer, you should clear your browser data. Follow the steps below to restore settings again:

1. Click on the gear icon in the upper-right corner and choose ‘Internet Options’.
2. Under the ‘General’ tab in ‘Browsing History’, click ‘Delete…‘.
3. Make sure to check ‘Temporary Internet files and website files’, ‘Cookies and website data’, and ‘History’. Then click ‘Delete’.
4. After the process is completed, click ‘OK’ to close the dialog box.

Clearing Browser Data on Safari

For users who have potentially accessed Golend.xyz using the Safari browser, clearing browser data is an important step to take. Follow these steps:

1. Click on ‘Safari’ from the menu bar at the top of the screen, then select ‘Clear History…’.
2. In the drop-down menu under ‘Clear’, select ‘all history’.

Confirm your selection by clicking on ‘Clear History’. This will delete all your browsing data and potentially harmful cookies related to Golend.xyz from Safari.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sites like Golend.xyz employ manipulative tactics to exploit users’ fears and trick them into making unnecessary purchases. The importance of remaining vigilant and safeguarding online security while navigating online spaces cannot be overstated. Users are advised to rely on reputable security software to safeguard sensitive information against threats and maintain regular updates. With a cautious and informed approach to digital navigation, users can mitigate the risk of falling victim to such deceptive schemes.