'Google Chrome Critical ERROR' Pop-Ups

The 'Google Chrome Critical ERROR' Pop-Ups are part of a series of misleading tactics that target users of all popular Web browsers – the sites hosting these pop-ups detect the user's Web browser, and then modify the message depending on the result (Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome or Internet Explorer.)

The Pop-Ups may Impair Your Web Browser

The purpose of the pop-up is to scare the user into thinking that there is something seriously wrong with their browser and operating system, and they must take action to resolve the issue immediately. Such pop-ups are a common tool in the arsenal of online scammers since they are very effective against inexperienced computer users. In the case of the 'Google Chrome Critical ERROR' Pop-Ups, the tricksters rely on a message, which warns the user that there was a hacking attempt made against their computer. The message continues by stating that the hackers targeted 'personal information & bank information,' and the suspicious connection was blocked by the firewall. The user is then warned to cease all computer activity immediately to protect their data and to contact a toll-free phone number for further assistance. One of the phone numbers used by the 'Google Chrome Critical ERROR' Pop-Ups is (888) 563-5234, but it is likely that the fraudsters may use many other similar numbers too.

Fraudulent Browser Pop-Ups may Trick You into Spending Money

If the users end up falling for the tricks of the con artists, they might end up talking to them on the phone. This is where the con artists will do their best to convince the potential victim that they need to spend money to get the issue fixed. These people might try to charge the users by offering them to subscribe for their technical support services or to purchase an expensive (and often useless) piece of software. Needless to say, you should never purchase services or software offered by dodgy and unknown technical support teams – always do your research to see if the offer is legitimate. A quick search for '(888) 563-5234' reveals that this phone line is associated with numerous financial and technical support tactics so that it goes without saying that it should not be trusted.

Often, the 'Google Chrome Critical ERROR' Pop-Ups may impair your Web browser's ability to function, therefore leading you to believe that there might be some truth in the message seen in the pop-up. To resolve the issue, you may need to use the Windows Task Manager to terminate your Web browser's process, and then re-open it.