Pettocus.info...your Android Device Is Infected!

[pastafreak]

The above has taken over what was my AB tab on my android phone. It's telling me...in no uncertain terms...that my phone is infected and that I MUST download an app to KILL the virus. If I hit the back button, I get another similar notice...and more. Each more lurid and shouty than the first. My phone will be locked in 24hrs if I do not comply....
Now I know this is a scam...but how do I get rid of it? If I close the tab,then try to use the Internet via the icon...all this rubbish appears again.
This has only happened when I've been logged into AB.

[hc4361]

Try downloading Malwarebytes from the Play Store and run a full scan

[Old_Geezer]

It's an "ad" which comes up when you visit dodgy sites. Surprised it is persistent. Try Malwarebytes in case it's installed something.

[Hopkirk]

I get a web page that says something similar, but malwarebytes finds nothing.

It happens sometimes when I scroll on AB only.

I now close and ignore it

[tearinghair]

Am having the same problem when I try yo access the internet. I don't visit dodgy sites, but sometimes when I'm searching for quiz answers (e.g. football strip!) I find I'm on unsavoury sites - trying to be more careful of the words I use now. I haven't tried downloading malwarebytes on the phone (Samsung J5) - is it the same as on PC?

[murraymints]

power off reboot and download malwarebites

[Old_Geezer]

You visit here don't you th ?

I assume the app is from the same creator as it has the same name. Naturally it'll be looking for Android infections rather that Windows ones.

[pastafreak]

I've now had similar happen on this tablet...a Samsung galaxy tab S2. More dire warnings that it's infected. Very difficult to close the offending page...have to close the tab.
Interesting that tearinghair is having problems on the same phone model as me...a Samsung J5.
This ONLY happens on AB.
Combined with the slowing down of AB and pages freezing,I'm not a happy bunny.

[AB Editor]

Thanks for catching that, we've blocked the url.

[ChillDoubt]

Same pasta, hence I use the browser of the download you mentioned that we're usually not allowed to mention!

[ChillDoubt]

My apologies.....that NoM mentioned.

[pastafreak]

Thanks Ed...I'll keep my fingers x'd it doesn't happen again.

There's also the similar " YOU'VE BEEN CHOSEN AS TODAY'S PRIZE WINNER!!!"...only once so far.

[pastafreak]

// It's an "ad" which comes up when you visit dodgy sites. //

But I don't visit "dodgy sites"...;-)

[Hopkirk]

Yes, I'm getting the prize winning one today. It claims to be Facebook. As before, it only happens on AB.

[Hopkirk]

It must be quite clever, it tells me what sort of phone I'm on.

[AB Editor]

"It must be quite clever, it tells me what sort of phone I'm on."

That bit is quite easy :)

Sorry about that guys, it's someone targeting android with a very annoying adverts - and we don't know about it until one of you experiences it and lets us know.

[Hopkirk]

The odd thing is that rather than opening a new tab it converts the AB one to the fake one. Reversing out does not take you back to AB, as it seems to lock on.

I have to open a fresh tab and close the old one.

As before, Malwarebytes finds nothing.

[AB Editor]

You're not actually "infected" - they're pretending you are to get you to give them some card details.

Are you still getting it? Sometimes it takes a little while for the block to take effect.

[pastafreak]

This...just now on my phone...

The page at facebook.com-prizes-de2.pw says:

Congratulations,blah,blah,blah

If I hit the back button,another one appears....
Also Facebook for tesco/asda prizes
There are actually comments from folk who thought "it was a joke" but have received their prizes.
Yeh, right

[AB Editor]

Added that to the blocklist too - any more?!