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gator soup
Inspiring
January 29, 2017
Answered

Scam Flash Updates in Chrome?

  • January 29, 2017
  • 2 replies
  • 2319 views

I keep getting these "ADOBE FLASH PLAYER SOFTWARE MAY BE OUT OF DATE" pop ups in Chrome (Version 56.0.2924.76 (64-bit)) and OS-X 10.11.6 about 1-2 times a day.

Update URL points to cdn.westbead (.) com  -- is this a scam website?

But OSX System Preferences> Flash Player says I'm up to date -- what gives?

Chrome is a default install -- any ideas on what's triggering this spam?

"End User License Agreement" License and Privacy, Uninstall links all point to cm.bundlore (.) com

      This topic has been closed for replies.
      Correct answer Julian Ball

      It’s certainly not coming from Adobe. What does the small print at the bottom of the screen say? Something about SurfBuyer…? Do you have any extensions with that name installed? A search online suggests that this is some sort of adware.

      I hope that helps!

      Julian

      2 replies

      _maria_
      Community Manager
      _maria_Community Manager
      Community Manager
      January 31, 2017

      You can also forward a screenshot, and full URL (if you have it) to phishing@adobe.com.  Adobe does take these issues seriously and follows-up on them.

      J
      Adobe Employee
      Julian BallCorrect answer
      Adobe Employee
      January 30, 2017

      It’s certainly not coming from Adobe. What does the small print at the bottom of the screen say? Something about SurfBuyer…? Do you have any extensions with that name installed? A search online suggests that this is some sort of adware.

      I hope that helps!

      Julian

      G
      gator soupAuthor
      Inspiring
      January 30, 2017

      Julian Ball

      Thanks for the affirmation,

      I looked around a bit more after posting and even saw an Adobe employee note on your forum that Chrome installs its own "Flash Player" -- who can tell anymore these fake Adobe installers or what gets installed -- they look so convincing until you start checking the links and small print???

      I'm glad I ran the real Adobe Flash Player installer from OSX System Preferences for a moment's pause to this fake Flash Player update ... no add on extensions (I checked Chrome), also some User/System Library folders mentioned on various tips pages.

      J
      Adobe Employee
      Julian Ball
      Adobe Employee
      January 31, 2017

      Glad the feedback helped! I can't be sure if the problem comes from something in Chrome itself or some external component, but if the messages come back in future you might want to try creating a new user profile in Chrome (in the People menu) and switch to using that to see if that eradicates it completely.

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