Chrome being hijacked?

mojothehut

Senior member
Feb 26, 2012
354
6
81
Hey all
So lately my Chrome browser on my galaxy s8 has been randomly redirected to odd websites during normal web browsing. I've installed two different anti virus programs, ran the scans, found nothing.
Example, just browsing bbc news and suddenly I go to a weird amazon page and a very computerized voice comes across my phone speakers saying "congratulations you have been selected ... "
The only way for me to leave this website is to turn airplane mode on, then close chrome and relaunch it to get back to google or wherever I was before the redirect.

Here are some screenshots of the pages I get yanked to
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1tD7iEbfEPPnxnHXv0zwuUtACwetJu2on

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ckAsQs6tOrAeD8dKbR4tlmbnASUI_38w

Any idea how to stop this from happening? It's getting frustrating. I don't have a lot of apps on my phone, I dont download anything from shady websites. ESET and AVG mobile scans found nothing.
 

quikah

Diamond Member
Apr 7, 2003
4,127
691
126
They are malicious website ads Use a browser with an ad blocker like Firefox or edge
 

UsandThem

Elite Member
May 4, 2000
16,068
7,382
146
I've had to switch from using the Chrome browser on our Galaxy phones because it always being hit with redirects to scam sites (or the "You have a virus" screens). Anandtech on mobile Chrome was one of the worst experiences. There has to be some type of exploit or loophole in Chrome mobile, because it was really, really bad. And I don't even go to any questionable sites on mobile at all.

I finally had enough about 4-5 months ago, and started using the Samsung browser with the AdBlocker extension installed, and I have not had one of those redirects or pop-ups since.
 
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ankit3302

Junior Member
Jun 1, 2018
14
1
11
This problem frequently appears in chrome. It might be some malicious ads that come during use of chrome browser. You can block these ads by using an adblocker or any other means.
 

Raduque

Lifer
Aug 22, 2004
13,140
138
106
Stop using Chrome, and start using Samsung Browser with native AdBlock extensions. Also you have an S8, you should be using adhell3 or NotSABS for system-wide ad and tracker blocking.
 

UsandThem

Elite Member
May 4, 2000
16,068
7,382
146
Just clear your history . Chrome is fine.

I tried just that for 6+ months, and it didn't change anything for me. I even factory reset my phone, and when I came back to the forums on Chrome for the first time, I was hit with a redirect.
 

ZGR

Platinum Member
Oct 26, 2012
2,058
671
136
Until Chrome allows extensions for Android, I cannot recommend it one bit.

I highly suggest Firefox as it supports all desktop addons. Samsung browser is also recommended.
 
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sweenish

Diamond Member
May 21, 2013
3,656
60
91
It hasn't really happened to me for a few months after Chrome updated to block these types of "ads."

When it does, I have Firefox Focus installed to handle those sites.