Chrome bug allows scammers to trick unsuspecting users

CALIFORNIA, U.S. - A bug that helps scammers exploit unsuspecting users online was thought to have been dealt with earlier this year - however, it has now returned to haunt users.

According to reports, the bug, which would trick users to pay up a huge sum to fix a problem that may not even exist - has now returned after being wiped up in February this year. 

The bug first made an appearance on the popular browser in February this year, allows scammers to trick users into paying out to fix a non-existing problem.

The same bug was also spotted on Mozilla's Firefox, and users reportedly suffered from the same weakness.

However, after being discovered earlier this year, it was said to have been fixed in an Chrome update.

Experts have now pointed out that the scam has made a return after it resurfaced in certain regions.

They warned users that the attack comes in the form of a fake warning message about an error.

This message comes with a telephone number claiming to offer help on the problem. 

Following this message, the browser will be forced to save a file to disk over and over until the browser crashes.

The most terrifying part of the scam, experts explain is that all of this happens within ten seconds and has reportedly being designed in a way to cause panic among users, who start to wonder what exactly happened on their system.

When worried users call the telephone number specified in the warning message, the scammers reportedly impersonate a Microsoft or other software helpline where they try to get bank details claiming to be for a fix.

Experts warned that the scams are often transmitted through malicious adverts or legitimate sites that have been hacked.

Further adding that the abuse takes advantage of a programing interface called ‘Window Navigator MS Save or One Blob.’

In February this year in an update of Chrome 65, the issue had been fixed by the company.

Then, in an updated post last month, several people raised similar complaints - claiming that money had been stolen from them. 

The bug reportedly made a resurgence after being wiped out on Mozilla Firefox in February too.

Commenting on the return of the bug, a Google representative said in a statement, "We are aware of the issue and are working on addressing it." Firefox officials are investigating the issue.”

Google has warned users, “If you encounter this problem the main thing to remember is that any phone number or contact that appears in a pop-up window is to be ignored. If the browser has crashed you can simply force a close and restart using shortcut keys.”

The company further stated that mOn Windows user can use the Ctrl+Alt+Delete combination to close Chrome or Firefox using the Windows Task Manager.

However, if users are on a Mac, the Force Quit feature by pressing Command+Alt+Esc and then Force Quit the browser.