Threat Overview
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Threat type | Phishing / Pop‑up scam |
Detection names | Google SafeBrowsing (Phishing), Avira (Phishing), CyRadar (Malicious), Netcraft (Malicious) |
Symptoms of infection | Persistent aggressive pop‑ups claiming you’re the “5‑billionth search,” screen overlay, fake timers urging fast action |
Damage & distribution | Designed to harvest personal information (email, address, phone, credit card) or trick users into bogus purchases; delivered by deceptive ads, spam, PUAs |
Danger level | Moderate to high – Can lead to phishing, identity theft, financial fraud |
Removal tool | SpyHunter |
Scam Pop‑up Text
Below is a typical warning the scam uses to lure victims:
“You’ve made the 5‑billionth search.You were evaluated as the winner of today’s 5‑billionth search query a few minutes ago by our system!Our last winner was Brad Jenkins from Brussels, Belgium, who won a Samsung KU6179 Ultra HD TV on 14.05.2018.We are proud to announce that you are our next winner.Every time the 5‑billionth search is reached, we proclaim a winner and reset the counter.You may choose one of three hidden prizes below. … For technical reasons, we are not allowed to keep your invitation open for more than 15 minutes. …”
Threat Evaluation
How you got infected
This scam doesn’t require downloading anything—mere browsing is enough. It typically appears when:
- A potentially unwanted application (PUA) or adware is installed on your browser or system
- You click on malicious ads, links, or misleading notifications
These trigger redirects to fake “lucky search” pages.
What it does
It creates a false sense of urgency (e.g., 15-minute timers), presents enticing prizes, collects sensitive data via fake surveys or purchase forms, and could coax you into paying bogus fees or subscribing unknowingly. Often IDs like “Brad Jenkins” and phony success stories aim to build trust—but it’s all fabricated.
Should you be worried?
Yes. Even if it doesn’t install traditional malware, this scam is a serious phishing threat. Those who submit personal or financial details risk identity theft, unauthorized charges, or ongoing spam and phishing campaigns.
What to Do Now
- Do not click on any links or buttons.
- Close the browser tab immediately. If it won’t close:
- On Windows/macOS: use Task Manager or Force Quit the browser.
- Clear browser data: cookies, pop‑ups, browsing history.
- Check for unwanted extensions or software:
- In browsers: disable/remove unknown extensions.
- In OS: uninstall recently installed suspicious programs.
- Scan with SpyHunter to remove any lurking PUAs or adware.
- After cleanup, you’re safe to resume browsing.
Conclusion
The “You’ve Made The 5‑Billionth Search” scam is a classic pop‑up phishing ploy aimed at stealing your data under the guise of a fake prize. If you encounter it, ignore, close, and clean your system. Use SpyHunter to scan and remove embedded adware, and practice safe browsing. Your data and finances depend on it!