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system mac os is infected popup

How do I get rid of these fake pop ups. My computer seems fine and I haven’t clicked on any of the links. Help?

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 12.1

Posted on Jan 18, 2023 8:29 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 12, 2023 10:56 AM

You should go to Safari settings, and then Notifications, and delete any funny websites there. Mine had something with the icon of Mac OS system settings, deleting it solved the problem.


I had first used Malware Bytes, and even bought and downloaded Intego VirusBarrier and NetBarrier, but that didn't solve the problem.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 12, 2023 10:56 AM in response to Matteo Cuellar

You should go to Safari settings, and then Notifications, and delete any funny websites there. Mine had something with the icon of Mac OS system settings, deleting it solved the problem.


I had first used Malware Bytes, and even bought and downloaded Intego VirusBarrier and NetBarrier, but that didn't solve the problem.

Jan 18, 2023 8:41 PM in response to JenniferMLA

JenniferMLA Said:

"system mac os is infected popup: How do I get rid of these fake pop ups. My computer seems fine and I haven’t clicked on any of the links. Help?"

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Thank you for the photo.


Exit this App, then Restart your Mac:


Successfully Quitting this App:

Seems you need for Force Quit this app.

Two steps:


I. Using [command + tab]:

Use [command +tab] to get to Finder (the smileyface). Then, Force Quit the AppRead my User Tip: [command+tab] Use it to Access your Mac when Something is Not Responding - Apple Support.


II. Using Force Quit:

See if this applications open. If that is the case, save what need be (if possible), and then Force Quit.

  1. Go To: Apple Menu
  2. Select: Force Quit...
  3. Select: Mail
  4. Click: Force Quit button

Feb 10, 2023 12:12 AM in response to JenniferMLA

Hi Jennifer, I hope you managed to get rid of this by now but in case you haven't: The notification is caused by either a browser extension or website. I recommend running Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to remove this. You should be able to just use the Home version, so no need to pay. Just make sure to avoid the upsell during installation.


I recommended the same to a colleague of mine and it removed a Chrome extensions which was triggering those notifications.


I would be very vigilant when websites ask to allow notifications or installing browser extensions from non-reputable publishers. It's often the case they are malware/adware themselves or have weak security which allows bad-actors to hijack their service to push fake notifications.

Jan 18, 2023 9:34 PM in response to JenniferMLA

JenniferMLA Said:

"system mac os is infected popup: Im not sure it’s an app, but I will try this. Thanks."

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You are welcome.


Thank you for the photo.


A few questions:

Is this Safari shown in your photo? What is this app you are using? What is the Web site you are at? If you are not at Apple.com, then this seems to be a big scam of popup messages.

Jan 18, 2023 9:37 PM in response to JenniferMLA

JenniferMLA Said:

"system mac os is infected popup: Im not sure it’s an app, but I will try this. Thanks."

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Thank you for the photo.


For reference...

Reporting Scams to Apple:

You can report these messages to Apple, and your federal government(if an option). Provide a few photos with the domain shown, and the URL of this thread. Use my User: Using the Photos App to Report Scams - User Tip

Jan 18, 2023 11:03 PM in response to JenniferMLA

JenniferMLA Said:

"I agree, it’s definitely a type of scam,: but how to I get rid of it ?! and it’s not on a web browser, it’s a literal notification with the same exact settings app pic.."

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Report this Scam:

Did you report it, using my user tip?: Using the Photos App to Report Scams - User Tip


Close All Apps:

Keep pressing: [command + Q] until all windows close.

system mac os is infected popup

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