What is Advanced Mac Cleaner?

A window keeps popping up for an an app called Advanced Mac Cleaner. Is this legit? Should I do it or is it a third party scam?


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MacBook Pro

Posted on Jul 18, 2015 4:37 PM

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Posted on Mar 8, 2018 7:50 AM

Also, this Advanced Mac cleaner - I have read here that ppl say its a scam - is there a way to block this?

Have you actually installed this garbage, or are these just scary sounding ads that pop up while you're using your browser?


There are only two apps experienced users recommend for Macs. MalwareBytes for Mac and EtreCheck. These links are each directly to the respective developer's sites. Do not even think about downloading them from anywhere else.


From what you describe, I would suggest you first run EtreCheck. When it's finished, copy/paste the full report here. All personal information is automatically redacted by EtreCheck. All we'll see is relevant information, which is what type of Mac you have, amount of RAM installed, etc., and the most important part, what processes are running. That will show whether or not your Mac is plagued with adware or other junk.


MalwareBytes focuses on finding adware, ransomware and other junk that shouldn't be on your Mac. When it's done searching, it will show a list of anything it finds and offers to remove it. The app never just deletes things without your okay.

98 replies

Mar 27, 2017 10:29 PM in response to Linc Davis

I just tried to follow these directions (3/28/17) and noted the following:

  • There is no '~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.pcv.hlpramc.plist' file. There WAS a 'com.pcv.hlpramcn.plist', but had to open the /Library/LaunchAgents folder to get to it. I deleted it. (Step 1)
  • I restarted as per the directions in Step 1, but the program was still there. Don't bother to restart until you're all done-you'll just have to start over.
  • There was NO file here: /Library/Application Support/amc (Step 2)
  • There was NO file here: ~/Library/AdvancedMacCleaner (Step 3)
  • As someone noted further down the discussion thread, a browser window opens when you try to empty the trash with the program app in it. Just close the window and empty the trash.

Mar 8, 2017 12:36 AM in response to jlfbw

Hello jlfbw,


To remove this pop-up, try locating it under Finder then input the correct malicious software into Trash.


Otherwise, the pop-up could be occurring because it was added as an extension under one of your browsers. If this is the case then please refer to your local browser then click in the upper right hand corner and locate the option that says "extension." Once in the extension tab, find the malicious software then delete it immediately.


Hope you found this helpful! Took me awhile to figure it out.

Mar 19, 2017 10:19 PM in response to Jennyboo607

Jennyboo607 wrote:


Can't the app b simply tossed into the trash and then securely empty the trash? I'm having trouble with this and I'm not a fan of having to pay $250 at Best Buy to have my computer cleaned up. How can I get rid of this


Apple's single incident support fee is $29.


Never pay Best Buy for anything, other than perhaps let you out of the store should you find yourself locked inside one of them.


You should post your own question. Getting rid of "Advanced Mac Cleaner" is easy (and free) but this Discussion is ancient and should no longer exist.

Aug 1, 2017 6:57 AM in response to apz156

And what federal law would that be? That YOU, of your own volition, downloaded, installed and ran their software?


In order to actually commit a crime, Clean My Mac would have to do something illegal. Like transfer your personal files to themselves when using the app. Developing an app that doesn't do much of anything isn't a crime, it's just a waste of your money. The App Store has, literally, thousands of such titles in it.

Aug 1, 2017 4:10 PM in response to apz156

I didn't load or open it. Putting a program on someone's private computer is the violation.

As IdrisSeabright said, not knowingly. That's how all of this adware legally gets through. You'll get some sort of message that you are agreeing to the licensing and usage of xxx software, or a message about some special software that will be installed (or various wording like it). Sometimes, with. Other times without a check box to dismiss the message before clicking OK.


There's the catch. The wording is always vague. The user thinks they're only agreeing to the software they wanted to actually install. But because it's not stated that way, the wording legally applies to anything the installer puts on your system.


It's also why Apple can't legally block the installation of such software. You agreed to allow it on the system, whether you were aware of it or not. Apple then cannot remove it on their own, even to your benefit. The user allowed it, the user has to be the one to choose to remove it.

Aug 6, 2017 11:47 PM in response to Amunoz22

Refund? Good luck with that.


But you have a much bigger problem now. Your computer is compromised, and all the data on it, including personal data, is at risk.


You need to cancel and replace all your credit and debit cards. Now.


Back up your data. Erase and install the OS, and then install your apps only from source and not from back up. This is the only way to be sure to erase whatever they installed on your machine.


Change all your passwords.

Aug 20, 2017 2:47 AM in response to jlfbw

Hi there,

Never trust in them. They have stolen my money. Even they tried to get more from my Bank Card i will report them also to my bank. What they do is they make you pay around £35. After that they give you number to call to upload app. They will make connection to your computer to upload the app. After than they start saying you have a virus in your computer to get rid of them pay as $420 🙂 when i told them no, they will come with many other things when they see that you dont want finally coming price such a stupid figure $8. And this is only for this time 🙂 and they keep asking your debit card number. When i asked for refund they keep lying. never trust in them. I trust them because i thought that was an apple based program which is not.

"****ADVANCED MAC CLEANER IS SCUM. ALL THEY TRY TO STEAL YOUR MONEY"

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