We stand with Ukraine to help keep people safe. Join us
ScamZapper
ScamZapper
3.5
0.0
ScamZapper free download for Mac

ScamZapper

Version 2.1.2

Stops bogus technical support pop-ups from locking up Safari.

3.5
Based on 12 user ratesRead reviews & comments

ScamZapper overview

ScamZapper is an application which mainly functions as a way to install our Safari extension. After it's installed, you can run the application again if you want to report a new scam website, or to help you get rid of a pop-up that ScamZapper doesn't catch.

The ScamZapper extension targets a specific kind of pop-up: the worst kind. These pop-ups will usually claim that your computer has been infected with a virus, and you need to call a number for assistance. That's bad enough as it is, but there is usually no way to close out of the pop-up, as they usually lock up your browser. ScamZapper prevents the pages from loading, and is updated constantly as the scammers register new domains.

If you encounter a pop-up that won't go away and is not currently in ScamZapper's database, you can just run the application, select "Troubleshoot Pop-up," and ScamZapper will run through a series of automated troubleshooting steps to get rid of it.

What’s new in version 2.1.2

Updated on May 14 2018

Version 2.1.2:
  • Fixes an issue where certain information was not relayed when reporting a scam site
  • Updates the database of scam pop-ups

Information

License

Free

Size

1.8 MB

Downloads

17426

App requirements

  • Intel 64
  • Mac OS X 10.6 or later
Try our new feature and write a detailed review about ScamZapper. All reviews will be posted soon.

Write your thoughts in our old-fashioned comment

MacUpdate Comment Policy. We strongly recommend leaving comments, however comments with abusive words, bullying, personal attacks of any type will be moderated.
0.0

(0 Reviews of )

There are no reviews yet
  • Comments

  • User Ratings

Sgilbert
Sgilbert
May 14 2018
2.1.2
0.0
May 14 2018
0.0
Version: 2.1.2
Have tried everything to update to 2.1.2, but to no avail. I don't care how good or necessary an app is; If I have to jump through hoops too much to get it, It's 'outta here'! Pretty lousy way to distribute software!
DragonMaster
DragonMaster
Feb 24 2018
2.1.1
5.0
Feb 24 2018
5.0
Version: 2.1.1
Not asingle Scam has made its way into my Mac since I got it! Nuff said!
Franko
Franko
Oct 25 2017
2.1
0.0
Oct 25 2017
0.0
Version: 2.1
Version 2.1 mistakenly thinks I have Safari Tech Preview installed and won't update the extension. Instead it coughs up: :ls: /Users/Frank/Library/SafariTechnologyPreview/Extensions: No such file or directory:" Dev has been notified. Mac Pro running El Cap, Safari Version 11.0 (11604.1.38.1.7)
lemonb3519
lemonb3519
Aug 29 2016
2.0.3
5.0
Aug 29 2016
5.0
Version: 2.0.3
Loaded flawlessly in El Captain 10.11.6. I have had no issues with the app and no issues with pop-ups.
Stronachab
Stronachab
Jan 9 2016
1.4.5
5.0
Jan 9 2016
5.0
Version: 1.4.5
I downloaded ScamZapper using MacUpdate Desktop but got an error message after download saying that permission to install had been denied. I tried downloading a zip file from MacUpdate. I got the same message. I did this a couple times more each. Same result. Eventually, I looked deeper into the underlying code of the message and found a warning that MacUpdate had bundled adware with ScamZapper downloads from the MacUpdate site and that safe downloads came only directly from the developer's website. I downloaded ScamZapper directly from the developer's site, as advised, and it has installed and seems to be working fine. I have never had an issue with MacUpdate downloads. Indeed, I think the facility is tremendous in keeping me up to speed and my Mac up to date. However, I mention this issue just in case anyone else has a similar problem.
Harv
Harv
Jan 8 2016
1.4.5
0.0
Jan 8 2016
0.0
Version: 1.4.5
Things had been well until v1.4.5. Now, when I click the app, I get a caution noting three saved states and the Safari Extension remains at v1.4.4. What am I doing wrong?
B-Jefferson-Le-Blanc
B-Jefferson-Le-Blanc
Sep 13 2015
1.3.6
0.0
Sep 13 2015
0.0
Version: 1.3.6
The developer says he responds to user feedback, but I don't feel like joining yet another blog. So I'll post my issue here. When I unzip the ScamZapper download and launch the app, I get an error message saying the app is broken and offering to move it to the trash. To get a functional copy I have to unpack it using Pacifist. I wonder why the developer cannot, like most others, compress his file so that it can be opened with OS X's own Archive Utility?
Kenm22
Kenm22
Sep 12 2015
1.3.6
5.0
Sep 12 2015
5.0
Version: 1.3.6
I have an idea for BigJohnson. Why don't you just get your money back and move on.
Web-Jive
Web-Jive
Sep 10 2015
1.3.5
0.0
Sep 10 2015
0.0
Version: 1.3.5
For the dev. :) Here's a site that seems to get by Scamzapper.. dodster.com Easy typo to get to dotster.com
Web-Jive
Web-Jive
Aug 27 2015
1.3.5
0.0
Aug 27 2015
0.0
Version: 1.3.5
Just an FYI, the Safari extension won't install on my 10.10.5 system. Even if I Show Contents of the app and double click the extension directly.
Big Johnson
Big Johnson
Aug 11 2015
1.3.4
1.0
Aug 11 2015
1.0
Version: 1.3.4
Now I'll rate it because it failed on the first rogue script I encountered.
Well, it successfully killed the popup, but it also killed my browsing session.

I downloaded this app primarily because one site always opens up a new tab containing a "virus alert" script that freezes Safari. When I open this site (http://is.gd/g2NGU6) and click in the gray search box on the right for the first time, it happens.

This is a screenshot of the script: http://is.gd/AphYFU

When it happened yesterday, I opened ScamZapper and it closed that tab alright...also closed every other window and tab in Safari, leaving me with just one open tab where there had been over 50 in two windows.
Fortunately for me I have the Sessions extension installed and was able to quickly reopen my session. Of course it also opened the bad tab which I could have easily closed before it loaded, but I decided to see if ScamZapper would stop it this time.
It didn't. ScamZapper again closed both windows, leaving me with one open tab.

ScamZapper didn't do any better than I could have done by force-quitting Safari. Even though it's free, I think I'VE been scammed.
Big Johnson
Big Johnson
Aug 8 2015
1.3.4
1.0
Aug 8 2015
1.0
Version: 1.3.4
Before downloading I read all the posts below and about not being able to quit the running app/script. After installing and opening I was presented with a box saying "ScamZapper has determined that its Safari extension has not been installed. If you are opening it for the first time, this is normal. Click OK to install it." After clicking OK another box appeared asking "Are you sure you want to install the extension "ScamZapper"? Install extensions only from sources you trust. Extensions can modify the appearance and behavior of Safari, and access your private information at websites." At that prompt I clicked "Don't Install," but then Ntification Center displayed a message saying "ScamZapper's Safari extension has been successfully installed." That turned out to be false though, because no extension appeared and there was no process running in Activity Monitor for ScamZapper. So I tried it again. Upon opening the same message appeared saying "ScamZapper has determined that its Safari extension has not been installed. If you are opening it for the first time, this is normal. Click OK to install it." So even though N.C. told me it had been installed, it had not. The third time I went through with the install and the extension did appear in Safari prefs. A screenshot of all the messages I saw can be seen here: http://is.gd/nObjAg Haven't used it long enough to encounter a rogue script yet, so I'm leaving a comment instead of a rating.
Danco
Danco
Jul 28 2015
1.3.3
0.0
Jul 28 2015
0.0
Version: 1.3.3
I found a tiny bug, easily cleared. ScamZapper resided (for historical reasons) in a folder named "Mountain Lion Installers". It did not like the space between "Mountain" and "Lion" and threw up an error message. All I needed to do was move it to my Desktop folder. But you should ensure that that it works fine when in a folder whose name contains a space.
mdl00
mdl00
Jul 16 2015
1.3
0.0
Jul 16 2015
0.0
Version: 1.3
All, we received multiple emails about users who updated to 1.3.1 not being able to open the extension. Version 1.3.2 (which should appear here momentarily and is on our website now) should fix this issue, but please note that this is usually caused by either renaming the extension, or trying to install multiple copies (which appends a number to the end of the file name). For best results, please avoid that.
Prince-Isaac
Prince-Isaac
Jul 16 2015
1.3
0.0
Jul 16 2015
0.0
Version: 1.3
I just encountered one of those "virus alert" popups in Safari, one where you have to quit Safari to get rid of it, and then searched for popup alert blockers, and came across this. i downloaded the app, which then installed a safari extension, and I thought everything was copacetic.

An hour later I needed to reboot in another partition but it turned out that ScamZapper was still open and wouldn't close for a restart. i tried to Force Quit and that didn't help. I had to open Activity Monitor to force quit it, and that still didn't help. Finally I opened iTrash and dragged it to that app, which listed a whole bunch of associated files, which I then trashed. After all that I was able to restart my Mac.

I don't see where an app that remains open despite all attempts to close it is going to be something that anyone would want on their computer.

Incidentally, to even launch this app you have to go to System Prefs > Security and Privacy and give OS X permission to launch it. That's always a bad sign.

I'd sure like to see a legitimate app or extension that will trap and disallow such invasive activity as those warning popups. Fortunately this is the only time in recent memory that I've encountered one.
Jim-Leff
Jim-Leff
Jul 12 2015
1.3
5.0
Jul 12 2015
5.0
Version: 1.3
It works. It's super easy to install. It's free. It solves a very annoying problem. Why is this not rated 5 stars?
Derekcurrie
Derekcurrie
Jun 8 2015
1.2.4
2.0
Jun 8 2015
2.0
Version: 1.2.4
I'm looking at ScamZapper Safari extension version 1.2.1 in my Safari preferences and it's not updating. It's not showing up in 'Updates'. It's broken. I'm going to download and install v1.2.4 hoping they've fixed this problem.
mdl00
mdl00
Jun 7 2015
1.2.4
0.0
Jun 7 2015
0.0
Version: 1.2.4
[Sorry for the duplicate comment]
mdl00
mdl00
Jun 7 2015
1.2.4
0.0
Jun 7 2015
0.0
Version: 1.2.4
Just a note as this is confusing for some users - starting with version 1.2.4, the download is now named "ScamZapper" and not "ScamZapper Helper." We removed the "Helper" suffix because over the past several updates, the application has received added functionality, and is more than just a "helper" application for ScamZapper's Safari extension.
cn880
cn880
Apr 1 2015
1.1.2
5.0
Apr 1 2015
5.0
Version: 1.1.2
Installed this a short while back. I've been keeping up with the updates, but never encountered any pop-ups... until today. I got "pcjunctions.com." Scam Zapper blocked it. I then disabled the extension temporarily, and loaded the page, just to satisfy my curiosity. Sure enough, it said "your computer may be infected with spyware virus," and clicking OK just brought it back over and over. I had to force quit Safari. I then re-enabled the extension, of course.
DragonMaster
DragonMaster
Feb 24 2018
5.0
Feb 24 2018
5.0
Version: null
John-A-Rankin
John-A-Rankin
Nov 29 2017
4.5
Nov 29 2017
4.5
Version: null
lemonb3519
lemonb3519
Aug 29 2016
5.0
Aug 29 2016
5.0
Version: null
Stronachab
Stronachab
Jan 9 2016
5.0
Jan 9 2016
5.0
Version: null
Kenm22
Kenm22
Sep 12 2015
5.0
Sep 12 2015
5.0
Version: null
Big Johnson
Big Johnson
Aug 11 2015
1.0
Aug 11 2015
1.0
Version: null
Jim-Leff
Jim-Leff
Jul 12 2015
5.0
Jul 12 2015
5.0
Version: null
Derekcurrie
Derekcurrie
Jun 8 2015
2.0
Jun 8 2015
2.0
Version: null
cn880
cn880
Apr 1 2015
5.0
Apr 1 2015
5.0
Version: null
DemandExcellence
DemandExcellence
Mar 29 2015
0.5
Mar 29 2015
0.5
Version: null
Callitho
Callitho
Mar 12 2015
3.0
Mar 12 2015
3.0
Version: null
WetNet
WetNet
Feb 9 2015
0.5
Feb 9 2015
0.5
Version: null
How would you rate ScamZapper?
Similar apps
Be the first one to propose an app
similar to ScamZapper.