Fake DeepSeek AI Chat Extension

The Fake DeepSeek AI Chat Extension is a dangerous browser hijacker that disguises itself as a helpful AI chatbot. Promoted under the guise of offering DeepSeek AI services, this rogue extension is neither affiliated with the real DeepSeek AI project nor safe to use. Instead of improving your browser experience, it compromises user privacy, manipulates browser behavior, and quietly collects sensitive data.

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What Is the Fake DeepSeek AI Chat Extension?

This threat operates by pretending to be a legitimate AI chatbot utility, leading users to believe they’re installing a smart assistant for everyday tasks. Once added to the browser—primarily Google Chrome—it begins malicious activity in the background. The extension gathers user chat history, IP addresses, and browsing data, and transmits it to unknown remote servers. Additionally, it manipulates the user rating process to maintain a positive appearance on extension platforms.

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Threat Profile: Fake DeepSeek AI Chat Extension

Attribute	Details
Threat Type	Adware / Browser Hijacker
Associated Domain	ai-chat-bot.pro
Detection Names	Not disclosed publicly
Symptoms of Infection	Browser redirects, pop-up ads, unknown toolbar or extension, slower browser
Damage	Data collection, user tracking, potential phishing exposure
Distribution Methods	Chrome Web Store, deceptive promotions, bundled with freeware
Danger Level	High
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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Detailed Threat Behavior

How Did the Fake Extension End Up in My Browser?

Most users install the Fake DeepSeek AI Chat Extension after being misled by:

• Misleading Promotions: It’s featured in sponsored links or websites that falsely advertise AI chatbot services.
• Chrome Web Store Listings: Though now likely removed, it was previously downloadable from the Chrome Web Store with a misleading description.
• Bundled Software: Sometimes attached to freeware installations, users unknowingly accept the extension by skipping through default install settings.

What Harm Can It Do?

Once active in the browser, this extension carries out several underhanded actions:

• Harvesting Data: Logs all activity in the chat tool and siphons off personal details to remote servers.
• Review Manipulation: Directs satisfied users to the Chrome Web Store for five-star reviews, while rerouting negative reviewers to a private Google Form to prevent them from publicly posting complaints.
• Redirects and Ad Injection: Alters browser settings to redirect searches or inject advertisements for monetization.

Should You Be Concerned?

Yes, very much so. While it may not lock your files like ransomware, the data it collects—such as IP addresses, typed queries, and possibly personal information—can be used in phishing attacks or sold on underground forums. Furthermore, the fact that it manipulates user reviews shows intent to deceive and persist.

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Option 1: Manual Browser Hijacker Removal

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Software

For Windows:

1. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Look for recently installed or unknown software.
3. Select the suspicious program and click Uninstall.
4. Follow the uninstaller’s prompts.

For Mac:

1. Open Finder > Applications.
2. Locate any unfamiliar apps you didn’t intentionally install.
3. Drag them to the Trash.
4. Right-click the Trash and select Empty Trash.

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Step 2: Reset Each Web Browser Affected

Google Chrome:

1. Go to chrome://settings/reset.
2. Click Restore settings to their original defaults > Reset settings.
3. Then, visit chrome://extensions and remove any suspicious add-ons.
4. Change your search engine:
   Settings > Search Engine > Manage search engines — remove unwanted entries and set a trusted one like Google.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Click the menu icon (three lines) > Help > More Troubleshooting Information.
2. Click Refresh Firefox.
3. After reset, check Add-ons and Themes and remove unwanted extensions.
4. Navigate to Settings > Home/Search and revert changes to your preferred provider.

Microsoft Edge:

1. Click menu (three dots) > Settings > Reset Settings > Restore settings to their default values.
2. Open edge://extensions and remove any unfamiliar plugins.
3. Reconfigure your homepage and search engine if needed.

Safari (Mac Only):

1. Open Safari > Click Safari in the top menu > Clear History (select All History).
2. Go to Preferences > Extensions, remove unknown entries.
3. Under General, set your homepage.
4. Under Search, revert to your preferred search provider.

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Step 3: Check and Clean Your Hosts File

On Windows:

1. Open Notepad as Administrator.
2. Go to:
   C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
3. Look for unknown IPs or domains — remove them.
4. Save changes and reboot.

On Mac:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Run: sudo nano /etc/hosts
3. Identify and remove hijacker entries.
4. Press Control + O to save and Control + X to exit.

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Option 2: Automatic Removal Using SpyHunter

If you want a faster and safer solution — especially if the hijacker reinstalls after manual removal — use SpyHunter, a trusted anti-malware tool.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Visit the official download page: Download SpyHunter

Need help with the installation? Follow this page: SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install and Launch the Program

1. Run the installer and follow the steps for your OS.
2. Open SpyHunter after installation.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click Start Scan Now.
2. Wait while SpyHunter analyzes your computer for browser hijackers, malware, and other PUPs.
3. Once the scan completes, click Fix Threats to eliminate them.

Step 4: Reboot and Recheck Your Browser

After cleaning, restart your device. Open your browser and check if your homepage and search settings are restored. If not, perform a quick browser reset using the manual steps above.

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How to Prevent Future Infections

• Avoid downloading freeware from third-party sites.
• Use custom/advanced installation and deselect optional offers.
• Keep your browser and OS updated.
• Regularly scan your system with SpyHunter for proactive defense.
• Don’t click strange pop-ups or redirect links from unknown sources.

Final Thoughts

The Fake DeepSeek AI Chat Extension is not a helpful productivity tool—it’s a privacy-invading browser hijacker designed to steal information and generate revenue through unethical tracking methods. Immediate removal is strongly advised. Use a reputable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter to thoroughly clean your system and restore your browser to a secure state.