Browser Keeps opening random shopify stores

[Royben99]

My browser keeps opening link to a shopify store and affiliate link from shopify partners. Can someone please tell me why it's happening and how do I stop it. Its so annoying. Here is an example link that's opening up

https://www.shopify.com/?subId1=65650b7098fde9034b832fc1&irclickid=yEi2c5XfGxyNURfyYVzBu1K2UkFXIEyxm...

[beauxbreaux]

Are you starting to type out "shopify"? It may be auto filling this site. What are you doing while it is opening this site? 

[Royben99]

Nothing at all. Whenever I open my browser, this link opens up in a
separate tab without doing anything.

[beauxbreaux]

It sounds like your browser may be affected by some form of malware or unwanted browser extension. Here are some steps you can take to address the issue:

1. Check Browser Extensions:

   • Go to your browser settings and look for extensions or add-ons.
   • Disable or remove any extensions that you don't recognize or trust.

2. Clear Browser Cookies and Cache:

   • Sometimes, malicious scripts can be stored in cookies or cache. Clearing them might help.
   • Be aware that this will sign you out of websites and remove saved data.

3. Run a Malware Scan:

   • Use a reputable antivirus or antimalware tool to scan your computer for any potential threats.
   • Make sure your antivirus definitions are up-to-date before running the scan.

4. Reset Browser Settings:

   • In your browser settings, look for an option to reset or restore settings to their default state.
   • This can help eliminate any unwanted changes made by malicious software.

5. Update Your Browser:

   • Make sure your browser is up-to-date. Sometimes, vulnerabilities in older versions can be exploited.

6. Check for Unwanted Programs:

   • Go to your computer's control panel and check the list of installed programs.
   • Uninstall any programs you don't recognize or ones that seem suspicious.

7. Change Passwords:

   • If you have any passwords saved in your browser, consider changing them, especially if you suspect any compromise.

8. Use a Different Browser:

   • If the issue persists, try using a different browser to see if the problem is specific to one browser.

9. Check Default Search Engine and Homepage:

   • Ensure that your default search engine and homepage haven't been changed without your knowledge.

10. Review Recently Installed Software:

    • Think about any software or updates you've recently installed. Uninstall anything suspicious.

[Olivia]

Hi, @Royben99!

Thanks for getting in touch with our network.

To second the thoughts of, @beauxbreaux, it sounds like it would be auto-filling perhaps. Can you give us more information around when it opens? If it's on launch, you may have accidentally set it up to be your 'home' web page through your browser settings.

If you could provide us with a screenshot, or better yet a video, of your experience that can help us better understand the issue and support you.

Warm regards,

[TNR]

Same thing is happening to me--with this link constantly opening in a new tab:

https://www.shopify.com/?irclickid=zyNVMR38wxyPRdT3gJwm%3AVcHUkH28y22UzsVxo0&irgwc=1&partner=2548553...

[purpleriver]

Hi, I am having a similar issue. Did you ever find the solution?

[beauxbreaux]

From the links provided above they can be broken down like this:

• subId1: Sub-ID, likely used for tracking purposes or identifying the source of the click.
• irclickid: Another parameter possibly used for tracking clicks.
• irgwc: Likely associated with affiliate marketing.
• partner: Indicates the partner or affiliate involved.
• affpt: Stands for "affiliate part," and in this case, is labeled as excluded.
• utm_channel, utm_source, utm_medium: Standard parameters used in tracking through Google Analytics.

It looks like someone is trying to get clicks through mal practices. Shopify can id this partner account as it is located in the URL. If yours looks similar to theirs it is probably the same issue. 

Here is Shopify help center to report your problem:
https://help.shopify.com/en/

[RizvanBeauty]

I am having this problem as well and I have a different affiliate doing the same maleficient tactics.

1. I reported the URL to shopify partners here: https://help.shopify.com/en/legal#/report-an-issue

2. I use chrome so I went into chrome://extensions/ and noticed that there were a handful of extensions that had been removed from the web store due to policy violations, so I removed them. You should try that too.  I think this will do the trick.

My thinking is these extensions were either created with the ultimate purpose of injecting the pop up window or they purchased the apps and then inserted the code. 

Hopefully the reports will get their accounts suspended for engaging in these types of practices and they lose all their money. Shopify needs to do a better job at identifying where the affiliate traffic is coming from so they can stop this nefarious behaviour.