Zoosk Dating Service on Notification Bar

[reusables]

This just started happening two days ago so I'd like to solve it quickly since who knows what's going to happen.

A White Star with a Red Rot inside of it has started to appear in the Notification bar and pull down menu with "Find Local Singles Now" (Try the Free Zoosk Dating App Today!). I'm not sure how it's being activated. I have scanned using Lookout and the new Norton Beta app for viruses and malware. Nothing is being found so I suspect that one of the programs I have (Facebook or TwitCaster) is generating it.

Can anyone tell me how to get rid of this before it gets out of hand? I'm not single or dating so I would like to get rid of this spam.

Any thoughts?

[reusables]

I was able to identify the problem. I've been using Gadget Bytes for a few months. Apparently, they added a "new" feature that was dropped into my phone on the last auto update.

The Dating Service adds that were being dropped into my notification bar on a daily basis were being generated by them (others had left reviews stating the same). This is very unethical and scarey. A trusted app developer allows you to download an app. Down the road, he introduces a spam program during an update. Of course, most people (including me) suspected new downloads. I ran Norton and Lookout and neither program could find the problem.

Stay away from Gadget Bytes...he could have dropped in spyware.

[nygiants11991]

I was able to identify the problem. I've been using Gadget Bytes for a few months. Apparently, they added a "new" feature that was dropped into my phone on the last auto update.

The Dating Service adds that were being dropped into my notification bar on a daily basis were being generated by them (others had left reviews stating the same). This is very unethical and scarey. A trusted app developer allows you to download an app. Down the road, he introduces a spam program during an update. Of course, most people (including me) suspected new downloads. I ran Norton and Lookout and neither program could find the problem.

Stay away from Gadget Bytes...he could have dropped in spyware.

How were you able to identify the problem? It is getting annoying to have these white stars with a red dot in the middle on my phone daily.

[reusables]

Open your notification bar. Select the star...before it redirects you to your browser, it briefly shows you the name of the app it's associated with. It happens fast, but you'll eventually see it, even if it takes you a couple of days. Don't forget to leave a very negative review on the apps Market page to warn others.

[Puccini]

Thank you for that information, Reusables. I had the same problem, started a discussion here on the Thailand Forum, then searched the web and found your post. In my case, the culprit is Blogger-droid.

[reusables]

Glad I could help. I don't have a problem with developers who use advertising for their free apps, but I strongly object to those who are beginning to use "redirects." Make sure all of you leave very negative comments in the review area before you delete the app. This is the only way we can stop these low-lifestyle!

[rokndj]

I am having this problem too and dont have the programs you all stated. I have droid wall and have blocked almost all my apps. I have no clue what program is doing it. I have even read all the reviews of my downloaded programs and nothing negative. This is insane....

[Puccini]

This post in another forum gives information how to block this stealth spam generically, for any application that may be using it:

Android 'Market' app --> Settings --> Google AdMob Ads Preferences --> Uncheck 'Receive interest-based ads' option

See if it works on Motorala's and Verizon's customised versions of Android. On my HTC Desire, running on HTC's Android 2.2, it is

Run Market app > Menu > Settings > deselect Receive interest-based ads

Is it Google and customisers like Motorola, etc. who give us the Android upgrades with that option selected by default? I'll have to remember to verify that setting with every new upgrade.

[rokndj]

Changing the Market setting did not fix the problem but I FINALLY found the app that was causing my problem.

It is Live Wallpaper Flame Free made by DrHU <<<<< BEWARE!

[VinnyPaul]

Appears to be anything by DrHU, had the same problem. Looked for the author DrHU and there went the problem when I uninstalled funnyface app. This guy is shady.

Changing the Market setting did not fix the problem but I FINALLY found the app that was causing my problem.

It is Live Wallpaper Flame Free made by DrHU <<<<< BEWARE!