How to Identify and Avoid Fake Chrome Browser Downloads

In China, counterfeit products—known as "shanzhai"—originated in the 1990s when Shenzhen manufacturers used the abbreviation "SZ" to hide their location, a practice that later spread to many everyday items and even software.

Among software threats, fake versions of Google Chrome are especially deceptive, often appearing at the top of Baidu search results as paid advertisements that mimic the official browser.

These fake browsers use names such as "Chrome浏览器", "谷goog游览器", "Chorem浏览器" and others, and their icons closely resemble the genuine Chrome icon, making it hard for users to distinguish the real from the counterfeit.

One particularly malicious fake claims to be Google Chrome but actually installs Kingsoft Duba (an antivirus) regardless of whether the user selects a "normal" or "secure" download link.

Another fake browser presents itself as Chrome, uses Google’s open‑source code, but adds promotional elements such as a Chinese homepage, bookmarks to domestic sites, and a custom search engine, revealing its true identity.

The official Chrome website only provides a download installer, and without a VPN the installer may not work; however, users can obtain an offline version directly by appending ?standalone=1 to the URL, i.e., https://www.google.cn/chrome/?standalone=1 .

This method ensures a clean, authentic Chrome installation, avoiding the numerous counterfeit browsers that aim to steal data or install unwanted software.