We have been contacted recently by some members reporting alarming behaviour in their web browser while using the site, specifically the page being redirected to one claiming to have detected a virus and suggesting all manner of ill-advised solutions.

There have also been instances, particularly on mobile devices, where users are taken to a sweepstakes site masquerading as a Facebook page where the Back button is disabled and they couldn't get out without shutting the tab/window down or the whole browser to escape it or redirected to the App Store to some game or app.

These are known problems that are becoming an issue even on some of the biggest websites in the world (e.g. MailOnline and the New York Times) because malicious code writers are sneaking their wares into web adverts and being distributed by some of the most reputable ad servers (like Google Adsense on which ToffeeWeb relies).

It's highly annoying but the key if this happens while you're browsing TW or any site where this happens is not to get fooled into any scam which is looking for you to click a button or download a piece of software. Don't panic, just close the browser tab down and don't click anything.

If you're concerned about possible malware having been installed in your desktop browser, run a virus scan on your system.

Ad blockers are, of course, a pretty effective solution, of course, and they're becoming more and more prevalent. But their biggest drawback for publishers like ToffeeWeb is that it starves the site of the revenue it needs to keep providing the level of service that it does. And it's a big let-down if you've kindly whitelisted our site only to then get messed around my malicious or nuisance pop-ups and captured windows/tabs.

Avoid the ads, become a patron of ToffeeWeb

ToffeeWeb couldn't exist in its current form of constantly-updated news, match and transfer coverage, opinion pieces and commenting facilities without earning some revenue to justify the hours and hours it takes each week to provide it.

As the alternative to a paywall (maybe I'm wrong but I've always believed that could kill the site), Web ads have been a necessary evil but modern ads can be annoying, distracting and intrusive, they slow web pages down and, as we're seeing, can be hijacked for malicious or mischievous purposes. Plus, the increasing prevalence of ad blockers has seen diminishing returns which is why some sites are practically unusable because of all the adverts, surveys, popups, layers etc they throw onto the screen to chase revenue.

That's why I recently opened up an entirely voluntary sponsorship subscription whereby patrons of ToffeeWeb can browse the site entirely free of third-party ads. It costs less than that of a pint a month (depending on where you live, I suppose!) but if you use the site on a regular basis or simply want to contribute towards its upkeep, you can do so here.

In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns about ads on the site or unwanted behaviour while browsing it, please either leave a comment below or send me an email.