Avoid getting scammed by fake "PonDX" websites

What kind of scam is "PonDX"?

The "PonDX" scam imitates the legitimate platform of the same name and operates as a cryptocurrency drainer. After a victim connects their wallet through the fake website, the funds stored therein are drained.

"PonDX" scam overview

The fake "PonDX" site that we investigated is an almost perfect copy of the legitimate counterpart. The researched webpage's URL closely resembled that of the real website, which indicates a typosquatting technique.

It is worth mentioning that this scam has been noted being promoted through posts on the X (more commonly known by its former name – Twitter) social media platform.

This scheme works as a crypto drainer and targets the funds stored on various cryptocurrency platforms, including (but not limited to) WalletConnect, MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Ledger, Coinbase, etc.

To elaborate on the draining mechanism, after a user connects their cryptowallet via the fraudulent site – automatic transactions are triggered. Therefore, victims of this scam experience financial loss. Furthermore, the lost funds cannot be retrieved, as cryptocurrency transactions are virtually untraceable.

Threat Summary:

Name	"PonDX" scam website
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Disguise	PonDX
Related Domains	pnd0x[.]claims
Detection Names (pnd0x[.]claims)	Emsisoft (Phishing), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (pnd0x[.]claims)	104.21.41.201
Distribution methods	Spam social media posts, compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications.
Damage	Monetary loss
Malware Removal (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Similar scam examples

"SingularityNET - AGIX", "SLEEPLESS AI Airdrop", "Plug Wallet", and "SEC Token Refund Airdrop" are just some examples of scams similar to "PonDX". The popularity of cryptocurrencies is matched by the prevalence of scams centering on them. However, they are not the only common scams to be found online.

Other widely used models include fake virus/error warnings, system scams, outdated software notifications, package delivery issues, giveaways, lotteries, product/service promotions, etc. We strongly advise exercising caution while browsing since the Internet is rife with deceptive and malicious content.

How did I open a scam website?

The "PonDX" scam has been observed being promoted on the X (formerly Twitter) social media platform. The promotion was done through posts made by likely compromised accounts. It is noteworthy that this scheme could be endorsed via other platforms or means.

Generally, deceptive webpages can be accessed through links in spam (e.g., forum posts, emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, etc.) or redirects generated by sites that use rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware.

How to avoid visiting scam websites?

It is crucial to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears genuine and innocuous. For example, while spam browser notifications and intrusive adverts may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

We recommend paying attention to URLs and typing them carefully. Using websites that offer pirated software/media or other dubious services (e.g., illegal streaming/downloading, Torrenting, etc.) is strongly advised against, as these webpages tend to utilize rogue advertising networks.

To avoid receiving unwanted browser notifications – do not enable suspicious pages to deliver them (i.e., do not click "Allow", "Allow Notifications", etc.). Instead, deny notification delivery from such sites (i.e., select "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.) or ignore these requests in their entirety.

To prevent bundled/hazardous software from infiltrating the device – download only from official/trustworthy sources and treat installations with caution (e.g., read terms, study options, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of supplementary apps, extensions, etc.).

If your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate all threats.

The appearance of "PonDX" scam (GIF):

Screenshot of an X (formerly Twitter) post promoting the "PonDX" scam:

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is "PonDX" scam website?
• How to identify a pop-up scam?
• How do pop-up scams work?
• How to remove fake pop-ups?
• How to prevent fake pop-ups?
• What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?

How to identify a pop-up scam?

Pop-up windows with various fake messages are a common type of lures cybercriminals use. They collect sensitive personal data, trick Internet users into calling fake tech support numbers, subscribe to useless online services, invest in shady cryptocurrency schemes, etc.

While in the majority of cases these pop-ups don't infect users' devices with malware, they can cause direct monetary loss or could result in identity theft.

Cybercriminals strive to create their rogue pop-up windows to look trustworthy, however, scams typically have the following characteristics:

• Spelling mistakes and non-professional images - Closely inspect the information displayed in a pop-up. Spelling mistakes and unprofessional images could be a sign of a scam.
• Sense of urgency - Countdown timer with a couple of minutes on it, asking you to enter your personal information or subscribe to some online service.
• Statements that you won something - If you haven't participated in a lottery, online competition, etc., and you see a pop-up window stating that you won.
• Computer or mobile device scan - A pop-up window that scans your device and informs of detected issues - is undoubtedly a scam; webpages cannot perform such actions.
• Exclusivity - Pop-up windows stating that only you are given secret access to a financial scheme that can quickly make you rich.

Example of a pop-up scam:

How do pop-up scams work?

Cybercriminals and deceptive marketers usually use various advertising networks, search engine poisoning techniques, and shady websites to generate traffic to their pop-ups. Users land on their online lures after clicking on fake download buttons, using a torrent website, or simply clicking on an Internet search engine result.

Based on users' location and device information, they are presented with a scam pop-up. Lures presented in such pop-ups range from get-rich-quick schemes to fake virus scans.

How to remove fake pop-ups?

In most cases, pop-up scams do not infect users' devices with malware. If you encountered a scam pop-up, simply closing it should be enough. In some cases scam, pop-ups may be hard to close; in such cases - close your Internet browser and restart it.

In extremely rare cases, you might need to reset your Internet browser. For this, use our instructions explaining how to reset Internet browser settings.

How to prevent fake pop-ups?

To prevent seeing pop-up scams, you should visit only reputable websites. Torrent, Crack, free online movie streaming, YouTube video download, and other websites of similar reputation commonly redirect Internet users to pop-up scams.

To minimize the risk of encountering pop-up scams, you should keep your Internet browsers up-to-date and use reputable anti-malware application. For this purpose, we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.

What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?

This depends on the type of scam that you fell for. Most commonly, pop-up scams try to trick users into sending money, giving away personal information, or giving access to one's device.

• If you sent money to scammers: You should contact your financial institution and explain that you were scammed. If informed promptly, there's a chance to get your money back.
• If you gave away your personal information: You should change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication in all online services that you use. Visit Federal Trade Commission to report identity theft and get personalized recovery steps.
• If you let scammers connect to your device: You should scan your computer with reputable anti-malware (we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows) - cyber criminals could have planted trojans, keyloggers, and other malware, don't use your computer until removing possible threats.
• Help other Internet users: report Internet scams to Federal Trade Commission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is an online scam?

Basically, online scams are deceptive messages designed to trick users into performing certain actions. For example, victims can be lured into connecting their digital wallets to cryptocurrency drainers, disclosing private data (e.g., usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc.), making monetary transactions, purchasing products, subscribing to services, and so forth.

What is the purpose of online scams?

The goal of online scams is to generate revenue for their designers. Scammers profit mainly by obtaining funds through deception, selling or abusing sensitive data, promoting content, and proliferating malware.

I have lost cryptocurrency to the "PonDX" scam, can I get my money back?

No, cryptocurrency transactions are practically irreversible because they are virtually untraceable.

Why do I encounter online scams?

Online scams are promoted on dubious sites that are seldom accessed intentionally. Most users enter them via redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware. All kinds of spam (e.g., social media/ forum posts, emails, PMs/DMs, browser notifications, etc.) are used in scam promotion. It is pertinent to mention that the "PonDX" scheme has been noted being endorsed through posts made on the X (formally Twitter) platform.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from online scams?

Combo Cleaner is designed to eliminate all manner of threats, and this includes scanning visited websites for deceptive/malicious content. Therefore, should you visit such a site – you will be immediately warned, and further access to it will be blocked.

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