Avoid getting scammed by fake "Mode Sunrise" airdrops

What kind of scam is "Mode Sunrise Airdrop"?

This "Mode Sunrise Airdrop" is fake. The giveaway supposedly distributes the Mode cryptocurrency. However, when a user attempts to participate in this airdrop, they inadvertently expose their digital wallet to a crypto drainer that can empty it of stored assets.

"Mode Sunrise Airdrop" scam overview

Several domains have been observed hosting this scam. It is presented as an airdrop (essentially, a giveaway) distributing the Mode cryptocurrency. This scheme has even been endorsed by posts on the X (more commonly known by its former name – Twitter) social media platform.

It must be emphasized that this airdrop is fake, and it is not associated with any legitimate entities.

After a user connects their cryptowallet to this scam, a mechanism designed to drain cryptocurrency is triggered. Drainers may be capable of approximating the value of digital assets and target them first. The transactions are automated and may appear vague on the victims' end.

Drainers can enable scammers to steal all or most of the assets stored in digital wallets. It must be mentioned that due to the nearly untraceable nature of cryptocurrency transactions – they cannot be reversed. Therefore, victims of scams like "Mode Sunrise Airdrop" cannot retrieve their funds.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Mode Sunrise Airdrop" crypto drainer
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Disguise	Mode cryptocurrency airdrop (giveaway).
Related Domains	mode-net[.]icu, modenet[.]icu
VirusTotal Detections and Serving IP Addresses	mode-net[.]icu (172.67.210.181), modenet[.]icu (104.21.48.228)
Distribution methods	Social media spam, 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.

Crypto drainer scam examples

"$PAPE Pre-Sale", "Nim Rolldrop", "LIDO Staking scam", and "Pacmoon Airdrop" are merely some examples of cryptocurrency-draining scams we have written about.

Schemes centered on cryptocurrency most commonly follow one of three models: drainers that steal assets, phishing scams that target cryptowallet log-in credentials, and ones that trick users into transferring funds to scammers for a promised double/triple return.

However, the Internet is rife with deceptive and malicious content. Online scams can differ drastically in appearance and implemented mechanisms, but their end goal is the same – to generate revenue at victims' expense.

How did I open a scam website?

The "Mode Sunrise Airdrop" scam was noted being endorsed by posts on the X (formerly Twitter) social media platform. Cryptocurrency-targeted schemes are often promoted using accounts stolen from real projects, organizations, companies, influencers, etc.

However, other endorsement techniques are possible. Various types of spam (e.g., forum posts, DMs/PMs, emails, SMSes, browser notifications, etc.) are used to push online scams.

Deceptive webpages can also be entered via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs (typosquatting), intrusive advertisements, and installed adware.

How to avoid visiting scam websites?

We highly recommend exercising caution while browsing, as fake and malicious online content typically appears genuine and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads and spam browser notifications may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable/questionable pages (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

It is important to pay attention to URLs and enter them carefully. To avoid receiving undesirable browser notifications – do not permit suspicious sites to deliver them; instead, ignore or deny these requests (i.e., press "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.).

We advise against using websites that offer pirated programs/media or other dubious services (e.g., illegal streaming or downloading, Torrenting, etc.), as these webpages are usually monetized via rogue advertising networks.

Incoming emails and other messages must be approached with vigilance. Attachments or links found in suspect/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be harmful.

Another recommendation is to download only from official/verified sources and treat installations with care (e.g., read terms, study options, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of additional apps, extensions, etc.) – to prevent bundled/dangerous software from infiltrating the system.

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 "Mode Sunrise Airdrop" scam (GIF):

Screenshot of an X post (Tweet) promoting "Mode Sunrise Airdrop" scam:

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▼ 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 "Mode Sunrise Airdrop" crypto drainer?
• 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 promoted on the Web. Their goal is to trick users into performing specific actions, e.g., connecting digital wallet to crypto drainers, making monetary transactions, purchasing products, downloading/installing software, disclosing private information, and so forth.

What is the purpose of online scams?

The purpose of online scams is profit. Cyber criminals may generate revenue by obtaining funds through deception, abusing/selling sensitive data, promoting websites/software, and spreading malware.

I have lost cryptocurrency to the "Mode Sunrise Airdrop" scam, can I get my money back?

Cryptocurrency transactions are virtually irreversible due to their practically untraceable nature. In other words, victims of scams like "Mode Sunrise Airdrop" cannot return the stolen funds.

Why do I encounter online scams?

"Mode Sunrise Airdrop" was endorsed by posts on the X (formerly Twitter) social media platform. Keep in mind that other promotional methods are not unlikely. Generally, online scams are endorsed through spam (e.g., social media/ forum posts, emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, browser notifications, etc.), misspelled URLs (typosquatting), intrusive ads, and adware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from online scams?

Combo Cleaner can scan visited sites and detect rogue, deceptive/scam, and malicious webpages. Hence, should you enter such a website – you will be warned immediately, and further access to it will be restricted.

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