How to recognize scams like MetaMask Holders Rewards phishing page?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is MetaMask Holders Rewards scam?
It is a phishing scam used to trick unsuspecting MetaMask account login credentials. MetaMask is a legitimate software cryptocurrency wallet that has nothing to do with this scam/phishing website. This page must be ignored and reported to corresponding authorities.
MetaMask Holders Rewards scam in detail
This phishing website looks very similarly to the official MetaMask page. However, it has a different URL address and a couple of minor differences. It claims that MetaMask users can receive up to 0.25 Ethereum as a reward for loyalty.
The purpose of this fake MetaMask page is to trick users into providing information (like a private key, Seed Phrase) that could be used to steal their crypto wallets. Providing information on this page will likely lead to unauthorized transactions (monetary loss).
| Name | MetaMask Holders Rewards phishing scam |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | MetaMask users can receive up to 0.25 Etherium |
| Disguise | Official MetaMask website |
| Related Domain | holder-tokens-rewards.com |
| Detection Names | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Distribution methods | Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications. |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, possible malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Phishing scams in general
Usually, crypto-related scams like this one are used to trick unsuspecting users into transferring cryptocurrency or proving information that could be used to access crypto wallets. Phishing websites controlled by scammers usually look virtually identical to the real/official ones.
More examples of similar scams are "Access via Seed Phrase", "Trust Wallet", "PROT Giveaway". These scams are promoted via email, potentially unwanted applications (PUAs), shady advertisements, websites.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
PUAs get installed through deceptive ads designed to run certain scripts, fake installers (usually downloaded from deceptive pages, and installers for other programs. Ads that can download or install unwanted apps cause it when users click on them.
Installers (and downloaders) for other programs bundled with PUAs usually have "Advanced", "Manual" or other settings. Users agree to install (or download) those apps when they do not change the settings mentioned above before downloading or installing programs.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Download applications and files from trustworthy sources such as official websites, platforms. Do not use third-party downloaders, P2P networks, unofficial pages, and similar sources. Also, check downloaders and installers for unwanted apps before downloading and installing programs. Avoid clicking on ads that dubious pages have on them.
If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
The appearance of MetaMask Holders Rewards scam (GIF):
Text in this phishing website:
MetaMask Holders Rewards
Our appreciation for those of you who are still loyal to us in 2021. We share Rewards for you up to 0.25 Ethereum (ETH) Rewards for your account.Connect Your Wallet
Your key to blockchain applications
MetaMask provides an essential utility for blockchain newcomers, token traders, crypto gamers, and developers. Over a million downloads and counting!
Yet another example of MetaMask-themed phishing site:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is MetaMask Holders Rewards scam?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Removal of potentially unwanted applications:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for any suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the metamask holders rewards phishing scam, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with metamask holders rewards phishing scam removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the metamask holders rewards phishing scam, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of phishing websites?
Usually, scammers behind them seek to obtain sensitive information like credit card details, usernames, passwords, social security numbers.
I have provided my personal information on a phishing website, what should I do?
If you have provided your account details or other personal information to scammers, the relevant institution (or company owning the account has been compromised) immediately. Also, change your passwords to prevent further damage.
Can an email infect a computer?
An email itself cannot cause computer infections. However, files or links in them can. Computers get infected after the execution of malicious files.
Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections that were present in email attachment?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and eliminate almost all known malware infections. It is recommended to scan the system fully because malicious software can hide deep in the operating system.
Outstanding!
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