Avoid getting scammed by "Sync Wallets" websites

What is "Sync Wallets"?

"Sync Wallets" is a phishing scam, which our researchers found when inspecting shady websites. Schemes of this type can be promoted on many rogue pages simultaneously; we found it on fixedvalidity[.]online website, but it may be encountered on others as well.

"Sync Wallets" is presented as a dApp (decentralized application) capable of linking up with various iOS and Android cryptocurrency wallets. However, we discovered that this fake service aims to extract cryptowallet log-in credentials. Therefore, through "Sync Wallets" scammers can gain access to digital wallets and control the cryptocurrency stored therein.

"Sync Wallets" overview

The "Sync Wallets" scam claims to support "interaction between mobile apps and mobile browsers [...] via mobile deep linking". To enable this feature, the scheme requests users to provide their wallets' log-in credentials (e.g., passphrases, private keys, passwords, etc.).

At the time of research, we observed this scheme targeting the following cryptowallets: Trust, Atomic, MetaMask, Rainbow, Argent, Gnosis Safe Multisig, DeFi, Pillar, imToken, Anchor, ONTO, TokenPocket, MathWallet, BitPay, Maiar, Ledger Live, WallETH, Authereum, Huobi, Eidoo, MYKEY, Loopring, TrustVault, Coin98, CoolWallet S, Alice, AlphaWallet, D'CENT, ZelCore, Nash, Coinomi, GridPlus, CYBAVO, Tokenary, WazirX, Torus, Spatium, SafePal, EQUAL, Infinito, wallet.io, Infinity, Ownbit, EasyPocket, Bridge, SparkPoint, ViaWallet, BitKeep, Vision, SWFT, PEAKDEFI, Cosmostation, Graph Protocol, KardiaChain, Keplr, Harmony, ICONex, Fetch, XDC, Unstoppable, MEET.ONE, Dok, AT.Wallet, MoriX, Midas, ELLIPAL, KEYRING PRO, Blockchain, Binance Smart Chain, and Aktionariat.

Despite "Sync Wallets" legitimate appearance, it is fake. The credentials provided to it - will be disclosed to scammers and can potentially lead to the loss of the compromised wallet and its funds.

Threat Summary:

Name	Sync Wallets scam website
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Disguise	Digital wallet linking service
Related Domains	fixedvalidity[.]online
Detection Names (fixedvalidity[.]online)	Fortinet (Phishing), Full List Of Detections (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.
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Cryptocurrency-centered scam examples

There are many cryptocurrency-themed scams online. We have researched those that target wallet credentials, e.g., "MetaMask Holders Rewards", "Phantom Wallet Recovery", "Terra Wallet", "Access via Seed Phrase", etc. And we've analyzed those masquerading as cryptocurrency giveaways/ mass adoption schemes, e.g., "PROT Giveaway", "SOLANA (SOL) Giveaway", "SpaceX BTC and ETH giveaway", "SAFEMOON Giveaway", etc.

Cyber criminals are especially interested in these currencies, as they are practically untraceable. Cryptocurrency transactions are virtually irreversible, and that makes it impossible for victims to recover their funds.

How did I open a scam website?

Scam sites are seldom accessed intentionally. Users can enter them by mistyping URLs (which can open to a dubious page straightaway or trigger redirection chains leading to a deceptive website). Spam browser notifications and other questionable online ads are known to push scams.

Websites that use rogue advertising networks can (unprompted or when hosted content is clicked) cause redirects to scam-promoting pages. Browsers affected by adware can force-open such sites as well.

How to avoid visiting scam websites?

Caution is the key to computer safety. Therefore, our researchers advise against visiting dubious websites like those designed for Torrenting, illegal streaming/downloading, and others offering suspicious services. Likewise, it is important to decline receiving browser notifications from untrustworthy webpages.

Researching software and services is crucial, as is verifying website legitimacy to avoid phishing/malicious pages disguised as genuine ones. To prevent installation of untrustworthy/harmful content, we recommend using only official/trustworthy download sources and exercising care with installation setups (e.g., reading terms, opting-out of additions, etc.).

It is paramount to have reputable security software installed and kept up-to-date. Programs of this kind must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats and issues. If your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate threats.

Text presented in the "Sync Wallets" scam:

Multiple iOS and Android wallets support the protocol. Simply scan a QR code from your desktop computer screen to start securely using a dApp with your mobile wallet. Interaction between mobile apps and mobile browsers are supported via mobile deep linking.

The appearance of "Sync Wallets" scam (GIF):

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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 Sync Wallets 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?

Online scams are cons promoted on the Internet. Scams are designed to trick victims into performing specific actions, e.g., disclosing sensitive information, making bogus monetary transactions, downloading files, installing software, calling fake helplines, etc.

What is the purpose of online scams?

All scams are created to generate revenue for their designers, yet how they achieve this - differs. Scammers can profit by obtaining funds through deception, abusing or selling private data, promoting software, proliferating malware, and so on.

I have provided my personal information when tricked by an online scam, what should I do?

If you have disclosed log-in credentials - immediately change the passphrases/passwords/etc. of all potentially exposed accounts and inform their official support. And if you have provided other personal data (e.g., ID card details, credit card numbers, etc.) - contact the relevant authorities without delay.

Why do I encounter online scams?

Online scams are run on various deceptive webpages, which are usually accessed inadvertently. Most users enter them through mistyped URLs or redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive advertisements, or installed adware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from online scams?

Combo Cleaner can scan visited sites and warn users if they are detected as malicious (including scam-promoting webpages). Additionally, Combo Cleaner is capable of preventing all further access to such websites.

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