Avoid getting scammed by fake LUNA cryptocurrency giveaways
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is "LUNA Giveaway"?
While inspecting deceptive websites, our research team found the "LUNA Giveaway" scam. It promises users twice-fold the return on the cryptocurrency that users transfer to it. However, this giveaway is a scam, and all the funds given to it will be lost.
To create the impression of legitimacy, the scam is presented as an event held by Do Kwon - the cryptocurrency developer and co-founder/CEO of Terraform Labs. It must be emphasized that neither Do Kwon nor any other individual/entity mentioned by this scam are associated with it.
"LUNA Giveaway" scam overview
We have discovered two variants of the "LUNA Giveaway" scam. However, aside from the differences in graphics and text - the idea behind them is the same. Both versions promise to double the amount of cryptocurrency transferred to it. In one variant, users can contribute Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) cryptocurrencies, while in the other - Terra (LUNA) is also accepted.
However, regardless of the amount that victims transfer to the fake giveaway - there will be no return, and the scammers will simply steal it. Additionally, victims will be unable to reverse the transfers - as cryptocurrency transactions are practically untraceable.
| Name | LUNA Giveaway scam website |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | The cryptocurrency transferred to the giveaway will be doubled. |
| Disguise | Giveaway created by Do Kwon. |
| Cyber Criminal Cryptowallet Addresses | bc1qd4fsgjfez7xnw0s2xmtlpry75kwz7aduqsy4c4 (Bitcoin), 0x7B77C5f134dA8b179ba791CfB37528947Fa12947 (Ethereum), terra13h3wm2h88yhvq9e20edvw20vjf23w3fg9sftft (Terra/LUNA) |
| Related Domains | x2terra[.]io, terra2x[.]com, kwoneventt[.]com |
| Detection Names | x2terra[.]io (VirusTotal), terra2x[.]com (VirusTotal), kwoneventt[.]com (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Addresses | x2terra[.]io (94.26.249.141), terra2x[.]com (190.115.18.157), kwoneventt[.]com (122.254.92.10) |
| Distribution methods | Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications. |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Cryptocurrency-targeting scam examples
"Twitter Crypto Giveaway", "PancakeSwap Giveaway", "Tesla Giveaway" - are just a few examples of similar scams that we have analyzed recently. In addition to fake giveaways, phishing scams that target cryptocurrency wallet log-in credentials are also quite common.
Deceptive online content can be very convincing, and website design can be copied identically. Therefore, we strongly advise exercising caution when browsing and always checking website URLs to make sure that the accessed site is legitimate.
How did I open a scam website?
Deceptive websites are commonly entered through redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks - upon access or when hosted content is clicked (e.g., buttons, links, ads, etc.). Mistyping a URL can also result in entry to a scam webpage. Intrusive advertisements and spam browser notifications endorse online scams as well. Additionally, adware can deliver scam-promoting ads or force-open their websites.
How to avoid visiting scam websites?
Scam sites are primarily entered via redirects caused by webpages that use rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware.
Therefore, we advise against using/visiting websites that offer pirated software/media or other dubious services (e.g., Torrenting, illegal streaming or downloading, etc.) - as they are monetized through rogue advertising networks. We recommend being careful when typing website addresses (URLs).
To avoid receiving unwanted browser notifications, do not enable suspicious sites to deliver them (i.e., do not click "Allow", "Allow Notifications", etc.). Instead, ignore or deny notification delivery requests (i.e., click "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.).
Furthermore, we advise downloading from official/verified channels and approaching installation with care - to prevent untrustworthy/malicious content 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.
Text presented in the "LUNA Giveaway" scam:
TERRA Giveaway Rules Transactions
Biggest giveaway 2022 of $100 000 000 from Do Kwon
During this unique event we will give you a chance to win $100 000 000, have a look at the rules and don’t miss on your chance! You can only participate once!
To participate More info ->
Rules & information
About giveaway
We believe that Blockchain [ BTC & ETH & LUNA ] will make the world more fair. To speed up the process of cryptocurrency mass adoption, we decided to run 5 000 BTC & 50 000 ETH & 500 000 LUNA giveaway for all crypto holders! Hurry up!
How to participate?
To participate you just need to send from (1 to 500 ETH) or (0.1 to 50 BTC) or (10 to 50 000 LUNA) to the contribution address and we will immediately send you back (2 to 1 000 ETH) or (0.2 to 100 BTC) or (20 to 100 000 LUNA) (x2 back) to the address you sent it from.
How can I participate?
Count your prize
You will send 0.1x200%
Your profit Your Receive = 0.2B
Participation BTC
Scan the QR code or copy the address to participate
bc1qd4fsgjfez7xnw0s2xmtlpry75kwz7aduqsy4c4
Copy address
Participation ETH
Scan the QR code or copy the address to participate
0x7B77C5f134dA8b179ba791CfB37528947Fa12947
Copy address
Participation LUNA
Scan the QR code or copy the address to participate
terra13h3wm2h88yhvq9e20edvw20vjf23w3fg9sftft
Appearance of the "LUNA Giveaway" scam (GIF):
Alternative appearance of the "LUNA Giveaway" scam (GIF):
Text presented in this variant:
Biggest Luna Foundation
Giveaway by Do Kwon
Select cryptocurrency
(Blockchain)
This is the official giveaway from Luna Foundation, to participate just click on the cryptocurrency you use and see the terms and conditions
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 LUNA Giveaway 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?
Essentially, online scams are messages designed to trick users into performing certain actions. For example, victims can be lured into transferring money/cryptocurrency, disclosing private data, downloading/installing and/or purchasing software, and so on.
What is the purpose of online scams?
Scams are designed to generate revenue at victims' expense. Cyber criminals can profit via funds obtained by deception, abuse or sale of sensitive information, commissions earned from software promotion, malware proliferation, etc.
Why do I encounter online scams?
Online scams are run on deceptive websites, which users typically access inadvertently. Most enter them via redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from online scams?
Combo Cleaner is designed to scan visited websites and detect deceptive and malicious ones (including those that promote scams). Therefore, if you access such a webpage, you will be warned immediately. Furthermore, Combo Cleaner can restrict access to sites of this kind.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion