How to spot scams like the fraudulent Flare Airdrop

What is the fake "Flare Airdrop"?

We have analysed the website (flare-networkxrp[.]com) and discovered that it mimics the original/official Flare website (flare.network). The purpose of this site is to steal cryptocurrency from unsuspecting users. Thus, it is highly advisable to avoid visiting this fraudulent site and always verify the legitimacy of crypto platforms.

IMPORTANT NOTE: We do not review crypto projects, please do your own research when investing money.

Federal Trade Comission (FTC) states that since the start of 2021, more than 46,000 people have reported losing over $1 billion in crypto to scams – that's about one out of every four dollars reported lost, more than any other payment method.

"Flare Airdrop" scam website in detail

Flare is a base-layer blockchain built to connect different systems. It lets developers create decentralized apps that can safely use information from other blockchains, regular websites, and real-world data. This makes it easier for apps to work across platforms and access the data they need.

The official Flare website is flare.network. The fake one (flare-networkxrp[.]com) promotes a fraudulent FLR token airdrop (giveaway) as a lure. It encourages visitors to participate in this airdrop by connecting their wallets. Once a wallet is "connected", the page activates a cryptocurrency drainer.

This drainer is a malicious tool used by fraudsters to steal cryptocurrency. After execution, cryptocurrency is transferred from the victims' wallets to the scammers'. Since it is rarely possible to reverse such transactions, victims lose their crypto permanently.

Therefore, users should be careful with crypto platforms (especially websites offering free tokens) and always ensure they are legitimate before connecting wallets, entering personal information, transferring cryptocurrency, etc.

Similar scams in general

These fake platforms often imitate real projects and promise free tokens or other rewards to lure victims. Once a wallet is connected, malicious tools can drain funds instantly. Since crypto transactions are irreversible, the stolen assets are usually gone for good. To avoid such losses, users must verify the legitimacy of any crypto-related website before taking action.

Examples of similar scams are the fake "Symbiotic Participation Award", "Wall Street Pepe ($WEPE) Airdrop", and "$MOG Coin Airdrop" websites.

How did I open a scam website?

Cryptocurrency drainer scams are often spread through fake or hacked X/Twitter accounts and compromised WordPress sites. Scam websites can also be accessed via phishing emails from fraudsters that contain harmful links or attachments. Fraudulent pages are also promoted via misleading ads on questionable websites, pop-ups, and push notifications from untrustworthy pages.

Additionally, users may be redirected to scam sites while browsing torrent or illegal streaming platforms (or similar pages that use rogue advertising networks) or through ads served by adware already present on their devices.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Be cautious with unexpected emails or social media messages, especially from unknown senders. Do not open any attached files or follow included links. Avoid allowing unfamiliar or untrustworthy websites to send notifications, and avoid clicking on ads, pop-ups, or links found on suspicious pages.

Stick to downloading apps and programs from official websites or trusted app stores. Keep your system and software up to date, use reliable antivirus tools, and run routine scans to help catch and remove potential security risks. If your computer is already infected with unwanted apps, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

The appearance of "Flare Airdrop" scam (GIF):

The official Flare website (flare.network):

Instant automatic malware removal:

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Quick menu:

• What is Fake Flare giveaway?
• 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 a fake airdrop?

A fake airdrop is a cryptocurrency scam in which fraudsters pretend that users can claim free tokens.

What is the purpose of a fake airdrop?

Fake cryptocurrency giveaways are used by scammers to steal cryptocurrency through crypto drainers, phishing schemes, or similar methods.

Why do I encounter scam websites?

Scam sites are promoted through fake or hacked social media accounts, phishing emails, and compromised websites. They may also be opened via misleading ads, pop-ups, or notifications from shady pages. In some cases, users are redirected to these scams while browsing torrent or illegal streaming sites, or due to adware on their devices.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from scam sites?

Combo Cleaner keeps users safe by checking websites. It spots malicious or tricky content and stops access to risky or fraudulent sites. This helps prevent users from becoming victims of online scams and other cyber threats.