How to identify scams like the fraudulent "$BEAST Token Airdrop"

What is the fake "$BEAST Token Airdrop"?

In our analysis of the website (cryptobeastreal[.]com), we found that it promotes a fake cryptocurrency giveaway (airdrop). This site includes a hidden malicious tool allowing scammers to drain crypto wallets (steal cryptocurrency from victims). It should be avoided and closed if ever opened.

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.

"$BEAST Token Airdrop" scam in detail

This scam page promotes a fake $BEAST token airdrop, claiming that a total of $10,000,000 worth of $BEAST tokens will be distributed. It attempts to create urgency by announcing that the airdrop has already started and displaying a countdown timer. This fraudulent scheme is designed to pressure visitors to connect their cryptocurrency wallets.

Connecting a wallet leads to the activation of a crypto drainer, a malicious tool that transfers cryptocurrency from the victim's wallet to the scammers. These transactions are irreversible due to the nature of blockchain technology, meaning the stolen funds are typically lost permanently.

This is why users should never connect their wallets to unverified platforms, especially those promising free tokens, multipliers, or limited-time rewards.

Similar scams in general

Scams involving crypto drainers usually offer free tokens or rewards or employ other lures to trick users into connecting their wallets. Either way, the ultimate goal is to steal cryptocurrency. It is important to examine crypto platforms before connecting wallets or taking other actions to avoid monetary loss or other issues.

More examples of similar scams are the fake "$USD1 Token Airdrop", "Flare Airdrop", and "HEX Airdrop".

How did I open a scam website?

Scam sites with hidden crypto drainers are advertised mainly through hijacked or fake social media accounts, especially on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) or compromised WordPress sites. Users can also be directed to scam pages via misleading pop-ups, deceptive ads, or notifications from untrustworthy websites.

Fraudulent emails containing links or attachments are another method used to lure victims. Additionally, users might come across these fraudulent sites while browsing torrent platforms, illegal streaming services, or other websites that rely on shady advertising networks. Adware can also be used to promote scams.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Inspect irrelevant, unexpected, suspicious emails or other messages from unknown senders. Do not open files or links in such messages to avoid exposure to scams or other threats. Always download apps and files from official websites or app stores. Do not interact with advertisements, links, buttons, pop-ups, etc., on questionable sites.

Avoid allowing suspicious pages to send notifications. Regularly update your system and applications, and make sure to use trusted security tools to defend against online threats. 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 "$BEAST Token Airdrop" scam website (GIF):

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Quick menu:

• What is Fake $BEAST Token Airdrop?
• 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 deceptive tactic used by scammers in the crypto space to trick people into believing they will receive free tokens or get something else in return for participating.

What is the purpose of a fake airdrop?

Bogus cryptocurrency giveaways are typically used to pilfer cryptocurrency from victims. They often employ crypto drainers or other tactics to steal funds.

Why do I encounter scam websites?

Scam websites are often promoted through fake social media accounts, compromised WordPress sites, and deceptive ads or pop-ups on unreliable websites. Users may also be lured via fraudulent emails, shady torrent or streaming sites that use rogue advertising networks, notifications from dubious sites, or adware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from scam sites?

Combo Cleaner provides security by scanning websites for harmful elements and blocking access to those flagged as unsafe. This helps protect users from scams, phishing, and other online threats.