How to identify fake platforms like "Earn Sahara Points" deceptive page

What is the fake "Earn Sahara Points" page?

We have examined the page (app.saaharalabs[.]com) and found it to be deceptive. It mimics the original website (saharalabs.ai) to trick visitors into performing steps that could lead to cryptocurrency theft. To protect crypto assets, this and similar (unofficial) sites should be avoided.

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.

"Earn Sahara Points" scam site in detail

Sahara AI (saharalabs.ai) is a decentralized platform that uses blockchain technology to let people and organizations create, own, and share AI-related resources—like data and models. It aims to give users more control and fair rewards for their contributions instead of letting big tech companies dominate AI development.

The fake page (app.saaharalabs[.]com) lures users by offering to earn Sahara Points by completing tasks and offering to unlock opportunities and rewards. Ultimately, users are instructed to connect their wallets to sign in. However, upon connecting a wallet, users unknowingly activate a cryptocurrency drainer.

This drainer is a malicious tool designed to steal cryptocurrency by transferring funds directly from a victim’s wallet to the attacker’s. Because blockchain transactions are irreversible, stolen assets are usually lost for good. To stay safe, users should avoid connecting their wallets to unverified platforms, especially those offering free tokens, rewards, or other incentives.

Similar scams in general

These scams emphasize the increasing danger of fraudulent platforms that disguise themselves as legitimate services to deceive users and steal their cryptocurrency. To protect against these attacks, users should remain vigilant, verify URLs carefully, and never interact with platforms that lack official backing or promote unrealistic incentives.

More exampels of fake crypto-related sites that include cryptocurrency drainers are the fraudulent "SUNWUKONG Token Hunt", "$BEAST Token Airdrop", and "Pendle Ecosystem Rewards" platforms.

How did I open a scam website?

Scam websites implanted with hidden crypto drainers are often spread through hijacked or impersonated social media accounts (particularly on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and compromised WordPress sites. Scam pages may also be promoted via fake pop-ups, misleading advertisements, or push notifications from unreliable sources (websites).

Users can also be targeted through emails that include deceptive links or attachments or while visiting torrent sites, unauthorized streaming platforms, or other web pages that use questionable ad networks. In some cases, adware on a user's device may redirect them to fraudulent pages promoting scams.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Be cautious when dealing with unexpected or unusual emails and messages, especially from unfamiliar sources. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from such messages, as they may lead to scams or malware. Do not permit shady pages to show notifications, and keep your system and apps up to date.

Stick to official app stores or trusted websites for downloading software, and avoid interacting with ads, pop-ups, or clickable elements on dubious sites. Also, use reputable security software to help protect 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 "Earn Sahara Points" pop-up scam (GIF):

The original Sahara AI website (sahara.ai):

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:

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.

Quick menu:

• What is Fake Earn Sahara Points 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 a crypto scam?

Crypto scams are deceptive schemes disguised as legitimate platforms offering unrealistic rewards like high profits, free tokens, or investment deals. Their intent is to manipulate and exploit users for financial gain.

What is the purpose of a crypto scam?

Such scams are typically crafted to deceive individuals into taking actions leading to the theft of personal information and (or) cryptocurrency.

Why do I encounter scam websites?

Scam websites are commonly distributed through hijacked social media accounts, compromised websites, fake pop-ups, deceptive ads, and unreliable notifications. Users may also encounter these scams via deceptive emails, torrent or fraudulent streaming sites (or similar pages), and through adware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from scam sites?

Combo Cleaner protects users against online scams by scanning websites for potential threats, detecting malicious or misleading content, and preventing access to dangerous or untrustworthy sites.