How to spot fake sites like "Swell Bonus Allocation"

What is "Swell Bonus Allocation" scam?

After inspecting the site (allocation-swelllnetwork[.]co), we concluded that it is a scam. This page is a copy of the original Swell website (swellnetwork.io). Scammers created it to steal cryptocurrency from unsuspecting individuals. Thus, it should be ignored and closed if encountered.

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.

"Swell Bonus Allocation" scam in detail

Swell (swellnetwork.io) is a non-custodial staking platform designed to make liquid staking and restaking easier and more rewarding. Its goal is to simplify access to decentralized finance (DeFi) while contributing to the security of Ethereum and restaking networks.

The deceptive/fake website (allocation-swelllnetwork[.]co) invites SWELL token holders to check eligibility for an upcoming bonus allocation. To do this, visitors are instructed to connect their cryptocurrency wallets. Once victims connect their wallets, they execute a cryptocurrency drainer.

This drainer operates by transferring crypto assets directly to addresses controlled by scammers. Overall, this site has no legitimate connection to the Swell project and is designed solely to steal funds from unsuspecting users. Once cryptocurrency is stolen from a victim’s wallet, recovering the funds is extremely unlikely.

Victims of such scams can suffer significant losses. Thus, it is important to be careful when websites offer rewards or other deals and connect wallets while visiting such pages. Users are advised to ensure the website is legitimate before connecting their wallet, entering personal information, or taking other actions.

Similar scams in general

These scams operate by imitating real platforms and offering fake incentives to persuade users to connect their wallets. Cryptocurrency transfers cannot be undone amd falling for these scams often leads to irreversible financial loss. To stay protected, it is essential for users to carefully confirm a website’s legitimacy before taking any action.

More examples of schemes that use crypto drainers "Usual Rewards", "SafeMoon Community", and "loopedHYPE (LHYPE) Airdrop" fake pages.

How did I open a scam website?

Typically, scammers use fake or stolen social media accounts (e.g., X or Facebook accounts) to send messages containing links to scam websites that use crypto drainers. Hijacked WordPress pages are also used to promote these scams. Additionally, users can be lured into scam websites via misleading ads, pop-ups, and notifications from dubious sites.

In other cases, sites that use rogue advertising networks (e.g., pages offering illegal movie streaming services or torrent downloads) and ads delivered by adware can direct users to scams. Overall, multiple deceptive techniques are used to promote online scams.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Exercise caution when dealing with emails or messages from unfamiliar senders—never open unexpected attachments or suspicious links. Always download apps and files from trusted sources like official app stores or reputable websites. Do not allow shady sites to send notifications.

Regularly update your operating system and software, and use trusted security tools. Additionally, avoid clicking on pop-ups, advertisements, buttons, or links that appear on questionable websites. 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 "Swell Bonus Allocation" scam (GIF):

The original Swell website (swelllnetwork.io):

Instant automatic malware removal:

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Quick menu:

• What is Fale Swell Bonus Allocation 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?

A crypto scam is a scheme designed to manipulate users into making decisions that result in financial loss, often by pretending to be a legitimate service or offering fake incentives.

What is the purpose of a crypto scam?

Scammers involved in these schemes generally seek to steal cryptocurrency and (or) personal information. Typically, they steal cryptocurrency via crypto drainers or by luring victims into sending cryptocurrency to their wallets.

Why do I encounter scam websites?

Scam websites can be encountered via deceptive ads and emails, hacked social media accounts, and compromised websites. Users may also come across them on torrent sites, illegal streaming services, or other platforms that rely on questionable advertising networks.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from scams?

Combo Cleaner can detect harmful websites, recognize scam pages, and block users from accessing them to ensure their safety online.