How to avoid scams like the fraudulent "Hedera (HDR) Airdrop "

What is the fake "Hedera (HDR) Airdrop"?

We have reviewed the site (hedera-airdrop[.]org) and concluded that it is designed to trick users into participating in a fake giveaway (cryptocurrency airdrop). This scam web page is created to steal cryptocurrency from victims. Users should be careful when landing on sites hosting giveaways and always ensure they are legitimate before taking any steps.

Fake "Hedera (HDR) Airdrop" in detail

This scam site mimics the official Hedera page (hedera.com). Hedera is a legitimate platform that uses its technology to run decentralized applications. This technology provides fast transaction speeds and high efficiency while maintaining strong network security.

The fake website promotes a fraudulent HBAR token airdrop. It claims that participants can triple the amount of cryptocurrency sent to the provided wallet address. This is a common scam tactic used to lure victims into sending their crypto, but in reality, no tokens are ever given back. Instead, the scammers simply steal the funds sent.

It is important to note that victims of such scams cannot recover their cryptocurrency once it is sent, as cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible. Thus, it is highly advisable to examine cryptocurrency platforms before sending crypto, connecting wallets, disclosing personal information, or taking other actions.

Similar scams in general

It is common for scammers behind deceptive schemes to promise unrealistic returns to trick individuals into sending funds. Because crypto transactions are irreversible, victims usually cannot get their money back once it is sent. To avoid financial loss, users should always verify offers through official channels.

More examples of fake airdrops are "Origin Ether (oETH) Airdrop Scam", "$STARS Airdrop Scam", and "Mind Of Pepe ($MIND) Airdrop Scam".

How did I open a scam website?

Scams like the one we reviewed are often promoted using stolen (or fake) X/Twitter, Facebook, or other social media accounts and hijacked WordPress web pages. Users can also be tricked into visiting scam websites via fraudulent browser notifications, pop-ups, advertisements, and similar content.

Additionally, users can land on scam sites while visiting pages that use shady advertising networks (these are often used by torrent sites and illegal movie streaming platforms). In other cases, scammers utilize adware or email to spread their scams.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Do not click on notifications from shady web pages or ads, pop-ups, and links found on such websites. Download applications and files from official sites (or app stores). Keep your operating system and software up to date. Be careful with questionable emails from unknown addresses—do not open the included files or links.

Regularly scan your computer using a reliable security tool. 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 "Hedera (HDR) Airdrop" scam website (GIF):

The official Hedera website (hedera.com):

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Quick menu:

• What is Fake Hedera (HDR) Airdrop 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 fake airdrop?

It is a scam designed to trick individuals into believing they can receive free tokens or a multiplied amount of the cryptocurrency they send to the scammers' wallet.

What is the purpose of a fake crypto airdrop?

Usually, scammers aim to steal cryptocurrency from victims.

Why do I encounter scam websites?

Scams are often spread through hacked or fake social media accounts and compromised websites. Users may also be directed to scam sites via fake browser notifications, pop-ups, ads, or shady ad networks commonly linked to torrent and illegal streaming sites. Additionally, scammers use adware and email to reach potential victims.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from scams?

Combo Cleaner scans every website you visit and can identify malicious ones. It also detects scam sites and warns users instantly, and blocks access to such pages.