How to avoid scams like the "Fake Echo Protocol Website"

What is the fake "Fake Echo Protocol" site?

We have examined the page (token-echoprotocol[.]xyz) and discovered that it is a fraudulent copy of the original Echo Protocol site (echo-protocol.xyz). The fake site is designed to trick visitors into believing that they can claim tokens. However, the real goal is to steal cryptocurrency from victims.

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.

"Fake Echo Protocol" page in detail

Echo (echo-protocol.xyz) is a platform that helps people use Bitcoin more easily in decentralized finance (DeFi) by bringing together different types of Bitcoin tokens in one place. Instead of dealing with many separate versions of Bitcoin, users can deposit their BTC in various forms and get a unified Bitcoin token from Echo.

The deceptive site (token-echoprotocol[.]xyz) invites users to check their eligibility, connect their crypto wallet, and claim $EP tokens. It uses this message to lure users into interacting with the site (connecting their wallets). However, after victims connect their wallets, a cryptocurrency drainer is activated.

This malicious tool works by moving cryptocurrency from the victim's wallet to the scammer's. Since blockchain transactions cannot be undone, once the crypto is taken, it is usually lost forever. Therefore, users should always verify that a crypto website or platform is trustworthy before connecting their wallet, sharing personal information, or performing transactions.

Similar scams in general

Scammers behind these scams use fake websites that lure users into connecting their wallets. Once connected, malicious tools can drain the victim’s cryptocurrency, and because blockchain transactions are irreversible, the stolen funds are typically unrecoverable. It is important to always carefully verify the legitimacy of any crypto platform before interacting with it.

Some examples of similar scams are "Fake Allbridge Website", "Telegram Daily Gift Reward", and "$ARENA Airdrop".

How did I open a scam website?

Users may accidentally visit scam websites with hidden crypto drainers through messages sent via social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) from fake or compromised accounts. Scammers also send links through deceptive emails or hijack legitimate WordPress websites to promote these fraudulent pages.

Users can also be directed to scam pages by clicking fake download buttons (or similar elements), misleading ads, or pop-ups on untrustworthy websites. Rogue ad networks, often present on torrent, adult, or pirated streaming sites, are also used to spread scams. In other cases, misleading notifications from suspicious sites or ads shown by adware lead users to fraudulent pages.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Be careful with unexpected messages and emails from unknown senders. Do not open attachments or click on links in such messages. While browsing, avoid interacting with pop-ups, ads, and similar content on suspicious websites. Do not allow shady sites to send you notifications.

Download apps and files only from official sites or trusted app stores. Regularly update your operating system and software. Use reputable antivirus or security programs to scan your device often and remove any hidden dangers to stay protected. 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 "Fake Echo Protocol" scam (GIF):

The original Echo Protocol site (echo-protocol.xyz):

Instant automatic malware removal:

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Quick menu:

• What is Fraudulent Echo Protocol page?
• 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?

These scams trick users into believing they will receive free cryptocurrency or other rewards in exchange for connecting their wallets or completing certain actions.

What is the purpose of a fake crypto airdrop?

Scammers usually aim to steal users' cryptocurrency or access their sensitive personal information.

Why do I encounter scam websites?

Cybercriminals often spread their scams through fake notifications, pop-ups, and misleading ads. They also use shady ad networks commonly found on torrent sites, illegal streaming platforms, and similar sources to promote fraudulent content. In addition, scammers rely on deceptive emails, adware, compromised or fake websites, and hijacked or impersonated social media accounts.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from scams?

Combo Cleaner checks sites users visit, detects harmful or scam-related pages, and instantly warns them. It also blocks access to these risky sites.