How to identify scams like the fake "$HILO Rewards" promotion

What is "$HILO Rewards" scam?

We have inspected the website (claim-hilo[.]app) and found that it mimics the official HILO site, hilo.app. The fake one promotes a fraudulent giveaway to trick users into taking actions that can result in cryptocurrency loss. It is important to recognize fake crypto platforms to avoid financial loss or other issues.

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.

"$HILO Rewards" scam in detail

HILO (hilo.app) is a blockchain platform designed to enable fast, scalable, and secure decentralized applications (dApps). The platform aims to make decentralized experiences accessible and user-friendly for a wide range of participants, from developers to everyday users.

Scammers behind the fake website (claim-hilo[.]app) claim that users can receive rewards ($HILO tokens) by connecting their wallets. However, once a wallet is connected, the site activates a cryptocurrency drainer, allowing scammers to steal cryptocurrency from victims.

This malicious tool is designed to transfer cryptocurrency directly from a victim's wallet to the one belonging to scammers. Because blockchain transactions are permanent and irreversible, any stolen funds are typically irrecoverable.

To avoid such losses, users should always make sure a crypto site or service is legitimate before connecting their wallet, entering sensitive details, or making any transactions.

Conclusion

Scams like this typically trick users with fake promises of token rewards or airdrops to steal cryptocurrency. Once a wallet is connected, malicious tools are activated to drain funds without the user's knowledge.

Since blockchain transactions cannot be reversed, victims usually cannot recover their stolen assets—highlighting the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any crypto-related site before interacting with it. Examples of similar scams are "$TOSHI Airdrop", "Fake Echo Protocol Website", and "Telegram Daily Gift Reward".

How did I open a scam website?

Users can unknowingly end up on scam websites containing hidden crypto drainers through links shared through social media messages sent from hacked or fake accounts on X (Twitter), Facebook, or other platforms. Hijacked WordPress pages and deceptive emails are also used to lure visitors into scam pages.

Also, scam websites are promoted through deceptive ads, pop-ups, and buttons found on unreliable pages. In other cases, rogue advertising networks (commonly active on pirated streaming platforms, adult sites, and torrent pages) can expose users to scams. Additionally, adware-generated ads or misleading notifications from shady websites may direct users to fraudulent sites.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Do not interact with links or files in unexpected or irrelevant emails (or other messages) from unknown senders. Download apps and files from official websites or app stores. Avoid interacting with ads, pop-ups, links, or other content on questionable pages. Do not agree to receive notifications from dubious websites.

Regularly update the operating system and installed software and scan your computer for threats 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 "$HILO Rewards" scam website (GIF):

The official HILO website (hilo.app):

Instant automatic malware removal:

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Quick menu:

• What is Fake $HILO Rewards 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?

These scams deceive users by promising free cryptocurrency or rewards in return for connecting their wallets or performing other tasks.

What is the purpose of a fake crypto airdrop?

Fraudsters typically seek to gain access to users' cryptocurrency or steal sensitive personal data for malicious purposes.

Why do I encounter scam websites?

Scammers use a mix of deceptive methods to promote their schemes. They rely on misleading emails, adware, compromised or fake websites, and impersonated social media accounts to lure victims. Fraudulent content is also spread through fake notifications, pop-ups, and ads delivered by rogue ad networks often active on torrent sites, illegal streaming platforms, and similar sources.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from scams?

Combo Cleaner monitors the websites users browse, identifies malicious or fraudulent pages, and immediately alerts them. It also prevents access to these dangerous sites to keep users safe.