How to identify scams like the fake "XRP Ledger Reward" site

What is the fake "XRP Ledger Reward" site?

Our analysis has shown that this is a deceptive page mimicking the official XRP Ledger site (xrpl.org). It is designed to lure users into connecting their wallets to "claim XRP" (to receive a reward). The scammers behind this site aim to steal cryptocurrency from unsuspecting individuals.

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.

"XRP Ledger Reward" scam in detail

The XRP Ledger (xrpl.org) is a decentralized blockchain platform that facilitates and records financial transactions using its native digital currency, XRP. Scammers created a fake website (xrpltoken[.]com) that offers users a reward. The scam page falsely promises users with account balances of $2,000 or more an instant reward of up to 30% of their balance in XP tokens.

This deceptive offer is designed to lure victims into connecting their wallets. Once users connect their wallets, a malicious tool called a cryptocurrency drainer activates, transferring assets from the victim's wallet to the scammers' wallet. Because blockchain transactions are irreversible, recovering stolen funds is nearly impossible.

To stay safe, users must verify the legitimacy of any crypto website or service before connecting their wallets, sharing personal details, or conducting transactions.

Similar scams in general

Scammers often impersonate trusted platforms by setting up fake websites and making tempting promises to steal users' funds. By enticing victims to connect their wallets, they activate malicious tools that drain cryptocurrencies. Because crypto transactions cannot be undone, it is crucial for users to always verify the authenticity of any crypto service.

Examples of similar scams involving crypto drainers are "Toncoin (TON) Bonus Rewards", "$HILO Rewards", and "$TOSHI Airdrop".

How did I open a scam website?

Scammers often trick people into visiting fake crypto websites by sharing links through fake or hacked social media accounts (on platforms like Facebook and X/Twitter). They also use compromised WordPress sites to promote these scams. In addition, scam links are often sent through deceptive emails to lure users.

Scam websites can also open through misleading ads, pop-ups, or other content on shady websites, notifications from untrusted sites, or adware-generated ads. Visiting sites that use rogue ad networks, such as torrent or adult websites, can also lead to scam pages.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Do not click links or open files in unexpected or suspicious emails and messages from unknown sources. Only download apps and files from official websites or trusted app stores. Avoid interacting with ads, pop-ups, or other elements on untrustworthy websites, and never allow these sites to send notifications.

Additionally, keep your operating system and software up to date, and regularly scan your device with trusted antivirus or security tools. 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 "XRP Ledger Reward" scam (GIF):

The official XRP Ledger website (xrpl.org):

Instant automatic malware removal:

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Quick menu:

• What is Fake XRP Ledger reward 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 crypto giveaway?

These scams aim to mislead users by promising free cryptocurrency or rewards. They often mimic legitimate sites to trick users into taking certain steps (e.g., connecting wallets).

What is the purpose of a fake crypto giveaway?

Scammers typically target either cryptocurrency or personal data (e.g., login credentials or secret phrases).

Why do I encounter scam websites?

Scammers use various tactics to deceive users, including fake social media accounts, misleading emails, and fraudulent or compromised websites. They also spread malicious content through shady ad networks commonly found on illegal streaming platforms, torrent sites, and other untrustworthy sources. Unreliable pop-ups are also used to promote scam pages.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from scams?

Combo Cleaner monitors websites and can detect malicious or scam-related pages. When a threat is detected, it immediately alerts the user and blocks the site, reducing the risk of falling victim to online scams or harmful content.