How to avoid scams like the fraudulent "Token Coin Airdrop"

What is the fake "Token Coin Airdrop"?

Our analysis has shown that it is a deceptive web page promoting a fake airdrop (cryptocurrency giveaway). The scammers behind this site aim to trick users into connecting their wallets, which allows them to steal cryptocurrency. Such sites should be closed if ever encountered to avoid monetary loss.

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.

"Token Coin Airdrop" scam in detail

The scam website advertises a supposed Trump Coin airdrop, claiming it to be the largest ever and the first official giveaway from a national president. It presents itself as a reward program aimed at helping active participants. The site encourages users to claim their reward as a lure and requests users to connect their wallets so the scammers can steal their cryptocurrency.

When users connect their wallets, a hidden malicious tool known as a crypto drainer is executed. This tool transfers the user's digital assets to the scammer's wallet without any further action required from the victim. Because blockchain transactions are permanent, stolen funds are typically unrecoverable and lost for good.

Thus, users should always double-check the authenticity of any crypto-related website or service before connecting their wallet, providing sensitive information, or making transactions.

Similar scams in general

Scammers frequently create fake websites that mimic legitimate crypto platforms and promise rewards or other benefits to trick users. Once victims connect their wallets, these sites activate harmful tools that steal their cryptocurrency. It is essential for users to carefully verify that any platform or service they use is genuine before interacting with it.

Examples of similar scams are "SoSoValue Airdrop", "SingularityNET (AGIX) Minting", and "XRP Ledger Reward".

How did I open a scam website?

Scammers commonly lure users to deceptive crypto-related websites by sharing links through fake or hijacked social media profiles, especially on platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). They also use compromised WordPress websites to promote these scams. Fraudulent links included in misleading emails are also used to trick recipients.

Moreover, scam websites can be accessed through deceptive ads, pop-ups, or other content found on unreliable sites or notifications from such pages. Ads generated by adware and sites that rely on rogue ad networks (like torrent platforms or adult websites) can also lead to scams.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments in unexpected emails or messages from unknown senders. Download apps and files only from official websites or reputable app stores. Do not interact with pop-ups and other elements when visiting questionable sites, and never grant notification permissions to such pages.

Also, make sure your operating system and software are always up to date, and use reliable antivirus or security tools to perform regular scans of your device. 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 "Token Coin Airdrop" scam (GIF):

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Quick menu:

• What is Fake Token Coin Airdrop?
• 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 attempt to lure users with false promises of free cryptocurrency or rewards. They often copy the look of legitimate websites and trick users into actions such as connecting their wallets.

What is the purpose of a fake crypto giveaway?

These scams are used to steal cryptocurrency (or personal information).

Why do I encounter scam websites?

Scammers employ a range of deceptive tactics, such as misleading emails, fake social media profiles, and the use of fraudulent or compromised websites. They also distribute malicious content through unreliable pop-ups or notifications from dubious pages, and rogue advertising networks, often seen on torrent sites and illegal streaming platforms.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from scams?

Combo Cleaner monitors websites identifies scams. If a threat is detected, it promptly notifies the user and blocks access to the site, helping prevent exposure to malicious content or online scams.