How to spot scams like the fraudulent "Destra Network Airdrop"

What is the fake "Destra Network Airdrop"?

We have examined the page (app.destra-claim[.]network) and concluded that it mimics the official DESTRA NETWORK page (destra.network). The fake page entices users with an offer to participate in a giveaway (airdrop). The goal is to trick users into taking actions that can result in cryptocurrency theft.

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 "Destra Network Airdrop" in detail

Destra Network (destra.network) is a platform that provides decentralized internet services. It replaces centralized systems, like traditional domain names and cloud servers, with decentralized alternatives, giving users more privacy, control, and protection from censorship or outages. Essentially, it builds the infrastructure for a more open and reliable Web3 internet.

The fake website (app.destra-claim[.]network) offers users to participate in an airdrop, a cryptocurrency giveaway. However, it claims that it is is required to connect a wallet to participate. Doing so while on app.destra-claim[.]network activates a cryptocurrency drainer.

This tool is created to move cryptocurrency from a victim’s wallet directly into the scammer’s wallet. Sonce blockchain transactions cannot be undone, any stolen cryptocurrency is usually lost forever. That is why it is crucial to be very careful with crypto websites, especially ones promising free tokens or rewards.

Conclusion

While platforms like Destra Network offer legitimate services, fake websites impersonating them, such as app.destra-claim[.]network, use fraudulent tactics like fake airdrops to trick users into connecting their wallets. This exposes victims to cryptocurrency drainers that steal funds irreversibly. Therefore, users must exercise extreme caution when interacting with crypto sites.

Some examples of similar scams are "Earn GolfN Scam", "Pi Network Airdrop Scam", and "HyperSwap ($SWAP) Airdrop Scam".

How did I open a scam website?

Users tend to arrive at scam websites designed to steal cryptocurrency by clicking links shared through hacked or fake accounts on social media platforms like X (Twitter) and Facebook, or via compromised WordPress websites. Scam emails containing links or attachments are also commonly used to lure users to deceptive sites.

Scams can also be encountered through unreliable advertising networks, often found on torrent sites, illegal streaming platforms, adult content pages, or similar websites. In addition, deceptive ads, pop-ups, push notifications from untrustworthy sources, and adware-generated ads can also direct users to these pages.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Be careful with emails or messages that are unexpected, irrelevant, and (or) come from unfamiliar sources. Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments included in them. Avoid interacting with pop-ups, links, ads, and other content on suspicious websites. Download apps and software only from official websites or trusted app stores.

Update your operating system and installed apps regularly, and use reliable antivirus software. Also, never allow dubious pages to deliver notifications. 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 "Destra Network Airdrop" scam site (GIF):

The official Destra Network page (destra.network):

Instant automatic malware removal:

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Quick menu:

• What is Fake Destra Network 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 airdrop?

A fake crypto airdrop is a fraudulent scheme that tricks users by promising free cryptocurrency tokens (or other benefits).

What is the purpose of a fake crypto airdrop?

Scammers create fake airdrops to lure people into connecting their crypto wallets or revealing private details, with the goal of stealing their cryptocurrency.

Why do I encounter scam websites?

Scam websites are promoted through links in scam emails, hacked or fake social media accounts, and compromised websites. Additionally, users may encounter such scams via unreliable ad networks on torrent sites, illegal streaming platforms, adult websites, as well as through misleading ads, pop-ups, and notifications originating from dubous pages or adware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from scams?

Combo Cleaner scans websites to identify harmful ones. It detects scam sites and immediately warns users, blocking access to protect them from potential threats.