How to identify fake websites for fixing Web3 issues

What is the fake "Fix Web3 Issues" website?

Our researchers discovered this fake "Fix Web3 Issues" site during a routine inspection of suspicious websites. This webpage promises to fix a variety of issues linked to cryptocurrency wallets. This is a phishing site that aims to trick users into disclosing their wallet log-in credentials.

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 "Fix Web3 Issues" website overview

This fake "Fix Web3 Issues" page (web3syncprotocol[.]com; potentially other domains) claims to be capable of fixing various Web3 issues. Some of the website's supposed capabilities include addressing issues related to bugs/glitches, validation, staking, migration, recovery, bridging, swapping, buying, etc.

It must be emphasized that the claims made by this webpage are false, and this scam is not associated with any legitimate platforms, projects, or entities.

When an attempt is made to connect a digital wallet to this page, users are asked to enter their log-in credentials. The entered passphrase is recorded and sent to scammers, thus enabling them to steal the exposed cryptowallet and the digital assets therein.

It must be mentioned that cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible due to their practically untraceable nature. Therefore, victims of scams like this fake "Fix Web3 Issues" site cannot recover the stolen funds.

Cryptocurrency-specific scam examples

We have written about countless online scams; fake "Ramses Exchange" website, "Destra Network Airdrop", "Grass Airdrop", fake "Camelot Exchange" website, "Earn GolfN", and "Pi Network Airdrop" are merely some of our latest articles on those targeting cryptocurrency.

The most prevalent modus operandi for these scams include seeking wallet log-in credentials, using draining mechanisms to siphon funds from exposed wallets, or tricking users into making monetary transactions.

Due to how widespread scams are on the Web and how well-made they can be – we highly recommend vigilance when browsing and investing online.

How did I open a scam website?

Online scams are most commonly endorsed via malvertising (intrusive ads), websites that employ rogue advertising networks (redirects), spam (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, social media/ forum posts, SMSes, robocalls/ cold calls, browser notifications, etc.), typosquatting (mistyped URLs), and adware (adverts/redirects).

Social media spam is often used to promote crypto scams. Promotional posts and private/direct messages can be made using hacked accounts (i.e., ones originally belonging to real projects, companies, organizations, celebrities, entrepreneurs, influencers, etc.).

Intrusive pop-up advertisements are another prevalent endorsement method. These pop-ups may be fully functional drainers (i.e., capable of executing draining scripts). Said ads have even been encountered on legitimate sites that had been hacked.

How to avoid visiting scam websites?

We strongly advise exercising caution to ensure your online safety. Therefore, be wary of websites, advertisements, and messages that make unbelievable promises or warn of severe issues. Pay attention to URLs and enter them carefully. Do not use pirated content or other dubious services (e.g., Torrenting, illegal streaming/downloading, etc.), as these webpages usually utilize rogue advertising networks.

Do not enable questionable pages to deliver browser notifications; ignore or deny their requests (i.e., click "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.). Approach incoming emails and other messages with care; do not open attachments or links found in suspicious mail.

Download only from official/trustworthy sources and be attentive when installing (e.g., read terms, explore options, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of additional apps, extensions, etc.) – to prevent bundled/harmful software (like adware) from infiltrating the device.

If your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate all threats.

Appearance of the fake "Fix Web3 Issues" website (GIF):

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Quick menu:

• What is "Fix Web3 Issues" scam 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 an online scam?

Online scams are a type of deceptive content hosted on the Web. These scams are intended to deceive users into performing specific actions, e.g., disclosing private data (like log-in credentials), making monetary transactions, connecting digital wallets to crypto drainers, downloading/installing programs, purchasing products, subscribing to services, and so on.

What is the purpose of online scams?

Online scams are designed to generate revenue at victims' expense. Cyber criminals primarily profit by abusing/selling private information, promoting content (e.g., sites, products, services, etc.), obtaining funds through deception, and proliferating malware.

I have provided my personal information when tricked by an online scam, what should I do?

If you have disclosed your log-in credentials – immediately change the passwords of all possibly exposed accounts and inform their official support. However, if you have provided other private data (e.g., ID card details, passport photos/scans, credit card numbers, etc.) – contact relevant authorities without delay.

I have lost digital assets to the "Fix Web3 Issues" scam, can I get my money back?

Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible because of their nearly untraceable nature. Therefore, scams like this fake "Fix Web3 Issues" site cannot get their money back.

Why do I encounter online scams?

Online scams are most commonly promoted via sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, social media posts, browser notifications, etc.), misspelled URLs, and adware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from online scams?

Combo Cleaner can scan visited sites for deceptive/malicious content. It can also deny further access to such webpages.