How to identify scam sites like the fake Plasma (XPL) page

What is a fake Plasma (XPL) website?

We have reviewed the site (plasmaxpl[.]xyz) and uncovered that it is a fake site mimicking the original Plasma website (plasma.to). The scammers who created the deceptive one aim to trick users into connecting their wallets, which allows fraudsters to steal cryptocurrency. It is important to recognize fake crypto platforms and avoid interacting with them.

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 Plasma (XPL) website in detail

Plasma (plasma.to) is a blockchain platform engineered to support stablecoins with high performance, scalability, and security. The platform offers users fee-free, rapid transaction processing while ensuring the strong security measures required for stablecoins such as USD₮ (Tether).

The fraudulent website plasmaxpl[.]xyz is designed to trick visitors into believing that it can be used to participate in the XPL public sale. On this page, users are instructed to connect their wallets. After this step is completed, a cryptocurrency drainer is activated. This malicious tool allows scammers to steal cryptocurrency.

Once executed, it transfers cryptocurrency from the victim's wallet to the scammer's. Because blockchain transactions are typically irreversible, victims usually have cannot recover their lost assets. Thus, it is important to be careful when using crypto platforms and always ensure they are legitimate before connecting wallets or entering personal details.

Similar scams in general

These scams are often designed to look like legitimate platforms and offer users the opportunity to claim cryptocurrency or participate in sales. However, their goal is always to trick users into taking actions that enable scammers to steal their cryptocurrency. It is important to be careful online and always examine websites to avoid monetary loss or other issues.

Some examples of similar scams are "Gigabrain Token Airdrop", "fake Humanity Protocol" website, and fake "GMGN" website.

How did I open a scam website?

Scam websites that aim to steal cryptocurrency by activating crypto drainers are often spread through stolen or fake accounts on social media platforms like X (Twitter) and Facebook, as well as compromised WordPress sites. Users may also be directed to scam sites via adware, fraudulent emails, and notifications from unreliable websites.

Rogue advertising networks on sites like torrent platforms and illegal streaming services (and similar platforms), as well as deceptive ads, pop-ups, links, or buttons found on suspicious websites, can also be used to lure users.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Carefully check emails before clicking on any links or opening attachments. Avoid interacting with content in messages that are unexpected, unrelated, or from unknown senders. Only download apps and files from official websites or trusted app stores. Keep your operating system and software up to date, and use trustworthy security software to protect your device.

Do not allow suspicious websites to send notifications, and avoid interacting with pop-ups, ads, or similar content on sites of this kind. 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 a fake Plasma (XPL) website (GIF):

The original website (plasma.to):

Instant automatic malware removal:

Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

• What is Fraudulent Plasma (XPL) web 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 crypto scam?

A crypto scam is a fraudulent scheme involving digital currencies where scammers use deceptive tactics to trick individuals. These scams often offer fake investment opportunities or promote fraudulent giveaways (airdrops).

What is the purpose of a crypto scam?

In most cases, scammers use these scams to steal cryptocurrency from victims.

Why do I encounter scam sites?

Scam websites can be delivered via fake or hacked social media accounts, compromised sites, adware, fraudulent emails, and unreliable notifications. Additionally, malicious ads, pop-ups, and rogue advertising networks on torrent, illegal streaming, and similar platforms are commonly used to trick users into landing on scam pages.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from scams?

Combo Cleaner scans every website a user visits and can detect malicious sites. If a site attempts to display scams, the app immediately warns the user and blocks access.