How to identify fake Solana airdrops

What is the fake "Solana Airdrop" website?

Our researchers discovered this fake "Solana" airdrop while inspecting suspicious sites. It masquerades as the Solana blockchain platform (solana.com). The purpose of this imitator page is to deceive users into disclosing their cryptowallet log-in credentials (phishing scam). It is noteworthy that Solana airdrop themed scams may operate in other ways.

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 "Solana Airdrop" website overview

We found this scam promoted on soldrop.w3claim[.]xyz – however, it (and similarly themed scams) are likely hosted on other domains as well. This scam impersonates Solana's official website (solana.com). The fake page promotes an airdrop for which users can submit two requests every eight hours. It must be reiterated that this airdrop is fraudulent, and the scam is not associated with the real Solana platform.

When the "[Claim Airdrop]" button is pressed, the user is prompted to select their digital wallet. Afterward, the user is presented with a bogus update, and following its completion – they are asked to validate their wallet with its passphrase. The provided log-in credentials are recorded and sent to scammers, thus enabling them to access the cryptowallets and the assets stored therein.

However, it is worth mentioning that since Solana is so popular – there may be countless scams centered on airdrops from this blockchain platform. Another popular modus operandi for airdrop-themed scams is referred to as a cryptocurrency drainer. In these scams, when victims connect their digital wallets to a deceptive page – they inadvertently sign a malicious contract that facilitates the drainer. Essentially, victims' funds are transferred to scammer-owned wallets through automated transactions.

It must be mentioned that cryptocurrency transactions cannot be reversed because of their practically untraceable nature. Therefore, victims of scams like this fake "Solana Airdrop" website cannot recover the stolen digital assets.

Cryptocurrency-targeting scams in general

Aside from the previously described crypto phishing scams and drainers, the other popular model is tricking victims into manually transferring assets to scammer-owned wallets. Various lures are used to gain users' interest and trust, such as false claims concerning airdrops/giveaways, new coin/token promotions, pre-sale/sale events, account issues, security concerns, and so on.

We have written about countless cryptocurrency-specific scams; fake "Alpha Fi" website, fake "Pump.fun" website, fake "Plasma (XPL)" website, fake "Euclid Swap" website, "Hyperliquid Fee Refund", fake "Flare Portal" website, and fake "Qubetics" website are just some of our latest articles.

These scams can be competently made and may even perfectly copy the design of legitimate websites. Therefore, we strongly advise vigilance when browsing and investing online.

How did I open a scam website?

The most prevalent online scam promotion techniques include: websites that use rogue advertising networks (redirects), spam (e.g., social media/forum posts, DMs/PMs, emails, browser notifications, SMSes, robocalls/ cold calls, etc.), malvertising (intrusive advertisements), typosquatting (mistyped URLs), and adware (ads/redirects).

Crypto scams are commonly endorsed via social media spam. These posts and direct/private messages can be made using accounts stolen from real projects, companies, celebrities, influencers, etc.

Another widespread promotional method is malvertising through intrusive pop-up adverts. They may be fully functional drainers themselves (i.e., capable of executing draining scripts). It is pertinent to mention that these advertisements may be encountered on legitimate sites that have been hacked.

How to avoid visiting scam websites?

Caution is paramount to online safety. Therefore, be wary of sites, ads, and messages that make unbelievable promises. Pay attention to URLs and be vigilant when typing them. Do not use websites that offer pirated content or other questionable services (e.g., Torrenting, illegal streaming/downloading, etc.), as these webpages are usually monetized via rogue advertising networks.

Do not permit dubious pages to deliver browser notifications; ignore or deny their notification 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/verified sources and be attentive when installing (e.g., study terms and options, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.) – to prevent bundled/dangerous software from infiltrating the system.

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 "Solana Airdrop" website (GIF):

Screenshot of the official Solana website (solana.com):

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 "Solana Airdrop" 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 aim to trick users into disclosing sensitive data (like log-in credentials), sending money to scammers, connecting cryptowallets to drainers, purchasing products, subscribing to services, downloading/installing programs, etc.

What is the purpose of online scams?

Online scams are designed to generate revenue at their victims' expense. Cyber criminals primarily profit by abusing/selling private information, promoting content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.), acquiring 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 provided your log-in credentials – immediately change the passwords/passphrases of all potentially exposed accounts and inform their official support. However, if you have disclosed other private information (e.g., ID card details, passport scans/photos, credit/debit card numbers, etc.) – contact relevant authorities without delay.

I have lost digital assets to the "Solana Airdrop" scam, can I get my money back?

Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible due to their nearly untraceable nature. Therefore, victims of scams like this fake "Solana Airdrop" page cannot recover their funds.

Why do I encounter online scams?

Online scams are primarily endorsed through websites that use rogue advertising networks, spam (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, social media posts, browser notifications, etc.), intrusive ads, misspelled URLs, and adware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from online scams?

Combo Cleaner can scan visited websites and detect rogue, deceptive, and malicious pages. Therefore, should you happen upon such a webpage – you will be immediately warned, and further access to it will be blocked.