How to recognize scams like the fake "Qubetics Airdrop"

What is the fake "Qubetics Airdrop"?

During our examination of the site (qubeticsairdrop[.]info), we found that it promotes a fake cryptocurrency airdrop. This scam page mimics the original Qubetics website (qubetics.com) to appear legitimate and trick visitors into interacting with it. The purpose of this scam is to steal cryptocurrency.

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 "Qubetics Airdrop" in detail

Qubetics (qubetics.com) is a platform that enables individuals and businesses to securely and transparently manage and invest in digital assets. It seeks to connect traditional financial systems with advanced digital technologies by creating the first Layer 1 Web3 aggregated ecosystem that brings together major blockchains like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana.

The deceptive website (qubeticsairdrop[.]info) promotes a fake airdrop (cryptocurrency giveaway). It encourages visitors to connect their wallets to "claim airdrop". After connecting a wallet, the website activates a tool that drains cryptocurrency wallets by transferring funds from the victim's wallet to the attacker's.

Since blockchain transactions cannot be undone, the stolen assets are usually gone for good, and victims rarely recover their losses. Thus, users should be very careful and always check the legitimacy and trustworthiness of any crypto platform, especially if it offers free tokens, rewards, high returns, etc.

Similar scams in general

Scam websites that impersonate legitimate platforms, such as the fake xxx.com, are utilized to deceive users into connecting their cryptocurrency wallets. Once this action is taken, these sites can use drainers to steal crypto. It is crucial to ensure a crypto platform is legitimate before interacting with it.

Some examples of fake crypto-related sites are "Avalanche (AVAX) Airdrop", "$PUMP Airdrop", and "Solana (SOL) Rewards".

How did I open a scam website?

Scam sites using cryptocurrency drainers are often spread through fake or hacked social media profiles on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Scammers also use compromised WordPress sites to deceive users into opening pages with hidden drainers.

Additionally, scammers use intrusive pop-up ads, misleading emails, and adware to promote scams. Another common method involves rogue advertising networks, which are frequently used by questionable websites, such as those offering torrents, illegal streaming services, or adult content.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Be cautious when dealing with unexpected or unrelated emails and messages from unknown sources, especially if they include links or attachments. Always keep your operating system and applications up to date, and perform regular scans using a trusted antivirus or security solution.

Download files and applications from reputable sources, such as official websites or app stores. Avoid granting notification permissions to suspicious websites, and never interact with questionable site elements, such as pop-ups, ads, fake download buttons, or links encountered on shady pages.

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 "Qubetics Airdrop" scam (GIF):

The original Qubetics site (qubetics.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 Fake Qubetics 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?

Usually, fake crypto giveaways are used by scammers to trick individuals into believing that they can get free cryptocurrency or rewards. These scams often impersonate legitimate cryptocurrency projects to deceive users.

What is the purpose of a fake crypto giveaway?

These scams are designed to trick users into taking actions that grant scammers access to their wallets, enabling them to steal their cryptocurrency.

Why do I encounter scam websites?

Scam websites are frequently promoted by rogue advertising networks, which are often present on torrent sites and similar platforms. Users can also encounter these sites via deceptive emails, misleading advertisements, or fraudulent links sent via social media.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me scams?

Combo Cleaner scans websites for suspicious content like scams and malware. When it detects a risky site, it alerts the user and blocks access to help prevent potential threats.