How to identify deceptive pages like the fake "Crypto Paper Hands" platform

What is a fake "Crypto Paper Hands" site?

We have examined the site (relaunch-project.pages[.]dev) and found that it poses as a legitimate crypto-related platform. It is a scam website designed to trick visitors into connecting their wallets and activating a malicious tool that can drain wallets.

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 is about one out of every four dollars reported lost, more than any other payment method.

"Crypto Paper Hands" scam in detail

This scam page is disguised as a platform for finding out "how rich you could have been if you had not sold your crypto". The site is titled "Paperhands". In cryptocurrency trading, "paper hands" describes a person who sells their crypto quickly whenever the price falls or the market looks uncertain.

Scammers behind the scam website aim to lure visitors into connecting their wallets. If this action is taken, the site launches a cryptocurrency drainer designed to transfer crypto holdings from the victim's wallet to the scammer's. Because blockchain transactions are permanent and cannot be reversed, if crypto is stolen, it is almost impossible to get it back.

That is why it is very important to be cautious and only use trustworthy crypto platforms, especially if they promise free tokens, rewards, high returns, or other forms of incentives. Users should never connect their wallets or enter personal information (e.g., login details) if a site seems suspicious.

Similar scams in general

Scam websites often mimic legitimate platforms to trick users into connecting their cryptocurrency wallets. Typically, they offer free cryptocurrency or other rewards as a lure. Once wallets are connected, these sites can deploy drainers to steal cryptocurrency. It is essential to verify the authenticity of any crypto platform before engaging with it.

Here are more examples of scams that use crypto drainers: fake "Qubetics Airdrop", "Avalanche (AVAX) Airdrop", and "$PUMP Airdrop".

How did I open a scam website?

Scammers use various ways to trick users into opening scam websites. Sites with hidden crypto drainers are often promoted through fake or stolen social media accounts (mainly on X or Facebook) and hijacked WordPress websites.

Scams can also be encountered via deceptive emails or advertisements, notifications from untrustworthy websites, and rogue advertising networks. The aforementioned networks are commonly used by pages offering torrents, adult content, illegal movie streaming, etc.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Always keep your operating system and applications up to date, and regularly scan your device with trusted security software. Be cautious when receiving unexpected or unrelated emails and messages from unknown senders, especially if they contain links or attachments.

Download files and applications only from reputable sources, such as official websites or app stores. Avoid interacting with suspicious pop-ups, ads, download buttons, or links on untrustworthy pages, and do not grant notification permissions to 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 "Crypto Paper Hands" pop-up scam (GIF):

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Quick menu:

• What is Crypto Paper Hands crypto scam?
• 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?

Typically, it is a fake crypto exchange, giveaway, or a similar scheme designed to trick unsuspecting individuals into taking certain actions benefiting scammers.

What is the purpose of a crypto scam?

As a rule, the goal is to steal cryptocurrency from victims.

Why do I encounter scam websites?

Scammers lure users to malicious sites through fake or stolen social media accounts, hijacked websites, deceptive emails, misleading ads, and notifications. Such scams are also promoted using shady ad networks (these are often found on pages offering torrents, adult content, illegal streaming services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from scams?

Combo Cleaner checks websites for scams, malware, and other suspicious content. If it detects a dangerous site, it warns the user and blocks access to protect them from potential threats.