How to identify scams like the fake "Plume Airdrop"

What is the fake "Plume Airdrop"?

During our inspection of the website (claim-plume[.]com), we found that it is a fake page imitating the Plume platform (plume.org). The deceptive page is designed to steal cryptocurrency through a malicious tool. Thus, users should avoid it to protect their crypto holdings.

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 "Plume Airdrop" in detail

Plume (plume.org) is a blockchain compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and designed for the next generation of Real World Assets (RWAs). It goes beyond tokenizing assets, offering ways to use them like regular crypto, including staking, swapping, lending, borrowing, and more.

The scam site (claim-plume[.]com) promotes a bogus Plume airdrop. It encourages visitors to connect their wallets to "manage their PLUME allocation". However, by connecting wallets, users activate a malicious tool known as a cryptocurrency drainer instead of receiving any cryptocurrency.

This drainer can steal cryptocurrency holdings by transferring them from the victim's wallet to the scammer's. It is important to note that blockchain transactions are irreversible, so stolen assets cannot be recovered. Ultimately, victims are left with empty wallets.

Therefore, it is highly advisable to make sure any crypto platform is legitimate, especially if it offers to participate in an airdrop (giveaway). Wallets should not be connected or personal information entered if a site seems suspicious.

Similar scams in general

It is common for fraudulent websites to imitate existing platforms to deceive users into connecting their cryptocurrency wallets. They often entice users with promises of free crypto or other incentives. After gaining wallet access, these sites use malicious tools called drainers to steal digital assets.

Users should always confirm the legitimacy of a crypto platform before interacting with it to protect their funds. Some more examples of scams that use drainers are the fake "Qubetics Airdrop", "Avalanche (AVAX) Airdrop", and "$PUMP Airdrop".

How did I open a scam website?

Scammers employ different tactics to lure users to fraudulent websites. Sites using crypto drainers are usually advertised through fake or compromised social media profiles, especially on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, as well as hacked WordPress sites.

Users may also come across scams through phishing emails, misleading ads, notifications from unreliable websites, and rogue ad networks. Such ad networks are commonly found on websites offering torrents, adult content, illegal movie streams, and similar services.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Exercise caution when receiving unexpected emails or messages from unknown sources, particularly if they include links or attachments. Ensure your operating system and applications are always up to date. Routinely scan your device using reliable security software.

Download files and apps from trusted sources like official websites or app stores. Do not interact with pop-ups, ads, download buttons, or links on questionable websites, and avoid allowing these sites to send you notifications. 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 "Plume Airdrop" pop-up scam (GIF):

The original Plume page (plume.org):

Instant automatic malware removal:

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Quick menu:

• What is Fake Plume 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?

Scammers often run fake crypto giveaways to make people think they can claim free coins or other rewards. They usually create fake sites that mimic existing cryptocurrency projects to mislead users.

What is the purpose of a fake crypto giveaway?

These scams aim to deceive users into performing actions that allow scammers to steal cryptocurrency.

Why do I encounter scam websites?

Rogue advertising networks, often found on torrent sites and similar platforms, can be used to promote scam websites. These sites can also reach users through deceptive emails, misleading ads, links shared on social media, notifications from unreliable pages, etc.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me scams?

Combo Cleaner checks websites for threats such as scams and malware. If it identifies a malicious site, it warns the user and blocks access to the page.