How to identify fake airdrops like "SetLayer ($SLAY) Airdrop"

What is the fake "SetLayer ($SLAY) Airdrop"?

We have examined the website (claim-satlayer[.]xyz) and found that it is designed to deceive visitors into believing that they can claim crypto tokens. However, the true intention is to steal their cryptocurrency through a malicious tool. Users should not visit this site to avoid financial loss.

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.

"SetLayer ($SLAY) Airdrop" scam in detail

This scam website mimics the original SatLayer page (satlayer.xyz), a blockchain-based security framework that uses Bitcoin as the main form of collateral. It runs as a collection of smart contracts on the Babylon network, allowing Bitcoin holders to help secure different decentralized apps or protocols.

On the fake site (claim-satlayer[.]xyz), users are invited to connect their wallets and check their eligibility to claim $SLAY tokens. It promotes a fraudulent airdrop (giveaway). If a wallet is connected, the page activates a cryptocurrency drainer, a malicious tool designed to steal cryptocurrency.

This tool works by transferring crypto from the victim's wallet to the scammer's. Blockchain transactions cannot be undone, meaning stolen funds are virtually impossible to retrieve. As a result, victims of such scams can end up losing all crypto held in their wallets.

For this reason, it is highly advisable to verify the legitimacy of any cryptocurrency platform, especially those promoting airdrops or giveaways.

Similar scams in general

Fake crypto-related websites often mimic other crypto platforms to trick users into connecting their wallets. In most cases, these sites lure people by offering free cryptocurrency or other rewards. Once scammers achieve their goal, they use drainers to steal the crypto assets.

There are numerous examples of similar scams, some of them are the fake "Plume Airdrop", "NAYM Token Airdrop", and "Qubetics Airdrop".

How did I open a scam website?

Scammers use various strategies to direct users to scam websites. Scam pages equipped with crypto drainers are commonly promoted via fake or hacked social media accounts on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, along with compromised WordPress websites.

Scams can also be promoted through fraudulent emails, deceptive advertisements, notifications from untrustworthy websites, adware, and malicious ad networks. These ad networks are often present on sites that provide torrent downloads, adult content, illegal movie streaming, and similar web pages.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Be careful when you get unexpected or irrelevant emails or messages from unfamiliar senders, especially if they contain links or attachments. Avoid clicking pop-ups, ads, download buttons, or links on suspicious sites. Never agree to receive notifications from shady pages.

Download files and applications from reputable sources, such as official websites or app stores. Update your operating system and apps regularly, and scan your device with trusted security software. 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 "SetLayer ($SLAY) Airdrop" scam (GIF):

The original SatLayer page (satlayer.xyz):

Instant automatic malware removal:

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Quick menu:

• What is Fake SetLayer ($SLAY) giveaway?
• 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?

Typically, it involves a fake website claiming that participants can receive cryptocurrency for free. These giveaways are also known as airdrops.

What is the purpose of a fake crypto giveaway?

The goal of these scams is to trick users into taking steps that enable scammers to steal their cryptocurrency.

Why do I encounter scam websites?

Scammers use multiple tactics to lead users to fraudulent websites, including fake or hacked social media accounts, compromised sites, phishing emails, misleading ads, suspicious notifications, adware, and malicious ad networks.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me scams?

Combo Cleaner monitors websites for potential threats, including scams and malware. If it finds a risky site, it notifies the user and blocks them from visiting it.