How to identify scams like "Ethena ($ENA) Rewards"

What is the "Ethena ($ENA) Rewards" scam?

Our analysis of proposal-ethena[.]network shows that it is a fraudulent website impersonating the legitimate Etherna platform (ethena.fi). The operators of this fake site attempt to steal cryptocurrency through a malicious tool. Users are strongly advised to avoid interacting with the fraudulent page.

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.

"Ethena ($ENA) Rewards" scam in detail

Ethena (ethena.fi) is a protocol on Ethereum that issues a synthetic dollar called USDe and a yield-bearing asset known as sUSDe. USDe is designed to function as a crypto-native stable asset, backed through a mix of delta-hedged positions in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, along with reserves in liquid stablecoins like USDC and USDT.

The fraudulent website pretends to be an official update regarding the "$ENA Rewards Distribution Date". It pressures users to vote within 24 hours, promising a points multiplier as a reward for participating. The goal is to trick unsuspecting individuals into connecting their wallets.

Connecting a cryptocurrency wallet triggers a crypto-stealing tool (a drainer) that automatically moves funds from the victim's wallet to the attacker's address. Since blockchain transactions are irreversible, stolen cryptocurrency cannot be recovered.

Users should exercise extreme caution with platforms that advertise airdrops, giveaways, or other rewards. If a website looks suspicious, it is safest to avoid connecting a wallet, making any transfers, or sharing personal information.

Similar scams in general

These scams are designed to trick users into connecting their cryptocurrency wallets. Once a wallet is connected, a malicious tool can drain it, and because blockchain transactions are irreversible, the stolen assets are typically unrecoverable. Recognizing these schemes is crucial for avoiding potential losses.

Similar scams are the fake "Gasspas (GASS)", "CryptoNex ETH Voucher", and "$ERA Airdrop" sites.

How did I open a scam website?

Scam sites that aim to steal cryptocurrency using drainers are often promoted through fake or compromised social media accounts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook. Scammers also exploit hijacked WordPress sites to trick users. Victims are typically lured via fraudulent links.

Scams can also spread through malicious ad networks, which are commonly associated with websites offering torrent downloads, adult content, or illegal streaming. In addition, users may encounter deceptive pages through adware, deceptive pop-ups or ads on suspicious websites, misleading emails, and push notifications from untrustworthy sites.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Do not agree to get notifications from untrustworthy websites. Avoid clicking on links, buttons, ads, pop-ups, etc., on shady web pages. Download files and software from reputable sources, such as official websites or app stores. Keep your operating system and applications up to date.

Regularly scan your device using reliable security software. Be cautious with emails or messages from unknown senders and avoid opening unexpected or irrelevant attachments and links. 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 "Ethena ($ENA) Rewards" scam (GIF):

The original Ethena site (ethena.fi):

Instant automatic malware removal:

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Quick menu:

• What is Fake Ethena ($ENA) Rewards site?
• 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?

It is an online fraud that disguises itself as a legitimate crypto service, investment, or giveaway.

What is the purpose of a crypto scam?

Scammers typically try to deceive people into sending funds, disclosing private keys, or connecting their wallets, all with the ultimate goal of stealing cryptocurrency.

Why do I encounter scams?

Scams are often spread via fake social media accounts, hijacked websites, and fraudulent emails. They also propagate through malicious ad networks, adware, deceptive pop-ups, and push notifications from untrustworthy sites. Typically, users are lured into opening scam sites.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from scams?

Combo Cleaner helps protect users by detecting malicious or fraudulent websites and blocking access before harm can occur.