How to identify scams like "Virtuals Protocol ($VIRTUAL) Vote Rewards"

What is a fake "Virtuals Protocol ($VIRTUAL) Vote Rewards" site?

During our review of the website (proposals-virtu[.]com), we found that it imitates the original Virtuals Protocol site (virtuals.io). The operators of the fake site attempt to steal cryptocurrency from users through a crypto drainer. This page should be avoided and closed if ever opened.

IMPORTANT NOTE: We do not review crypto projects, please do your own research when investing money.

Federal Trade Commission (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.

"Virtuals Protocol ($VIRTUAL) Vote Rewards" scam in detail

Virtuals (virtuals.io) is a blockchain-based platform that allows users to create and own AI-powered agents. These agents can interact, perform tasks, and generate revenue online. Each agent is represented by its own crypto token, giving holders ownership and potential earnings. The project combines artificial intelligence with cryptocurrency.

The scam page (proposals-virtu[.]com) claims to host a "VIRTUAL Rewards Update". It invites holders to vote on an upcoming rewards date. It promises that participants will receive an early allocation of VIRTUAL tokens from the Treasury Pool Funds (TPF). In reality, the page is designed to trick users into connecting their wallets.

If users connect their wallets, the page can activate a cryptocurrency drainer. This malicious tool automatically moves funds from a connected wallet into the scammer's wallet. Because blockchain transactions cannot be reversed, any stolen cryptocurrency is typically lost for good.

Users should carefully verify crypto platforms before connecting their wallets or performing other actions to avoid having their crypto stolen by scammers.

Similar scams in general

Fraudulent sites like proposals-virtu[.]com often mimic real platforms and use tempting offers to lure users into connecting their wallets. Once access is granted, scammers can drain all assets, leaving victims with no way to recover their losses. Thus, it is important to be able to recognize such scams.

Some examples of similar scams are "Orderly ($ORDER) Vote Rewards", "Giggle Fund ($GIGGLE) Vote Rewards", and "Hyperliquid ($HYPE) Vote Rewards".

How did I open a scam website?

Scammers often lure users to fraudulent websites that steal cryptocurrency by sharing links through compromised or impersonated social media accounts (mainly on Twitter/X or Facebook) or by exploiting hijacked WordPress sites. Suspicious ads, buttons, or links on dubious websites can also redirect visitors to these scams.

In addition, attackers may rely on untrustworthy advertising networks, commonly seen on torrent sites, illegal streaming platforms, or similar services, as well as misleading emails and push notifications from unsafe pages to lure potential victims.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Block notifications from untrusted websites and avoid opening files or links in unexpected messages from unknown senders. Only download software or files from official websites or app stores, and avoid interacting with content such as ads, pop-ups, links, or buttons on unreliable pages.

Keep your operating system and apps up to date, and routinely scan your device with a trusted security tool. 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 "Virtuals Protocol ($VIRTUAL) Vote Rewards" scam (GIF):

The original Virtuals Protocol site (virtuals.io):

Instant automatic malware removal:

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Quick menu:

• What is Fake Virtuals Protocol ($VIRTUAL) Vote Rewards page?
• 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?

A cryptocurrency scam typically uses a fraudulent website that mimics a legitimate platform, deceiving users into taking actions that benefit scammers.

What is the purpose of a crypto scam?

Attackers mainly aim to steal crypto, often by tricking users into revealing seed phrases or by running tools like cryptocurrency drainers.

Why do I encounter scams?

Scammers commonly distribute their scams via fake or hijacked social media accounts, phishing emails, malicious ads, compromised websites, and deceptive browser notifications. They also exploit untrustworthy advertising networks, often found on illegal streaming platforms, torrent sites, adult sites, and similar platforms.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from scams?

Combo Cleaner can detect harmful websites, including scam pages. It provides instant alerts and blocks access to keep users safe.