How to recognize scams like "Aster Staking Rewards"

What is "Aster Staking Rewards" scam?

During our inspection, we found that this is a scam website (asterdex.com-stake.id) imitating the original Aster page (asterdex.com). On the fake website, visitors are offered to receive "rewards". However, this promotion is fraudulent, and victims of this scam can lose their cryptocurrency.

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.

"Aster Staking Rewards" scam in detail

Aster (asterdex.com) is a decentralized exchange for perpetual contracts, formed after Astherus merged with APX Finance. The platform aims to simplify and enhance the DeFi experience by combining Astherus' yield-generating products with APX's trading infrastructure. Aster focuses on security, performance, and user-friendly design.

There are numerous scam websites posing as the original ones, including the fraudulent version of Aster page, asterdex.com-stake[.]id. The website claims to offer high returns by staking $ASTER tokens, promising up to 20% APR and additional bonus rewards for long-term participation.

It encourages users to lock or flexibly stake their tokens to "support the ecosystem" and grow their holdings. These offers are designed to appear legitimate but are typical of scams that aim to steal cryptocurrency by convincing users to connect their wallets. If this step is taken, the scam page can activate a cryptocurrency drainer.

A crypto drainer is created to automatically send cryptocurrency from the connected wallet to the scammer's. Because blockchain transactions cannot be undone, any stolen cryptocurrency is typically unrecoverable. Thus, users should always ensure that a platform is official and trustworthy before interacting with it.

Conclusion

Scam sites like asterdex.com-stake[.]id often promise high returns to make their offers seem convincing, but their true goal is to steal cryptocurrency using malicious tools or other methods. It is important to note that scam sites often share a similar design with original sites.

Users should always inspect sites before connecting wallets, entering personal information, or sending crypto to avoid falling for scams. More examples of similar scams are "Utility Coin ($UTILITY) Vote Rewards", "Utility Coin ($UTILITY) Airdrop", and "Hyperliquid Rewards Program".

How did I open a scam website?

Fraudsters tend to promote scams through fake or hacked social media accounts, particularly on X (Twitter) and Facebook, and through compromised websites, often built on WordPress. They also use suspicious ad networks commonly found on torrent sites, adult websites, illegal streaming platforms, and other high-risk sites.

Furthermore, scam content is spread via misleading browser notifications, adware, phishing emails, deceptive links, ads, or buttons on untrustworthy sites, and similar channels.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Download software or files from trusted sources, such as official websites or recognized app stores. Keep your operating system and software up to date, and perform regular scans with reliable antivirus or security tools. Avoid opening attachments or clicking links in unexpected or suspicious emails and messages.

Do not interact with pop-ups, ads, or links on untrustworthy websites, and refuse any notification requests from such pages. 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 "Aster Staking Rewards" scam (GIF):

The original website (asterdex.com):

Instant automatic malware removal:

Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

• What is Fake Aster Staking 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 fake crypto airdrop?

Scammers use fake airdrops to entice users with free tokens and then compromise their wallets or personal information.

What is the purpose of a fake crypto airdrop?

The fraudsters' goal is to convince victims to connect wallets, send cryptocurrency, or enter private information so the attackers can steal their crypto.

Why do I encounter scam websites?

Scammers spread their schemes using compromised websites, fake or hijacked social media accounts, and deceptive links or ads on untrustworthy pages. They also use misleading notifications, adware, fraudulent emails, and suspicious ad networks, which are commonly found on torrent sites, adult platforms, and illegal streaming services.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from scams?

Combo Cleaner detects unsafe or deceptive websites, alerts users to potential threats, and prevents access to those sites.