How to identify scams like the fake "ZKsync ($ZK) Airdrop"

What is "ZKsync ($ZK) Airdrop" scam?

Our analysis shows that the site (zksync[.]run) is a fraudulent copy of the legitimate ZKsync platform (zksync.io). It is operated by scammers attempting to steal cryptocurrency by misleading users with false promises of token giveaways. This site should be avoided to prevent financial loss.

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.

"ZKsync ($ZK) Airdrop" in detail

ZKsync (zksync.io) offers a technology on Ethereum that enables faster and cheaper transactions while maintaining security. It allows apps and smart contracts to run more efficiently by handling many actions off the main Ethereum network and then confirming them on-chain.

The fraudulent website (zksync[.]run) claims that a ZKsync token distribution has begun and that a total of 10,000,000 $ZK will be handed out. It uses the promise of free tokens and urgency to push visitors to act quickly. Its goal is to lure visitors into connecting their crypto wallets.

If a wallet is connected, then a hidden drainer can be run. When activated, this tool moves funds from the victim's wallet to the attacker's. Because blockchain transfers are final, stolen crypto is almost never recoverable. For this reason, users should always verify a site's authenticity before interacting, especially when free tokens are promised.

Conclusion

The site is a fraudulent copy of the ZKsync platform designed to steal cryptocurrency by tricking users into connecting their wallets. It falsely promises free tokens to lure victims, and falling for this scam can result in immediate loss of funds. Examples of similar scams are "Giggle Fund ($GIGGLE) Airdrop", "VPay Vote Rewards", and "Useless Coin Airdrop".

How did I open a scam website?

Fraudsters may take over (or create fake) social media accounts to send scam messages on platforms like X (Twitter) and Facebook. Compromised WordPress sites are also often used to host and share scam content. Furthermore, users can be redirected to scam pages after interacting with misleading ads, fake buttons, or deceptive links on untrustworthy websites.

Scams can also be reached through fraudulent emails, deceptive notifications from dubious pages, or malicious advertising networks, which are commonly seen on torrent sites, streaming platforms, adult websites, and other sites of this kind. Additionally, users can land on scam pages via adware.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Download software or files from official sources or trusted app stores. Ensure your operating system and apps are regularly updated, and run frequent scans using reputable security tools. Exercise caution with shady emails or messages from unknown senders, and never open attachments or click links they include.

When visiting untrustworthy websites, avoid clicking pop-ups, ads, suspicious buttons, or links, and do not permit these sites to send 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 "ZKsync ($ZK) Airdrop" scam (GIF):

The original ZKsync site (zksync.io):

Instant automatic malware removal:

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Quick menu:

• What is Fake ZKsync ($ZK) 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 airdrop?

A crypto scam typically pretends to give away free tokens, but in reality, victims receive nothing and may end up losing their cryptocurrency.

What is the purpose of a crypto giveaway?

These scams often rely on convincing victims to connect their wallets or reveal private keys, after which the scammers can empty their wallets.

Why do I encounter scams?

Scams are often promoted by scammers through hacked websites, fake or compromised social media accounts, and misleading ads or buttons on unsafe pages. Users can also come across scams via deceptive emails, fake notifications from dubious pages, or harmful ad networks on sites like those offering torrents or illegal movie streaming.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from scams?

Combo Cleaner scans websites for rogue, deceptive, and malicious content and can block access to dangerous pages.