How to identify scams like the "Fake Lighter Trading Platform"

What is "Fake Lighter Trading Platform"?

We have examined the website (lihgter-dex[.]xyz) and found that it mimics the Lighter site, app.lighter.xyz. Fraudsters behind the fake page aim to trick visitors into taking steps that can lead to cryptocurrency theft. It is highly advisable to ensure that a website is is trustworthy before taking any action on it.

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.

Fake Lighter Trading Platform in detail

Lighter (app.lighter.xyz) is a decentralized trading platform that focuses on strong security and the ability to handle large volumes of trading. Users can independently verify that orders are matched and liquidations are handled fairly. The platform performs as fast and efficiently as traditional (centralized) exchanges.

The fraudulent website (lihgter-dex[.]xyz) looks nearly identical to the real one. It is designed to steal cryptocurrency after users make a wallet connection. Once a wallet is connected, the site activates a cryptocurrency drainer that can automatically transfer cryptocurrency from the victim' wallet to the one owned by scammers.

Once a cryptocurrency transaction is completed, lost funds are almost impossible to recover because crypto transactions cannot be reversed. Falling for this type of scam can result in significant financial losses. For this reason, it is essential to carefully verify any crypto platform before connecting your wallet, sending funds, sharing personal information, or taking any other action.

Conclusion

In conclusion, scammers are impersonating the original Lighter platform by using a nearly identical fake website to trick users into connecting their wallets. Since stolen cryptocurrency is often irretrievable, users should always verify the authenticity of the website before connecting their wallet (or taking other actions).

Examples of other scams similar to the one we reviewed are "Pippin Token Airdrop", "Claim Espresso (ESP) Scam", and "Avici Airdrop Scam".

How did I open a scam website?

Fraudsters commonly promote fake websites by compromising WordPress sites or using stolen or fake social media accounts on platforms like Facebook and X (Twitter). They also use unreliable ad networks on torrent sites, illegal streaming services, and other questionable websites.

Users may also encounter such scams through misleading buttons, pop-ups, ads, or links on unsafe websites, phishing emails, fake notifications from suspicious pages, and advertisements generated by adware.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Be wary of unexpected messages from unknown senders and avoid clicking any links or opening attachments they include. Be cautious when visiting suspicious websites, and avoid clicking on their ads, pop-ups, buttons, or links, or allowing them to send notifications. Only download software from official sources or trusted app stores.

Keep your operating system and applications up to date. Additionally, routinely scan your device with reputable security software to detect and remove potential threats. 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 "Fake Lighter Trading Platform" (GIF):

The original website (app.lighter.xyz):

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 Fraudulent Lighter trading platform?
• 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?

Crypto scams involve deception designed to steal from cryptocurrency users. Scammers often use fake trading platforms or airdrops to trick users into taking harmful actions.

What is the purpose of a crypto scam?

In most cases, scammers seek to steal information from victims or deceive them into executing malicious tools. Their goal is to steal cryptocurrency from victims.

Why do I encounter scam websites?

Fraudsters often promote fake websites through compromised WordPress sites, fake or stolen social media accounts, and untrustworthy ad networks. Users can also encounter these scams via deceptive pop-ups, ads, links, phishing emails, fake notifications, or adware-generated ads.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from scams?

Yes, Combo Cleaner checks websites for suspicious or untrustworthy content, detects scams or unusual activity, and alerts users to potential risks.