How to identify scams like tjhe fake "Nietzschean Penguin ($Penguin) Airdrop"

What is "Nietzschean Penguin ($Penguin) Airdrop" scam?

We have examined the scam and found that it involves at least two websites (nietzscheanpenguin[.]click and penguins-allocation[.]xyz). The scammers behind it seek to steal cryptocurrency from unsuspecting individuals by tricking them into believing that they can receive free tokens. This scam should be avoided.

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.

"Nietzschean Penguin ($Penguin) Airdrop" scam in detail

Fraudsters behind this scheme promote a fake airdrop supposedly run by penguinonsol[.]com. On both scam websites (nietzscheanpenguin[.]click and penguins-allocation[.]xyz) visitors are offered the opportunity to receive $PENGUIN tokens. One of the sites claims that the total supply of tokens is 100,000,000.

The goal is to trick visitors into connecting their wallets. Once this action is taken, these scam websites can activate a cryptocurrency drainer, a malicious tool designed to automatically transfer cryptocurrency stored in the victim's wallet to the one operated by scammers.

Since blockchain transactions cannot be reversed, any cryptocurrency stolen in this way is permanently lost. Users should avoid trusting free token giveaways on unofficial websites and should never link their wallets or disclose private keys on such pages.

Conclusion

Overall, this scheme is a cryptocurrency scam designed to steal funds by tricking users into connecting their wallets. Users should remain cautious and never share private keys or connect wallets on unofficial and suspicious websites. Here are additional examples of scams that use drainers to steal crypto:

"Memecoin Mania Airdrop Scam", "Multisender Airdrop Scam", and "Pengujak Airdrop Scam".

How did I open a scam website?

Scammers often use compromised WordPress sites, fake or hacked social media accounts on platforms like Facebook and X, and malicious ad networks on torrent sites, illegal streaming platforms, and other risky webpages to lure users to scams.

Users may also be directed to fraudulent pages after interacting with deceptive pop-ups, links, or buttons on untrustworthy websites, clicking links in fraudulent emails or ads delivered by adware, or opening links in notifications from suspicious sites.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Exercise caution with emails or messages from unknown senders, and avoid opening attachments or clicking links unless you are certain they are safe. Avoid interacting with suspicious ads, pop-ups, or links on untrustworthy websites, and never enable notifications from dubious pages.

Only download programs and files from official sites or app stores, and keep your operating system and applications up to date. Regularly run reputable security software to scan your device 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 "Nietzschean Penguin ($Penguin) Airdrop" scam (GIF):

Another example of the scam:

The original website (penguinonsol.com):

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Quick menu:

• What is Fake Nietzschean Penguin ($Penguin) 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?

These scams aim to trick users into thinking they can receive free cryptocurrency by impersonating legitimate airdrops, exchanges, or other platforms.

What is the purpose of a crypto scam?

Fraudsters usually steal cryptocurrency by exploiting connected wallets, using stolen login details, or persuading victims to transfer funds directly.

Why do I encounter scam websites?

Users can encounter scams by interacting with deceptive links or pop-ups, clicking links in phishing emails, interacting with adware-generated ads, or opening links presented within suspicious website notifications. Fraudsters also exploit compromised WordPress sites, malicious ad networks, and fake or hijacked social media accounts to lure victims.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from scams?

Combo Cleaner can identify potentially dangerous websites, including scam pages, and alert users whenever such sites are detected.