Avoid getting scammed by the fake "SAFEMOON Giveaway"
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is the "SAFEMOON Giveaway" scam?
"SAFEMOON Giveaway" refers to a scam promoted on various deceptive sites. This scheme promises five times the return on the SafeMoon cryptocurrency users transfer to it.
To elaborate, the scam requests users to invest at least 500,000,000 in SafeMoon by transferring it to the listed cryptowallet address, and states that they will receive five times the amount in return. It must be emphasized that the "SAFEMOON Giveaway" is fake.
Hence, victims of this scam will receive nothing in return and only lose what they transferred to the scammers. Deceptive/Scam websites are usually accessed unintentionally; most users enter them via mistyped URLs, redirects caused by intrusive advertisements, or have the pages force-opened by installed PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).
The "SAFEMOON Giveaway" scam states that it is an effort to encourage the mass adoption of cryptocurrency. The fake giveaway's fund pool is supposedly 12,000,000,000,000 in SafeMoon.
This sum is worth approximately 60 million USD at the current exchange rate (note, the conversion may be inaccurate due to constant exchange rate fluctuation). To participate, the scheme states that users must transfer at least 500,000,000 in SafeMoon cryptocurrency (approx. 2500 USD) to the provided cryptowallet address.
The scam promises that what users invest will be immediately returned in five times the amount (e.g., 500,000,000 will allegedly return as 2,500,000,000,000). Additionally, the scheme claims that depending on how much users transfer - there may also be a 5-50% bonus.
The scam informs users that they can only participate once. As mentioned in the introduction, "SAFEMOON Giveaway" is a scam; therefore, by trusting it - users will experience financial loss and possibly other serious issues as well.
Unwanted applications can force-open various untrustworthy, deceptive, and malicious websites (e.g., ones running the "SAFEMOON Giveaway" scam). However, PUAs can have additional/other harmful abilities. Adware-types run intrusive advertisement campaigns.
The delivered ads diminish browsing quality and are considered to be dangerous. When clicked on, intrusive advertisements redirect to unreliable/malicious sites, and some can stealthily download/install software.
Browser hijackers are another type of PUAs. They operate by promoting (causing redirects to) fake search engines through modifications to browser settings. The promoted search engines are seldom able to provide search results, so they redirect to Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other legitimate ones.
Furthermore, most PUAs can track data. They can record browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and collect vulnerable information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations, and personally identifiable details). This vulnerable data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft. To ensure device integrity and user safety, all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed immediately upon detection.
Name | SAFEMOON Giveaway scam website |
Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
Fake Claim | Scam claims users can get five times the amount of SafeMoon cryptocurrency that they invest. |
Related Domains | safemoonreward[.]xyz |
Detection Names (safemoonreward[.]xyz) | BitDefender (Malware), Certego (Malicious), Fortinet (Phishing), Netcraft (Malicious), Webroot (Malicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Serving IP Address (safemoonreward[.]xyz) | 198.54.121.237 |
Scammers' Cryptowallet Address | 0x66C72ef5f1740821d4C6d5c04e6fF9D4Ea60Cf2E (SafeMoon) |
Symptoms | Fake error messages, fake system warnings, pop-up errors, hoax computer scan. |
Distribution methods | Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications. |
Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, possible malware infections. |
Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
"Doge Giveaway", "BTC giveaway", "Binance giveaway", and "LiteCoin Giveaway" are some examples of scams similar to "SAFEMOON Giveaway". The Internet is full of misleading, deceptive, and malicious content.
Popular scam models are: fake giveaways, hoax lotteries, ludicrous offers and deals, warnings about the device being infected or at risk, alerts that a piece of software is outdated or missing, and so forth.
Regardless of what online schemes offer, promise, request, or demand, the end-goal is the same - to generate revenue at user expense. Due to how widespread scams are on the Web, it is strongly advised to exercise caution when browsing.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
PUAs can have "official" promotional/download webpages. However, these applications are more commonly downloaded/installed together with other programs.
This false marketing technique of packing regular programs with unwanted or malicious additions - is termed "bundling". Rushed download/installation processes (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps and sections, etc.) increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive adverts proliferate PUAs as well. Upon being clicked, the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is important to research software prior to download/installation and/or purchase. Furthermore, all downloads must be done from official and verified sources.
Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - often offer harmful and/or bundled content. When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from supplementary apps, tools, features, etc.
Intrusive advertisements appear ordinary and innocuous; however, they redirect to dubious and unreliable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and so on). In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, the system must be checked and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it.
If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Text presented in the "SAFEMOON Giveaway" scam:
Join the giveaway
SAFEMOON believes that blockchain and SAFEMOON coin will make the world more fair. To speed up the process of cryptocurrency mass adoption, We decided to run 12,000,000,000,000 SAFEMOON giveaway.
To participate you just need to send from 500,000,000 SAFEMOON to 500,000,000,000 SAFEMOON to the contribution address and we will immediately send you back 2,500,000,000 SAFEMOON to 2,500,000,000,000 SAFEMOON (x5 back) to the address you sent it from
NOTE: You can do it only one time.
For example:
If you send 5,000,000,000 SAFEMOON , you will be get 25,000,000,000 SAFEMOON back
If you send 50,000,000,000 SAFEMOON , you will be get 250,000,000,000 SAFEMOON back
If you send 200,000,000,000 SAFEMOON , you will be get 1,000,000,000,000 SAFEMOON back.
If you send 300,000,000,000 SAFEMOON , you will be get 1,500,000,000,000 SAFEMOON back
If you send 400,000,000,000 SAFEMOON , you will be get 2,000,000,000,000 SAFEMOON back
If you send 500,000,000,000 SAFEMOON , you will be get 2,500,000,000,000 SAFEMOON back
Contribution Special BONUS:
5,000,000,000 SAFEMOON + = 5% BONUS
50,000,000,000 SAFEMOON + = 15% BONUS
200,000,000,000 SAFEMOON + = 20% BONUS
300,000,000,000 SAFEMOON + = 30% BONUS
400,000,000,000 SAFEMOON + = 40% BONUS
500,000,000,000 SAFEMOON + = 50% BONUS
Payment Address
You can send SAFEMOON to the following address:
Copy Address to Clipboard
Waiting for payment
12,000,000,000,000/4,500,000,000,000
Last chance
to get your SAFEMOON
Instruction
To make a transaction, you can use any wallet or exchange to participate!
Once we receive your transaction, the outgoing transaction is processed to your address.
Once we receive your transaction, we will immediately send the requested amount back to you.
Every address that is sent too late, gets their SAFEMOON immediately sent back.
Transactions for Address
0x66C72ef5f1740821d4C6d5c04e6fF9D4Ea60Cf2E
The appearance of "SAFEMOON Giveaway" scam (GIF):
Another example of SAFEMOON-themed scam website:
Text presented within:
SafeMoon
Wallet to a Connect
Safemoon Rewards 2021You are one active users who are lucky to get
1489809405 SAFEMOON ($2500USD)
The SafeMoon Protocol is a community driven, fair launched DeFi Token. Three simple functions
occur during each trade: Reflection, LP Acquisition, and Burn.Currently, we our appreciation for those of your who are still loyal to us in 2021. We share Rewards 1489809405 (free) for your Wallet.
Copyright © 2021 Safemoon LLC. | All Rights Reserved
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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
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 read more.
Quick menu:
- What is "SAFEMOON Giveaway scam"?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
- STEP 6. Remove adware from Internet Explorer.
Removal of potentially unwanted applications:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for any suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the safemoon giveaway scam website, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with safemoon giveaway scam website removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the safemoon giveaway scam website, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the safemoon giveaway scam website, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on safemoon giveaway scam website or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
▼ Show Discussion