How to spot fake websites like SushiSwap scam page

What is SushiSwap scam?

Our team has discovered a fake SushiSwap app download page while examining other shady websites and deceptive ads. Sushi is a legitimate decentralized cryptocurrency exchange built on Ethereum. After launching the installer downloaded from the fake SushiSwap, we learned that it installs a Remote Access/Administration Tool (RAT) called Remcos.

SushiSwap scam in detail

We have analyzed the fake SushiSwap page and found that it looks almost exactly the same as the official one (it has the website design, text, icons, and so on), but it has a different URL address. After clicking the "Download App" button (which is "Enter App" on the legitimate page), this page downloads the "SushiSwap-dApp-3.1.0-installer.exe" file (its name may vary).

The executable file downloaded from this page installs Remcos - a legitimate RAT that cybercrimnials can misuse to steal sensitive information, infect a computer with malware, take screenshots, and other purposes.

Threat Summary:

Name	SushiSwap fake website
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Disguise	Legitimate SushiSwap website
Distributed Software	Remcos RAT
Detection Names (SushiSwap-dApp-3.1.0-installer.exe)	Avast (Win32:Trojan-gen), AVG (Win32:Trojan-gen), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Agent.ADVE), Fortinet (W32/Agent.ADVE!tr), Sangfor Engine Zero (Suspicious.Win32.Agent.ADVE), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner 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.

More about similar scams

More examples of crypto-related scams are "OpenSea", "Coinbase", "Wallet Access Connect". We have learned that such scams usually are used to steal cryptocurrency wallets. However, the SushiSwap scam is proof that these scams can be used to trick users into installing unwanted (and even malicious) software.

How did I open a scam website

Typically, scam websites (pages delivering pop-up scams) are promoted using various advertising networks, search engine poisoning techniques, shady websites. They get opened after clicking on fake download buttons, visiting torrent sites, illegal movie streaming pages, etc., or clicking on an Internet search engine result.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Do not trust advertisements appearing on questionable websites. Avoid visiting torrent sites and other pages that may be using questionable advertising networks. Download apps and files from trustworthy sources (official pages and platforms). Do not click on fake buttons (for example, download buttons).

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 SushiSwap scam website (GIF):

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 SushiSwap fake website?
• 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 pop-up scam?

A pop-up scam is a fake message (for example, virus or error alert) delivered by a deceptive website designed to trick visitors into performing certain actions.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

Typically, scammers use pop-up scams to trick unsuspecting visitors into purchasing unnecessary or fake software (or services), installing unwanted and even malicious software, providing credit card details or other sensitive information, or remote access to a computer.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Websites delivering pop-up scams usually get opened after clicking on fake "Download" or similar buttons or shady ads. Also, they are promoted through pages that use rogue advertising networks or search results generated using search engine poisoning techniques.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Combo Cleaner can scan visited websites and detect malicious and other untrustworthy sites (including pages that deliver pop-up scams). This app warns visitors about untrustworthy pages and restricts access to them.

▼ Show Discussion