Do not trust fake sites claiming your Ledger device has been corrupted
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "Ledger Data Damage Error: 0x0m3Ck8n"?
While inspecting rogue websites, our research team discovered the "Ledger Data Damage Error: 0x0m3Ck8n" phishing scam. It is disguised as the Ledger website and targets users' Ledger-based cryptocurrency wallets.
After investigating "Ledger Data Damage Error: 0x0m3Ck8n", we determined that this scam uses multiple domains, some of which closely resemble Ledger's official site's URL.
"Ledger Data Damage Error: 0x0m3Ck8n" scam overview
The "Ledger Data Damage Error: 0x0m3Ck8n" scam mimics the appearance of the legitimate Ledger website. Ledger is a company developing hardware wallets and other cryptocurrency-related solutions. The scheme in question targets these wallets.
It first requests the user to select their Ledger device and "checks" its connection. The scam then falsely claims that the device's memory had been corrupted – thereby implying that the cryptocurrency stored therein is at risk.
The scheme presents the user with two options – refreshing/restarting the verification process or restoring the cryptowallet using the recovery phrase. After the latter is selected, the phishing scam requests that the recovery passphrase be entered twice.
It must be emphasized that "Error: 0x0m3Ck8n" is fake, and this scam is in no way associated with the Ledger company or its products.
With the targeted information in the scammers' possession, they can attempt to steal the funds stored in the exposed wallets. Keep in mind that due to the virtually untraceable nature of cryptocurrency transactions – returning the stolen funds is practically impossible.
Therefore, we strongly recommend being vigilant when browsing and not trusting questionable content (e.g., websites, emails, PMs/DMs, etc.) regarding cryptowallets or other accounts. We advise paying attention to URLs and entering sites directly.
If you believe that your accounts are at risk – immediately change the passwords/passphrases of all potentially compromised accounts and inform their official support.
Name | "Ledger Data Damage Error: 0x0m3Ck8n" scam website |
Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
Fake Claim | Ledger device memory has been corrupted. |
Disguise | Ledger |
Related Domain VirusTotal Detections | ledgerlive[.]live; ledgerlivesupport[.]com; ledgerhub[.]net; ladgers[.]com; ledger-live[.]com; ledger-app-au[.]com, legder-iive[.]org |
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. |
Cryptocurrency-centered scam examples
We have analyzed countless online scams; "BlockChain scam", "Congratulations You just received TetherUSDT", "Ronin Wallet scam", "Solana scam" – are just a few examples of phishing scams targeting cryptowallet credentials, and "MicroStrategy Crypto Giveaway", "Elon Musk Twitter Giveaway", "FIFA Crypto Giveaway" – are a couple of fake cryptocurrency giveaways.
It must be stressed that the Internet is rife with deceptive and malicious content. Online scams can use different models to gain and subsequently abuse victims' trust – in order to generate revenue at their expense.
How did I open a scam website?
Scam sites can be force-opened by webpages that use rogue advertising networks, either immediately upon access or when hosted content is interacted with (e.g., clicking buttons, links, text input fields, ads, etc.).
Spam browser notifications and intrusive advertisements endorse online scams as well. Misspelling a website's domain can also result in a redirect to a deceptive site. Additionally, adware can display adverts promoting scams or force-open pages running them.
How to avoid visiting scam websites?
We advise against using websites that offer pirated content or other questionable services (e.g., Torrenting, illegal streaming/downloading, etc.) since they are usually monetized via rogue advertising networks. It is essential to be cautious when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears harmless. Furthermore, it is crucial to pay attention to URLs.
To avoid receiving undesirable browser notifications – do not permit dubious sites to deliver them (i.e., do not click "Allow", "Allow Notifications", etc.). Instead, ignore or deny notification delivery requests from such webpages (i.e., select "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.).
We also advise downloading only from official/verified channels and approaching installation with care (e.g., reading terms, studying possible options, using "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions) – to prevent bundled and harmful software from infiltrating the device.
If your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate all threats.
Text presented in "Ledger Data Damage Error: 0x0m3Ck8n" scam:
Genuine Check
Your devices memory has been corrupted. Ledger data damage error: 0x0m3Ck8n
Restore your wallet from Recovery phrase
Refresh
The appearance of "Ledger Data Damage Error: 0x0m3Ck8n" pop-up scam (GIF):
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is "Ledger Data Damage Error: 0x0m3Ck8n" scam 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?
Pop-up scams are deceptive messages intended to trick users into performing certain actions. For example, victims can be lured/scared into disclosing private data, making monetary/cryptocurrency transactions, calling fake support lines, allowing scammers to remotely access devices, downloading/installing software, purchasing products, etc.
What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?
Pop-up scams are designed to generate revenue. Scammers primarily profit by obtaining funds through deception, abusing or selling private data, promoting content, and proliferating malware.
I have provided my personal information when tricked by a scam, what should I do?
If you've disclosed account credentials – change the passwords/passphrases of all potentially exposed accounts and inform their official support without delay. And if you have provided other private data (e.g., ID card details, credit card numbers, etc.) – immediately contact the appropriate authorities.
Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?
Pop-up scams are promoted on rogue webpages. Most users access such sites via redirects caused by pages that use rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?
Combo Cleaner is designed to scan every single webpage you visit, and it is capable of detecting rogue, deceptive, and malicious ones. Therefore, should you enter such a website – you will be warned immediately, and further access to it will be blocked.
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