Avoid getting scammed by fake ZetaChain Airdrop websites

What kind of scam is "ZetaChain Airdrop"?

After inspecting the "ZetaChain Airdrop", we determined that it is fake. This cryptocurrency airdrop is supposedly run on the ZetaChain platform. While the scam webpage appears practically identical to the original website, it is fraudulent and operates as a crypto drainer once a user connects their wallet to it.

"ZetaChain Airdrop" scam overview

The deceptive page promoting "ZetaChain Airdrop" that we investigated closely mimicked the design of the actual ZetaChain omnichain platform. The former's URL resembled that of the legitimate website as well (note that other domains are possible).

The scheme promotes a cryptocurrency airdrop (giveaway) in which all ZetaChain users can participate. It must be stressed that this information is false, and the scam is in no way associated with any legitimate platforms or other entities.

After a user presses the "Claim Now" button, they are prompted to connect their digital wallet to the scheme. Once connected, a cryptocurrency-draining mechanism is triggered. Hence, the funds stored within the cryptowallet are automatically transferred to cyber criminals.

The significance of the financial loss depends on the value of the stolen digital assets. It must be mentioned that due to the untraceable nature of cryptocurrency transactions – they cannot be reversed, meaning that victims cannot recover their funds.

Threat Summary:

Name	"ZetaChain Airdrop" scam website
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Disguise	ZetaChain
Related Domains	rewards-zetachain[.]com
Detection Names (rewards-zetachain[.]com)	Emsisoft (Phishing), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (rewards-zetachain[.]com)	104.21.86.138
Distribution methods	Spam social media posts, compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications.
Damage	Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, possible malware infections.
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Crypto drainer scam examples

"Buy Apple Products With Bitcoins", "AltLayer Token Airdrop", "LENA Token Distribution", "Metamask Airdrop", "Jupiter Airdrop", "SatoshiVM Token Airdrop", and "Gasfees Airdrop" are just some examples of cryptocurrency drainers that we have investigated recently.

Cryptocurrency-centered scams have been prevalent on the Web since these digital currencies first experienced their rise in popularity. Before the dawn of draining schemes, the most common types included those targeting wallet log-in credentials and fake giveaways that depended on victims themselves transferring funds for the promise of a doubled/tripled return.

However, there are various other scams online. While their appearance and claims vary, the end goal is the same – to generate revenue at victims' expense.

How did I open a scam website?

"ZetaChain Airdrop" has been observed being endorsed by X (more widely known by its former name – Twitter) posts. These social media posts were likely made using accounts stolen from genuine companies, projects, organizations, celebrities, influencers, etc.

Hijacked accounts are often used to promote such scams, as their reputation and popularity increase the appearance of legitimacy for the scheme. However, other endorsement methods are not unlikely.

Spam is commonly used in scam promotion, including social media/ forum posts, DMs/PMs, emails, SMSes, browser notifications, etc. Additionally, deceptive webpages can be accessed via redirects generated by sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, and adware.

How to avoid visiting scam websites?

It is paramount to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive advertisements and spam browser notifications may look innocuous – they redirect users to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, etc.).

We recommend paying attention to URLs and typing them carefully. We advise against using sites that offer pirated software/media or other dubious services (e.g., illegal streaming/downloading, Torrenting, etc.), as these webpages are typically monetized via rogue advertising networks.

To avoid receiving unwanted browser notifications – do not permit suspicious pages to deliver them (i.e., do not click "Allow", "Allow Notifications", etc.). Instead, deny notification delivery from such webpages (i.e., click "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.) or ignore these requests altogether.

Another recommendation is to treat incoming emails and other messages with caution. Attachments or links present in suspect/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be harmful.

To prevent bundled/hazardous content from infiltrating the system – download from official/verified channels and treat installations with care (e.g., read terms, inspect options, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.).

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 "ZetaChain Airdrop" scam:

$ZETA Airdrop
Distribution is here
right now.

All ZetaChain users are able and elegible to claim your part in this airdrop.

Claim Now

The appearance of "ZetaChain Airdrop" scam (GIF):

Screenshot of a post promoting the "ZetaChain Airdrop" scam on the X (formerly Twitter) social media platform:

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Quick menu:

• What is "ZetaChain Airdrop" 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 an online scam?

Online scams are intended to deceive users into performing specific actions. For example, victims can be enticed/scared into connecting their wallets to cryptocurrency drainers, making monetary transactions, purchasing products, subscribing to services, disclosing sensitive information, downloading/installing software, and so forth.

What is the purpose of online scams?

Online scams are designed to generate revenue. Cyber criminals profit mainly by obtaining funds through deception, abusing or selling vulnerable information, promoting content, and spreading malware.

I have lost cryptocurrency to the "ZetaChain Airdrop" scam, can I get my money back?

No, cryptocurrency transactions cannot be reversed since they are practically untraceable

Why do I encounter online scams?

"ZetaChain Airdrop" has been noted being promoted by posts on the X (formerly Twitter) social media platform. These posts were likely made using stolen accounts. Keep in mind that this scam could be endorsed using other techniques as well. Generally, online scams are pushed through spam (e.g., social media posts, emails, PMs/DMs, browser notifications, etc.), websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs (typosquatting), intrusive adverts, and adware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from online scams?

Combo Cleaner can scan visited sites for rogue, deceptive, and malicious content. Therefore, should you visit such a webpage – you will be warned immediately, and further access to the website will be blocked.

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