Avoid getting scammed by fake "De.Fi Launchpad Airdrop" websites
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of scam is "De.Fi Launchpad Airdrop"?
Upon inspection of the "De.Fi Launchpad Airdrop", we determined that it is a scam. This scheme imitates the legitimate De.Fi online platform, and the known domains used by the fake sites mimic that of the original – de.fi (https://de.fi/).
The scam is presented as an airdrop of an unspecified token. Its goal is to lure users into exposing their digital wallets, and once this is achieved – the scheme starts operating as a cryptocurrency drainer.
"De.Fi Launchpad Airdrop" scam overview
As mentioned in the introduction, "De.Fi Launchpad Airdrop" masquerades as the genuine De.Fi platform – which is a DeFi portfolio tracker and cryptowallet antivirus. The websites running this scam (e.g., de.fi-launchpad[.]io, de.fi-launchpad[.]xyz, de.fi-launchpad[.]com, etc.) imitate the URLs of the legitimate platform, which is de.fi (https://de.fi/).
The scheme claims to run a one-time airdrop (giveaway) of an unspecified token or coin. To participate, the user has to connect their cryptowallet to the fake platform. After that is done, the scam begins operating as a crypto drainer. In other words, a mechanism that facilitates automatic outgoing transactions from the victims' wallets is jumpstarted.
Therefore, the funds stored in the digital wallets are stolen. The scope of the financial loss depends on the value of the drained digital assets. It must be mentioned that due to the untraceable nature of cryptocurrency transactions – they are virtually irreversible.
| Name | "De.Fi Launchpad Airdrop" scam website |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Disguise | De.Fi platform |
| Related Domains | de.fi-launchpad[.]io, de.fi-launchpad[.]xyz, de.fi-launchpad[.]com |
| VirusTotal Detections And Serving IP Addresses | de.fi-launchpad[.]io (103.35.191.96), de.fi-launchpad[.]xyz (103.35.191.95), de.fi-launchpad[.]com (103.35.189.5) |
| Distribution methods | Spam emails, compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications. |
| Damage | Monetary loss |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Cryptocurrency drainer scam examples
We have investigated numerous online scams; "Trust Wallet Mystery Box", "ZetaChain Airdrop", and "Buy Apple Products With Bitcoins" are merely a few examples of cryptocurrency-draining schemes.
The Internet is full of deceptive and malicious content. Widespread models include false claims regarding system infections/errors, outdated software, package shipping/tracking issues, product promotions, giveaways, lotteries, and so forth.
Due to how prevalent online scams are and how well-made they can be – we highly recommend exercising caution while browsing.
How did I open a scam website?
"De.Fi Launchpad Airdrop" has been observed being endorsed through spam emails. However, other promotional methods are not unlikely. Cryptocurrency-themed scams are commonly pushed through spam, particularly social media posts made by accounts stolen from legitimate companies, organizations, influencers, etc.
Yet other types of spam, such as PMs/DMs, SMSes, browser notifications, etc. – are also used in scam endorsement. Additionally, deceptive pages can be accessed via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs (typosquatting), intrusive ads, and adware.
How to avoid visiting scam websites?
It must be mentioned that deceptive and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements and spam browser notifications may look innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable and dubious sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
We recommend paying attention to URLs and typing them carefully. Additionally, we advise against using websites that offer pirated programs/media or other questionable services (e.g., illegal streaming or downloading, Torrenting, etc.), as these webpages typically utilize rogue advertising networks.
Another recommendation is to treat incoming emails and other messages with caution. Do not open attachments or links found in suspicious/irrelevant mail, as they can be harmful.
To avoid receiving undesirable browser notifications – do not enable suspect pages to deliver them (i.e., do not click "Allow", "Allow Notifications", etc.). Instead, ignore or deny notification requests from such webpages (i.e., select "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.).
To prevent bundled/hazardous software from infiltrating the device – download only from official/trustworthy channels and treat installations with care (e.g., read terms, explore options, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplements).
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 "De.Fi Launchpad Airdrop" scam:
3, 2, 1, BLAST OFF!
De.Fi Launchpad Airdrop!
To celebrate the new launch, you can now claim now to receive our limited ONE time token airdrop AND early access to our newest Web3 and Staking options!
[Connect Wallet]
The appearance of "De.Fi Launchpad Airdrop" scam (GIF):
Screenshot of a spam email used to promote the "De.Fi Launchpad Airdrop" scam:
Text presented in this email:
Launchpad is here!!!
To celebrate an exciting milestone in our journey toward decentralization and community empowerment, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our new airdrop token, groundbreaking Web3 integration, and innovative staking options on Launchpad!
This significant development represents a giant leap forward in our commitment to providing our community with cutting-edge opportunities in the rapidly evolving blockchain space. We believe that the future of finance lies in the hands of the community, and with Launchpad, we aim to provide you with the tools and recourses to actively participate and shape that future.
[Claim!]
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Quick menu:
- What is "De.Fi Launchpad 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?
Essentially, online scams are deceptive messages promoted on the Web. Their purpose is to trick users into performing certain actions, e.g., connecting digital wallets to cryptocurrency drainers, disclosing sensitive information, making monetary transactions, downloading/installing software, purchasing products, and so on.
What is the purpose of online scams?
Online scams are designed to generate revenue. Scammers predominantly profit by obtaining funds through deception, selling or abusing private information, proliferating malware, and promoting content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.).
I have lost cryptocurrency to the "De.Fi Launchpad Airdrop" scam, can I get my money back?
Cryptocurrency transactions are practically untraceable, which makes them virtually irreversible. Therefore, victims of such scams cannot retrieve their funds.
Why do I encounter online scams?
"De.Fi Launchpad Airdrop" has been noted being promoted via spam emails. Keep in mind that other promotional methods are possible. Commonly used techniques include spam (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, social media posts, browser notifications, etc.), intrusive advertisements, sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs (typosquatting), and adware.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from online scams?
Combo Cleaner can scan every single website that you visit for deceptive/malicious content. Hence, should you enter such a page – you will be immediately warned, and further access to the site will be denied.
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