Avoid getting scammed by fake "Token Terminal's Airdrop" websites
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of scam is "Token Terminal's Airdrop"?
After inspecting the "Token Terminal's Airdrop", we determined that it is a scam. It imitates the Token Terminal platform running an airdrop, and a cryptocurrency-draining mechanism is jumpstarted once a victim exposes their account to this bogus giveaway.
"Token Terminal's Airdrop" scam overview
This scam masquerades as the Token Terminal platform. Additionally, the website promoting this scam that we examined (tokenterminaldex[.]com) used a URL closely resembling the site's official domain, which is tokenterminal.com. Note that this scheme could be hosted on other webpages.
The fake Token Terminal claims to be running an airdrop. However, after a user connects their digital wallet to participate – the scam starts operating as a crypto drainer. In other words, automatic transactions outgoing from the victim's wallet are initiated – and thus, the funds stored therein are emptied.
The financial loss depends on the value of the digital assets. It is pertinent to mention that these transactions cannot be reversed due to their practically untraceable nature.
Name | "Token Terminal's Airdrop" scam website |
Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
Disguise | Token Terminal' |
Related Domains | tokenterminaldex[.]com |
Detection Names (tokenterminaldex[.]com) | alphaMountain.ai (Suspicious), Certego (Suspicious), Ermes (Not Recommended), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Serving IP Address (tokenterminaldex[.]com) | 138.124.183.93 |
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 thousands of online scams; "Cointelegraph's 10th Anniversary Airdrop", "De.Fi Launchpad Airdrop", and "Trust Wallet Mystery Box" are just a few examples of cryptocurrency-draining schemes.
It must be mentioned that there are numerous scams on the Web, and they use a variety of false claims to lure potential victims. Regardless of what they offer, this content's end goal is the same – to generate revenue for scammers.
How did I open a scam website?
Spam emails have been utilized in the promotion of "Token Terminal's Airdrop". Other methods are possible. Cryptocurrency-centered schemes have been widely endorsed via social media posts made using accounts stolen from genuine companies, organizations, influencers, celebrities, etc.
Spam in general is commonly used to push online scams (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, social media/ forum posts, browser notifications, etc.). Furthermore, deceptive sites can be accessed through redirects generated by webpages employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, and installed adware.
How to avoid visiting scam websites?
It is essential to be careful while browsing, as fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless. To elaborate, intrusive ads and spam browser notifications may look innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable webpages (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
We recommend paying attention to URLs and typing them carefully. We also advise against using sites that offer pirated software/media or other dubious services (e.g., Torrenting, illegal streaming/downloading, etc.), as these webpages are usually monetized via rogue advertising networks.
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 avoid receiving unwanted browser notifications – do not permit suspicious sites to deliver them (i.e., do not click "Allow", "Allow Notifications", etc.). Instead, ignore or deny notification requests from such pages (i.e., press "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.).
To prevent bundled/hazardous content from infiltrating the system – download only from official/verified sources and treat installations with care (e.g., read terms, study possible 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 the "Token Terminal's Airdrop" scam:
Announcing Tokenterminal's long awaited DEX $ASI Airdrop release!
<3
[We operate a world-class, multichain onchain data warehouse. This is why we've decided to give back to the community! - The release of the ASCII Token.
Connect Wallet
The appearance of "Token Terminal's Airdrop" scam (GIF):
Screenshot of a spam email promoting the "Token Terminal's Airdrop" scam:
Text presented in this email:
Subject: Token Terminal Beta Early-Access Airdrop!
Token Terminal Beta Early-Access Airdrop!
I hope this email finds you well! We're thrilled to share some exciting news that will surely pique your interest. As a valued member of our community, we wanted to personally inform you about the upcoming TokenTerminal Beta Access Airdrop!
Get Ready to Elevate your Experience!
We're on the verge of unveiling the beta version of TokenTerminal, and we want you to be among the first to explore its innovative features and capabilities. To Express our gratitude for your continued support, we've decided to celebrate this milestone with a special airdrop exclusively for our community members.
[Claim Airdrop]
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Quick menu:
- What is "Token Terminal's 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 deceptive messages designed to trick users into carrying out specific actions. For example, victims can be enticed into connecting their wallets to crypto drainers, making monetary transactions, disclosing private information, downloading/installing software, purchasing products, subscribing services, and so on.
What is the purpose of online scams?
Online scams aim to generate revenue at victims' expense. Cyber criminals profit primarily by obtaining funds through deception, proliferating malware, abusing/selling sensitive data, and endorsing content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.).
I have lost cryptocurrency to the "Token Terminal's Airdrop" scam, can I get my money back?
No, since cryptocurrency transactions cannot be reversed due to their virtually untraceable nature.
Why do I encounter online scams?
"Token Terminal's Airdrop" has been observed being promoted by spam emails. Other endorsement techniques are not unlikely. Online scams are commonly promoted via spam (e.g., emails, social media posts, PMs/DMs, browser notifications, etc.), mistyped URLs (typosquatting), sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, and adware.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from online scams?
Combo Cleaner can scan visited websites and detect rogue, deceptive, and malicious ones. Hence, should you enter such a webpage – you will be warned immediately, and further access to it will be restricted.
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