Avoid getting scammed by fake "MASA Token Distribution" sites

What kind of scam is "MASA Token Distribution"?

"MASA Token Distribution" is a scam that is presented as an airdrop. It lures users to check their participation eligibility by connecting their digital wallets to the scheme. However, by doing so – they become victims of a cryptocurrency-draining scam.

"MASA Token Distribution" scam overview

"MASA Token Distribution" is a fake giveaway of "MASA tokens and other rewards". Users are eligible to participate in this airdrop based on their activity within the crypto space. The scheme instructs users to check whether they are entitled to be recipients by connecting their digital wallets.

After that is done, the scam begins working as a cryptocurrency drainer. In other words, via automated transactions – the digital assets stored in victims' wallets are transferred to scammers.

How significant the financial loss is – depends on the value of the stolen assets. It is noteworthy that these transactions cannot be reversed since they are practically untraceable.

Threat Summary:

Name	"MASA Token Distribution" scam website
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Fake Claim	Airdrop distributing MASA tokens and other rewards.
Related Domains	masa-finance[.]com
Detection Names (masa-finance[.]com)	Emsisoft (Phishing), Trustwave (Phishing), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (masa-finance[.]com)	172.67.204.28
Distribution methods	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. ▼ 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.

Similar scam examples

"WELL Earn Eligibility", "Trezor Upgrade Your Networks", "WalletConnect & Web3Inbox Airdrop", and "Cointelegraph's 10th Anniversary Airdrop" are just some examples of cryptocurrency-targeting scams.

Aside from those operating as crypto drainers, these schemes may seek digital wallet log-in credentials or trick users into transferring cryptocurrency to scammers for a supposed double/tripled return.

However, various other scams are promoted on the Internet as well. It must be stressed that regardless of what this content offers, promises, or warns of – the end goal is to generate revenue at victims' expense.

How did I open a scam website?

"MASA Token Distribution" has been observed being endorsed by X (more commonly known by its former name – Twitter) posts. They were made using hacked accounts, thus increasing the appearance of legitimacy.

It is often the case that cryptocurrency-themed scams are promoted via posts made by accounts stolen from genuine projects, organizations, companies, influencers, etc. Note that this scheme could also be pushed using other techniques.

Online scams are primarily endorsed through links/attachments in spam (e.g., social media/forum posts, PMs/DMs, emails, browser notifications, SMSes, etc.) or redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, and adware.

How to avoid visiting scam websites?

We strongly recommend exercising caution when browsing, as fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive ads and spam browser notifications redirect users to questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, etc.).

To avoid receiving undesirable browser notifications – do not permit suspect webpages to deliver them (i.e., do not click "Allow", "Allow Notifications", etc.). Instead, ignore or deny notification delivery from such pages (i.e., press "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.). Another recommendation is to pay attention to URLs and enter them carefully.

We advise against using websites offering pirated content or other dubious services (e.g., illegal streaming/downloading, Torrenting, etc.), as these webpages typically use rogue advertising networks.

Additionally, be vigilant with incoming emails and other messages. Do not open attachments or links present in suspicious/irrelevant mail, as they may be harmful.

To prevent bundled/hazardous software from infiltrating the system – download from official/trustworthy sources and treat installations with care (e.g., read terms, inspect options, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of supplementary apps, extensions, 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 "MASA Token Distribution" scam:

MASA Token Distribution

Connect your wallet to check if you are eligible to claim your MASA tokens and other rewards.

This event is based off wallet activity and how much you have interacted within the space, simply connect your wallet to see if you eligible for the event.

Connect your wallet to continue

Connect Wallet

This is an exclusive event for limited-time only.

The appearance of "MASA Token Distribution" scam (GIF):

Screenshot of a post promoting the "MASA Token Distribution" scam on X (formerly Twitter) social media platform:

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 "MASA Token Distribution" 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 messages intended to deceive users into performing certain actions. For example, victims can be enticed into connecting their digital wallets to cryptocurrency drainers, disclosing vulnerable information, making monetary transactions, purchasing products, calling fake support lines, downloading/installing software, etc.

What is the purpose of online scams?

The purpose of online scams is to generate revenue for their designers. Scammers profit primarily by obtaining funds through deception, selling or abusing disclosed information, proliferating malware, and promoting content (e.g., sites, products, services, software, etc.).

I have sent lost digital assets to the "MASA Token Distribution" scam, can I get my money back?

Due to the untraceable nature of these transactions – they cannot be reversed, which means that victims cannot retrieve the stolen funds.

Why do I encounter online scams?

"MASA Token Distribution" has been promoted via posts on the X (formerly Twitter) social media platform. These posts were made using stolen accounts. Keep in mind that other promotional methods are not unlikely. Generally, online scams are pushed through spam (e.g., emails, social media posts, PMs/DMs, browser notifications, etc.), websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs (typosquatting), intrusive ads, and adware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from online scams?

Combo Cleaner is designed to scan the websites you visit, and it can detect rogue, deceptive/scam, and malicious pages. Therefore, should you enter such a site – you will be immediately warned, and further access to it will be denied.

▼ Show Discussion