Avoid getting scammed by fake "FOXY Presale" events
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of scam is "FOXY Presale"?
After inspecting this "FOXY Presale", we determined that it is a scam. It is presented as a presale event for FOXY – a legitimate cryptocurrency. However, when users try to participate, they trigger a crypto drainer. The scope of the financial loss faced by victims depends on the value of the stolen digital assets.
"FOXY Presale" scam overview
This scheme promotes a presale – a sale type wherein a product/content is offered before its release to the broader public or prior to its full completion (e.g., test versions, etc.). In this instance, the supposed presale is for the FOXY memecoin.
However, this event is a hoax. It must be stressed that this scam is not associated with any legitimate platforms or other entities.
When the "SIGN UP NOW" button is pressed, the scheme urges users to "connect" their digital wallets. After that is done, a cryptocurrency-draining mechanism is initiated. It entails transfers from victims' cryptowallets to ones owned by scammers. Drainers may be capable of approximating the value of digital assets and targeting them first.
These scams can facilitate the theft of all or most of the funds from the exposed wallets. It must be mentioned that these transactions cannot be reversed because of their practically untraceable nature. Therefore, victims of schemes like "FOXY Presale" cannot retrieve their assets.
Name | "FOXY Presale" crypto drainer scam |
Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
Disguise | FOXY memecoin presale event |
Related Domains | presale.foxylinebase[.]net, register-welikethefox[.]net |
Detection Names | Combo Cleaner (Malware), CyRadar (Malicious), G-Data (Malware), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Serving IP Address | 104.21.9.234 |
Distribution methods | Compromised websites, social media spam, 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 countless online scams; "ATOR Reward Program", "Seedify $SFUND", and "Crystal Dash" are merely a couple examples of crypto drainers we have analyzed recently.
The Internet is rife with fraudulent and dangerous content. Online scams use various lures to deceive victims, e.g., claims relating to rewards programs, airdrops, new coins/tokens, wallet or account issues, system infections, software updates, shipping mishaps, lotteries, etc.
Due to how widespread scams are online and how well-made they can be – we highly recommend being cautious while browsing.
How did I open a scam website?
In general, online scams are most commonly endorsed via spam (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, social media/ forum posts, browser notifications, etc.), malvertising (intrusive advertisements), websites using rogue advertising networks, typosquatting (misspelled URLs), and adware.
To expand upon the techniques noted in crypto drainer promotion, malvertising is prevalent. Specifically, pop-ups thar endorse these scams by promising various benefits. Some of the adverts have cryptocurrency-draining scripts incorporated in them. The pop-ups were even observed on legitimate websites that had been compromised.
Social media spam is another widespread method, especially on X (formerly Twitter). Promotional posts and PMs/DMs can be made using hacked accounts (e.g., originally belonging to real companies, organizations, influencers, etc.) to create the impression of legitimacy.
How to avoid visiting scam websites?
Fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous – therefore, we strongly recommend caution while browsing. For example, spam browser notifications and intrusive advertisements may look harmless – yet redirect to highly questionable pages (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, etc.).
Our recommendations include paying attention to URLs and entering them carefully. Being selective about which websites are allowed to deliver browser notifications. Suspicious webpages must not be permitted; these requests have to be ignored or denied (i.e., by clicking "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.).
Treating incoming emails and other messages with care. Attachments or links found in dubious mail must not be opened, as they can be harmful/virulent.
We advise against using sites that offer pirated software/media or other suspect services (e.g., Torrenting, illegal streaming/downloading, etc.), as these webpages usually employ rogue advertising networks.
Another recommendation is to download from official/trustworthy channels and be vigilant while installing content (e.g., reading terms, exploring options, using "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of additional apps, extensions, etc.) – to prevent bundled/dangerous programs 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.
The appearance of "FOXY Presale" scam (GIF):
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is "FOXY Presale" crypto drainer scam?
- 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 intended to trick users into performing specific actions. For example, victims may be enticed/scared into connecting digital wallets to crypto drainers, sending money to scammers, disclosing private information, calling fake helplines, allowing cyber criminals to access devices remotely, purchasing products, downloading/installing software, subscribing to services, etc.
What is the purpose of online scams?
The purpose of online scams is to generate revenue. Cyber criminals predominantly profit by acquiring funds through deception, endorsing content (e.g., sites, software, products, services, etc.), abusing/selling sensitive information, and proliferating malware.
I have lost cryptocurrency to the "FOXY Presale" scam, can I get my money back?
No, these transactions cannot be reversed because of their nearly untraceable nature. Therefore, victims of such scams cannot return the stolen funds.
Why do I encounter online scams?
Online scams are primarily endorsed through spam (e.g., social media posts, DMs/PMs, emails, SMSes, browser notifications, etc.), websites that use rogue advertising networks, typosquatting (mistyped URLs), malvertising (intrusive ads), and adware.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from online scams?
Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and eliminate all manner of threats. It is capable of scanning visited sites for hosted deceptive/malicious content. Hence, should you happen upon such a webpage – you will be warned immediately, and further access to it will be denied.
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