Avoid getting scammed by fake "$LOC PRE-SALE" websites

What is the fake "$LOC PRE-SALE"?

"$LOC PRE-SALE" is a scam that supposedly runs a presale event for the LOC cryptocurrency. It operates as a crypto drainer that steals funds from exposed digital wallets. It must be mentioned that scams of this kind are often disguised as existing platforms, yet this does not mean that they are associated with one another.

IMPORTANT NOTE: We do not review crypto projects, please do your own research when investing money.

Federal Trade Comission (FTC) states that since the start of 2021, more than 46,000 people have reported losing over $1 billion in crypto to scams – that's about one out of every four dollars reported lost, more than any other payment method.

Fake "$LOC PRE-SALE" overview

This scam is presented as a presale event (i.e., a limited-time offer, typically before a product is released to the broader public). This bogus presale is for the LOC cryptocurrency; users can allegedly buy it for the ETH (Ethereum) cryptocurrency. We encountered this scheme on presale-ladyofcrypto[.]com – however, it could be promoted on other domains.

As mentioned in the introduction, "$LOC PRE-SALE" is not linked to any legitimate websites. Cryptocurrency-centered scams often copy the design of genuine platforms to create an impression of legitimacy.

Once a user tries to join the presale event, they are prompted to "connect" their digital wallet. After that is done, the scheme executes scripts for a cryptocurrency drainer. This automated activity entails funds getting transferred out of victims' cryptowallets to ones owned by cyber criminals.

The transactions may appear vague; hence, they might not raise immediate suspicion. Drainers may be able to approximate the value of digital assets and prioritize them.

Victims of scams like "$LOC PRE-SALE" can lose all or most of the funds stored in exposed wallets. Furthermore, these transactions are irreversible because of their practically untraceable nature.

Threat Summary:

Name	"$LOC PRE-SALE" crypto drainer scam
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud, Cryptocurrency Drainer
Disguise	LOC presale event
Related Domains	presale-ladyofcrypto[.]com
Detection Names	N/A (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address	172.67.219.203
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. ▼ 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.

Cryptocurrency drainer scam examples

We have written about thousands of online scams; "Polyhedra Network $ZK Airdrop", "LightLink Wallet Connect", and "EigenDA Maines Launch Allocation" are just a couple examples of our latest articles on crypto drainers.

There are countless schemes on the Internet. This deceptive content can be poorly made and full of mistakes, but it may also be competently crafted and even believably disguised as existing websites/platforms/services/etc.

Regardless of the varying appearance of scams and the mechanisms they use, the end goal is the same – to generate revenue for scammers.

How did I open a scam website?

Cryptocurrency-draining schemes are commonly promoted via malvertising (malicious advertising). The intrusive pop-up ads typically promise various boons; while some redirect users to deceptive/fake webpages, others can execute wallet-draining scripts themselves. It is noteworthy that these pop-ups may be encountered on genuine websites that had been compromised.

Crypto-targeting scams are also widely endorsed through social media spam. These posts and PMs/DMs can be made using hacked accounts (i.e., originally belonging to reputable companies, organizations, celebrities, entrepreneurs, influencers, etc.).

However, other promotional methods are not unlikely. In general, online scams are pushed via sites using rogue advertising networks, spam (e.g., emails, SMSes, forum/ social media posts, PMs/DMs, browser notifications, etc.), malvertising, typosquatting (misspelled URLs), and adware.

How to avoid visiting scam websites?

It is essential to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive advertisements and spam browser notifications may look harmless – they redirect users to unreliable and dubious webpages (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, etc.).

We recommend being selective about which sites are allowed to display browser notifications. Suspect pages must not be permitted; instead, these requests have to be ignored or denied (i.e., by clicking "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.). Avoid clicking suspicious ads, and do not trust offers that sound too good to be true.

Additionally, pay attention to URLs and type them carefully. We advise against using websites offering pirated software/media or other questionable services (e.g., illegal streaming or downloading, Torrenting, etc.), as these webpages are typically monetized via rogue advertising networks.

To prevent bundled/hazardous programs from infiltrating the device – download only from official/verified sources and treat installations with care (e.g., read terms, explore options, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of additional apps, extensions, features, etc.).

If your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate all threats.

Appearance of the fake "$LOC PRE-SALE" (GIF):

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 "$LOC PRE-SALE" 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?

Online scams are a type of Internet content intended to deceive users into performing specific actions. Victims may be enticed into connecting digital wallets to crypto drainers, sending money to scammers, buying products, disclosing sensitive information, subscribing to services, downloading/installing software, calling fake helplines, etc.

What is the purpose of online scams?

Online scams are designed to generate revenue at victims' expense. Scammers may profit by obtaining funds through deception, promoting content, abusing/selling vulnerable data, spreading malware, and so on.

I have lost cryptocurrency to the "$LOC PRE-SALE" scam, can I get my money back?

Cryptocurrency transactions cannot be reversed because of their nearly untraceable nature. Hence, victims of scams like "$LOC PRE-SALE" cannot retrieve the stolen assets.

Why do I encounter online scams?

The most common promotional techniques include: spam (e.g., emails, DMs/PMs, social media posts, SMSes, browser notifications, etc.), websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, typosquatting (mistyped URLs), and adware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from online scams?

Combo Cleaner can eliminate all manner of threats. It is capable of scanning visited sites for deceptive/malicious content. Therefore, should you happen upon a webpage hosting such – you will be warned immediately, and further access to it will be denied.

▼ Show Discussion