Avoid getting scammed by fake "Hubsync-dev" websites

What kind of scam is "Hubsync-dev"?

After inspecting the "Hubsync-dev" website, we determined that it is fake. We found this scam promoted on hubsync-dev.pages[.]dev, but it could be hosted on other domains as well. This scheme is disguised as a platform for syncing cryptowallets; instead, it seeks to trick users into disclosing their wallet log-in credentials.

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.

"Hubsync-dev" scam overview

The "Hubsync-dev" scam is presented as a decentralized protocol for syncing digital wallets to dApps. It must be emphasized that this scheme is not associated with any legitimate platforms or entities.

"Hubsync-dev" operates as a phishing scam. When any of the buttons on the fake page are clicked, and the user selects their wallet – a supposed error occurs when connecting it. The user can then retry or manually link it by entering their log-in credentials.

As all the attempts to connect fail, the victim is deceived into providing their passphrase. Phishing sites record entered information and send it to scammers. Hence, the cyber criminals behind "Hubsync-dev" can gain control over exposed digital wallets and steal the funds stored therein.

It must be mentioned that cryptocurrency transactions cannot be reversed because of their nearly untraceable nature. Therefore, victims of this scam cannot retrieve the stolen digital assets.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Hubsync-dev" scam website
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Related Domains	hubsync-dev.pages[.]dev
Detection Names (hubsync-dev.pages[.]dev)	Combo Cleaner (Malware), ESET (Phishing), Fortinet (Phishing), Kaspersky (Phishing), VIPRE (Malware), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address	172.66.44.168
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-centered scam examples

"MultiversX (EGLD) Rewards", "AZUKI Elementals", "Kinto Claim", "CoinMarketCap Token Presale", "Fantasy On Blast Airdrop", "Claim PinkSale Tokens", and "Claim $GFOX Tokens" are just a few of our latest articles on crypto-specific scams.

Schemes that target cryptocurrency do so in one of three primary ways – phishing for cryptowallet log-in credentials, using draining mechanisms to siphon funds from exposed wallets, or tricking users into manually transferring funds to scammer-owned wallets.

Various false claims are used to gain victims' trust, e.g., ones relating to wallet syncing, new coin/token promotions, airdrops/giveaways, account/wallet issues, security updates, suspicious activity detections, etc.

Online scams are often poorly put together and full of errors, but they can be competently made and even believably disguised as content associated with genuine entities (e.g., companies, organizations, service providers, institutions, authorities, etc.).

How did I open a scam website?

Online scams are most commonly endorsed via websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam (e.g., emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, browser notifications, social media posts, etc.), intrusive ads (malvertising), mistyped URLs (typosquatting), and adware.

Social media spam is particularly prevalent in cryptocurrency-centered scam promotion. The spam posts and direct/private messages can be made using hacked accounts (i.e., ones originally belonging to real projects, companies, organizations, celebrities, influencers, etc.).

Additionally, crypto drainers are often endorsed by relying on malvertising, specifically – intrusive pop-up adverts. These pop-ups may even be capable of executing cryptocurrency-draining scripts tehmselves. It is noteworthy that these ads might be encountered on legitimate sites that have been compromised.

How to avoid visiting scam websites?

The Internet is rife with deceptive and malicious content, which can appear legitimate and innocuous. Therefore, we strongly advise vigilance while browsing. Pay attention to URLs and enter them carefully. Be wary of advertisements, and do not trust offers that sound too good to be true.

Do not permit suspicious webpages to deliver browser notifications; instead, ignore or deny such requests (i.e., press "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.). Do not use websites offering pirated programs/media or other dubious services (e.g., Torrenting, illegal streaming/downloading, etc.), as these sites typically utilize rogue advertising networks.

Exercise caution with incoming emails and other messages; do not open attachments or links present in suspect/irrelevant mail.

Download only from official/verified sources and treat installations with care (e.g., study terms and options, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.) – to prevent bundled/harmful software (like adware) from infiltrating the system.

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 "Hubsync-dev" scam (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 "Hubsync-dev" 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 intended to trick users into performing certain actions. For example, victims may be lured into disclosing private information, connecting digital wallets to crypto drainers, sending money to scammers, downloading/installing software, buying products, subscribing to services, etc.

What is the purpose of online scams?

Online scams are designed to generate revenue at victims' expense. Cyber criminals predominantly profit by obtaining funds through deception, endorsing content (e.g., sides, software, products, etc.), selling/abusing sensitive data, and distributing malware.

I have provided my personal information when tricked by a scam, what should I do?

If you have disclosed your log-in credentials – immediately change the passwords/passphrases of all potentially exposed accounts and inform their official support. However, if the provided information was of a different personal nature (e.g., ID card details, credit card numbers, etc.) – contact the appropriate authorities without delay.

I have lost digital assets to the "Hubsync-dev" scam, can I get my money back?

No, cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible due to their nearly untraceable nature. Therefore, victims of scams like "Hubsync-dev" cannot get their money back.

Why do I encounter online scams?

Online scams are primarily promoted via intrusive ads (malvertising), webpages employing rogue advertising networks, spam (e.g., emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, social media posts, browser notifications, etc.), typosquatting (misspelled URLs), and adware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from online scams?

Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning every single website that you visit for deceptive/malicious content. Therefore, should you happen upon a webpage hosting such – you will be immediately warned, and further access to it will be blocked.

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