Avoid getting scammed by fake "Launchifi Dapp" websites
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is the fake "Launchifi Dapp" website?
"Launchifi Dapp" is a fake site that imitates the Launchifi (launchifi.xyz) platform. We found this scam endorsed on launchifi-dapp.pages[.]dev, but it could also be hosted elsewhere. The imitator page promotes a cryptocurrency drainer. Essentially, it steals funds from compromised digital wallets.
It must be stressed that this drainer scam is in no way associated with the real Launchifi or any other existing platforms and entities.
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 "Launchifi Dapp" website overview
This scam masquerades as the Launchifi (launchifi.xyz) platform, which offers compatibility with multiple blockchains and automatic dApp integration. Launchifi has a Web3 marketplace that allows users to mint and auction NFTs (gaming, free-to-mint, etc.), as well as launch, stake, and trade tokens.
It must be reiterated that the scheme hosted on launchifi-dapp.pages[.]dev (and potentially other domains) is fake. It has to be emphasized that this scam is not associated with Launchifi or any other platforms and entities.
The scheme in question operates as a crypto drainer. When users "connect" their cryptowallets to the fraudulent page, it executes draining scripts. Funds stored in exposed wallets are transferred to those in the cyber criminals' possession.
These transactions are automated and may appear vague, thus remaining unnoticed for a significant amount of time. Drainers may be able to approximate the value of digital assets and prioritize their theft. The scope of the financial loss depends on the worth of the stolen assets.
It must be mentioned that these transactions are irreversible because of their nearly untraceable nature. Hence, victims of scams like this fake "Launchifi Dapp" site cannot recover the funds.
Name | "Launchifi Dapp" crypto drainer |
Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud, Cryptocurrency Drainer |
Disguise | Launchifi |
Related Domains | launchifi-dapp.pages[.]dev |
Detection Names | G-Data (Phishing), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Serving IP Address | 172.66.47.87 |
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
"Multiverse Connect Wallet", "$ETHFI Eligibility Check", "DApp Airdrop", and "$ZERO Token Distribution" are merely a few of our newest articles on crypto drainers.
Scams that target cryptocurrency primarily do so in one of three ways – utilizing draining mechanisms to siphon funds from exposed digital wallets, phishing for cryptowallet log-in credentials, or tricking users into manually transferring assets to scammer-owned wallets.
Various lures are used to gain victims' trust, e.g., false claims relating to existing online platforms/marketplaces, airdrops/giveaways, new coin/token promotions, account/wallet issues, suspicious activity detections, etc.
While online schemes are commonly shoddily put together and full of mistakes, they can be competently made and even perfectly copy the design of legitimate websites. Therefore, exercise the utmost vigilance when browsing and investing.
How did I open a scam website?
Cryptocurrency drainers are widely promoted via intrusive pop-up advertisements (malvertising). Some of the ads are fully functional drainers themselves; they entice users into "linking" cryptowallets by promising various boons. These pop-ups may be encountered on genuine sites that have been hacked.
Additionally, cryptocurrency-specific schemes are prevalent on social media platforms, particularly on X (more commonly referred to by its former name – Twitter). Promotional spam posts and DMs/PMs can be made using accounts stolen from real projects, companies, organizations, celebrities, entrepreneurs, etc.
Other endorsement techniques are not unlikely. Aside from the aforementioned methods, online scams are promoted via webpages using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs (typosquatting), different types of spam (e.g., emails, SMSes, browser notifications, forum posts, etc.), and adware.
How to avoid visiting scam websites?
The Internet is rife with deceptive and malicious content – hence, exercising caution is essential when browsing. Always pay attention to URLs and enter them carefully. Be wary of ads, and do not trust offers that sound too good to be true.
Do not permit dubious webpages to deliver browser notifications; instead, ignore or deny such requests from them (i.e., click "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.).
Do not use sites that offer pirated programs/media or other questionable services (e.g., illegal streaming/downloading, Torrenting, etc.), as these webpages are usually monetized via rogue advertising networks. Be vigilant with incoming emails and other messages; do not open attachments or links found in suspect mail.
Download only from official/trustworthy sources and approach installations carefully (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 fake "Launchifi Dapp" website (GIF):
Screenshot of the official Launchifi website (launchifi.xyz):
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 "Launchifi Dapp" crypto drainer?
- 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 hosted on the Web that aim to trick users into performing specific actions. For example, victims can be enticed into connecting digital wallets to crypto drainers, disclosing private information, sending money to scammers, purchasing products, downloading/installing software, subscribing to services, calling fake helplines, etc.
What is the purpose of online scams?
The goal of online scams is to generate revenue at victims' expense. Cyber criminals primarily profit by obtaining funds through deception, promoting content (e.g., websites, apps, services, etc.), selling/abusing vulnerable data, and proliferating malware.
I have lost digital assets to the "Launchifi Dapp" scam, can I get my money back?
These transactions cannot be reversed due to their practically untraceable nature. Hence, victims of scams like this fake "Launchifi Dapp" website cannot get their money back.
Why do I encounter online scams?
Widespread promotional methods include: spam (e.g., DMs/PMs, emails, SMSes, social media/ forum posts, browser notifications, etc.), sites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads (malvertising), mistyped URLs (typosquatting), and adware.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from online scams?
Combo Cleaner can scan every website that you visit for deceptive and malicious content. Hence, should you happen upon such a webpage – Combo Cleaner will immediately warn you and block all further access to the site.
▼ Show Discussion