Avoid having your digital wallet stolen via "DappsConnector" scam sites

What kind of scam is "DappsConnector"?

While investigating suspect sites, our researchers discovered the "DappsConnector" scam. It is a phishing scheme that imitates a webpage linked to the WalletConnect open-source protocol. The scam seeks to deceive users into disclosing their cryptocurrency wallet log-in credentials.

It must be emphasized that this "DappsConnector" is not associated with WalletConnect or any other legitimate services and entities.

"DappsConnector" scam overview

The "DappsConnector" scam bears the logo of WalletConnect – an open-source protocol that connects digital wallets to dApps (Decentralized Applications). The scheme parrots this functionality but does possess it.

It must be reiterated that the fake "DappsConnector" protocol is in no way associated with WalletConnect or any other existing services and entities.

When a user attempts to connect their digital wallet to this fraudulent platform, it runs a hoax connection initiation that encounters an "error". Thereby, the user is requested to connect manually, i.e., by entering their cryptowallet log-in credentials.

The phishing scam records this information and sends it to scammers, thus enabling them to hijack the wallet and steal the cryptocurrency stored therein. The scope of the financial loss depends on the value of the stolen digital assets.

It is pertinent to mention that due to the practically untraceable nature of cryptocurrency transactions – they cannot be reversed. Therefore, victims of scams like this "DappsConnector" cannot recover their funds.

Threat Summary:

Name	"DappsConnector" phishing scam
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Fake Claim	Protocol that allows users to connect cryptowallets and dApps.
Disguise	WalletConnect
Related Domains	presaleswiftclaim.pages[.]dev, multiauthourize.pages[.]dev, synchronizedswallets.pages[.]dev, walletsynchronizedapp.pages[.]dev
Detection Names (presaleswiftclaim.pages[.]dev)	alphaMountain.ai (Phishing), Combo Cleaner (Phishing), ESET (Phishing), Fortinet (Phishing), Google Safebrowsing (Phishing), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address	172.66.46.220
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-specific scam examples

We have investigated thousands of online scams; "Bitcoin NFT Verification", "Crypto Maindapp Dapps Protocol", and "PepeCoin OG" are merely a couple of our newest articles on crypto-targeting schemes.

These scams operate in one of three primary ways: phishing for cryptowallet log-in credentials, utilizing draining mechanisms to steal funds from compromised digital wallets, and deceiving users into manually transferring funds to scammer-owned wallets.

However, the Internet is rife with deceptive content that relies on various lures and mechanisms. Hence, we strongly advise vigilance when browsing and investing.

How did I open a scam website?

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

Cryptocurrency-specific schemes are prevalent on social media platforms. These scams can be made all the more convincing when the posts and direct/private messages promoting them are made using hacked accounts (i.e., ones originally belonging to real entrepreneurs, celebrities, influencers, projects, companies, etc.).

Crypto drainers are often endorsed via intrusive pop-up advertisements. Some can even execute draining scripts themselves; they entice users into "connecting" digital wallets by promising various boons. It is noteworthy that these adverts have been encountered on legitimate websites that had been compromised.

How to avoid visiting scam websites?

Caution is crucial to online safety. Therefore, always pay attention to URLs and type them carefully. Be wary of advertisements and other online content making offers that sound too good to be true.

Do not permit questionable webpages to deliver browser notifications; instead, ignore or deny such requests (i.e., click "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.).

Do not use websites offering pirated content or other dubious services (e.g., illegal streaming or downloading, Torrenting, etc.), as these sites are typically monetized via rogue advertising networks. Be vigilant with incoming emails and other messages; do not open attachments or links found in suspicious/irrelevant mail.

Download only from official/verified sources and approach installations with care (e.g., read terms, explore options, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of supplementary apps, extensions, etc.) – to prevent bundled/dangerous software (like adware) 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 "DappsConnector" scam (GIF):

Another example of DappsConnector-themed scam website (hypertechsmart.pages[.]dev):

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Quick menu:

• What is "DappsConnector" phishing 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?

An online scam is a type of content hosted on the Internet that aims to deceive users into performing certain actions. For example, victims may be enticed into disclosing sensitive data, connecting digital wallets to crypto drainers, making monetary transactions, buying products, subscribing to services, downloading/installing software, calling fake support lines, and so forth.

What is the purpose of online scams?

Online scams are designed to generate revenue at victims' expense. Cyber criminals predominantly profit by abusing/selling private information, acquiring funds through deception, endorsing content (e.g., sites, products, services, etc.), and distributing malware.

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

If you have provided your log-in credentials – change the passwords/passphrases of all possibly exposed accounts and inform their official support. And if you've disclosed personally identifiable finance-related information (e.g., ID card details, credit card numbers, etc.) – contact the appropriate authorities without delay.

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

No, these transactions cannot be reversed due to their nearly untraceable nature. Hence, victims of scams like this fake "DappsConnector" cannot get their money back.

Why do I encounter online scams?

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

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from online scams?

Combo Cleaner is designed to scan every single website that you visit for deceptive/malicious content. Should you happen upon such a webpage – Combo Cleaner will immediately warn you and restrict all further access to the site.

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