How to spot scams like the fake PumpBTC Airdrop

What is fake "PumpBTC Airdrop"?

During our inspection of the site (claims-pumpbtc[.]net), we found that it is a fake website masquerading as the legitimate PumpBTC site (mainnet.pumpbtc.xyz). Scammers behind the fraudulent page aim to steal cryptocurrency from users. Users should avoid interacting with the fake site to avoid monetary loss.

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 "PumpBTC Airdrop" in detail

PumpBTC (mainnet.pumpbtc.xyz) allows individuals who own Bitcoin to earn extra rewards by locking it into a system called Babylon. It is like turning Bitcoin into a version that can grow over time, similar to saving money in a high-interest account. Our discovery shows that scammers have created a fake website (claims-pumpbtc[.]net) to lure users into taking specific actions.

The fake site claims that all PumpBTC holders are eligible for an increased allocation in a $PUMP Airdrop (giveaway). It encourages visitors to connect their cryptocurrency wallets to check their reward eligibility. This tactic is designed to trick users into taking steps that allow scammers to steal cryptocurrency.

Connecting a wallet on the fraudulent platform activates a cryptocurrency drainer designed to automatically transfer funds from the victim's wallet to the scammer's. Once cryptocurrency is stolen, it is virtually impossible to recover. As a result, victims of scams such as claims-pumpbtc[.]net can face irreversible financial losses.

It is important to verify the legitimacy of cryptocurrency airdrops and similar offers to avoid losing crypto holdings or experiencing other negative outcomes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, scams like the fraudulent claims-pumpbtc[.]net website highlight the importance of vigilance when engaging with cryptocurrency-related offers. While legitimate platforms such as PumpBTC offer opportunities for Bitcoin holders to earn rewards, scammers exploit this by creating fake sites designed to steal cryptocurrency.

Some examples of similar scams that use crypto drainers to steal assets are "Fake DeXe Protocol", "Beraborrow ($BERA) Rewards", and "$TWOCS Token Presale".

How did I open a scam website?

Crypto drainer scams are often promoted using fake or compromised accounts on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Scammers also use hacked WordPress sites to promote these scams. Moreover, users can be directed to fraudulent pages through links in phishing emails, misleading ads, suspicious pop-ups, or push notifications from shady websites.

Additionally, rogue advertising networks (commonly used by torrent sites, illegal movie streaming platforms, and other untrustworthy pages) can lead users to deceptive sites. In some cases, adware installed on users' devices can deliver scam-related ads.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Be cautious with unexpected, irrelevant emails from unknown or suspicious senders — never click on links or open attachments included in such emails. Download software from reputable sources or trusted app stores, and ensure your operating system and applications are kept up to date.

Avoid clicking on pop-ups, ads, or links from untrustworthy websites, and always reject notification requests from dubious sites. Make it a habit to run regular security scans on your computer using reliable antivirus software to detect potential threats. If your computer is already infected with unwanted apps, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

The appearance of "PumpBTC Airdrop" scam website (GIF):

The official PumpBTC website (mainnet.pumpbtc.xyz):

Instant automatic malware removal:

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Quick menu:

• What is Fake PumpBTC airdrop?
• 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 a fake cryptocurrency airdrop?

It is a fraudulent scheme designed to deceive users into believing they will receive free cryptocurrency, typically in the form of tokens or coins, in exchange for certain actions.

What is the purpose of a fake crypto airdrop?

These scams are typically created to lure unsuspecting users into connecting their cryptocurrency wallets, entering personal information, or sending funds. Scammers aim to steal cryptocurrency and (or) personal details.

Why do I encounter fake airdrops and other scams?

Crypto scams are often promoted through fake accounts on social media platforms, hacked WordPress sites, phishing emails, misleading ads, suspicious pop-ups, or push notifications from shady websites. Rogue ad networks, often found on torrent or illegal streaming sites, and adware on devices can also lead to these fraudulent sites.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from scam websites?

Combo Cleaner scans all websites users visit, identifying malicious sites and scams. It alerts users to potential threats and blocks access to harmful pages.