What kind of scam is "WalletConnect & Web3Inbox Airdrop"?
"WalletConnect & Web3Inbox Airdrop" is a scam. It is presented as an airdrop held by the WalletConnect and Web3Inbox. The scheme is not associated with any legitimate services or other entities. This scam operates as a cryptocurrency drainer and steals the funds stored in victims' digital wallets.
"WalletConnect & Web3Inbox Airdrop" scam overview
The webpage running this scam that we examined – airdrop.wallet-connect[.]io – closely resembled WalletConnect's official domain, which is walletconnect.com. However, this scheme could be promoted on other domains.
This fake airdrop (giveaway) is supposedly run by the WalletConnect cryptocurrency platform and Web3Inbox – a notification management tool for crypto-related apps. It must be stressed that this scam is not associated with either or any other genuine services, products, or entities.
Users are lured to expose their wallets by connecting them to the bogus site in order to participate in the airdrop. Once that is done, a draining mechanism is initiated; it performs automatic outgoing transactions from victims' cryptocurrency wallets.
Therefore, the digital assets stored therein are stolen, and the scope of the financial loss depends on their value. It must be mentioned that due to how untraceable cryptocurrency transactions are – they cannot be reversed.
| Name | "WalletConnect & Web3Inbox Airdrop" scam website |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Disguise | Airdrop held by WalletConnect and Web3Inbox. |
| Related Domains | airdrop.wallet-connect[.]io |
| Detection Names (airdrop.wallet-connect[.]io) | Emsisoft (Phishing), Ermes (Phishing), Certego (Suspicious), Fortinet (Spam), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (airdrop.wallet-connect[.]io) | 103.35.191.98 |
| Distribution methods | Spam emails, compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications. |
| Damage | Monetary loss |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Cryptocurrency drainer examples
"Token Terminal's Airdrop", "Cointelegraph's 10th Anniversary Airdrop", "De.Fi Launchpad Airdrop", and "Trust Wallet Mystery Box" are just a few examples of cryptocurrency-draining scams.
The Internet is rife with deceptive and malicious material. Various scam models are used, and common false claims relate to crypto airdrops, giveaways, product promotions, lotteries, system infections/errors, outdated software, shipping mishaps, etc.
While online schemes are associated with inconsistencies, spelling errors, and other egregious mistakes – that is not exclusively true. Scams may be elaborately crafted and even competently disguised as content related to legitimate websites, platforms, services, companies, organizations, institutions, and other entities.
How did I open a scam website?
Spam emails have been noted being used to promote "WalletConnect & Web3Inbox Airdrop". However, other endorsem*nt techniques are not unlikely.
Generally, online scams are pushed via links/attachments in spam (e.g., emails, browser notifications, DMs/PMs, SMSes, social media/ forum posts, etc.), mistyped URLs (typosquatting), websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive advertisem*nts, and installed adware.
How to avoid visiting scam websites?
We strongly recommend being careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads and spam browser notifications may look innocuous yet redirect to unreliable/hazardous sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, p*rnography, etc.).
We advise against using websites that offer pirated software/media or other questionable services (e.g., Torrenting, illegal streaming/downloading, etc.), as these webpages typically use rogue advertising networks. Another recommendation is to pay attention to URLs and enter them with care.
Be vigilant with incoming emails/messages, and do not open attachments or links found in suspicious mail. Should you enter a dubious page – do not permit it to display browser notifications (i.e., do not click "Allow", "Allow Notifications", etc.). Instead, ignore or deny the notification requests (i.e., select "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.).
To prevent bundled/harmful content from infiltrating the device – download from official/verified sources and treat installations with caution (e.g., read terms, explore options, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of additional apps, extensions, etc.).
If your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate all threats.
Text presented in the "WalletConnect & Web3Inbox Airdrop" scam:
Welcome to the Web3Inbox Airdrop
Connect your wallet to receive the exclusive Airdrop brought to you by - WalletConnect and Web3Inbox.
Connect Wallet
The appearance of "WalletConnect & Web3Inbox Airdrop" scam (GIF):
Screenshot of a spam email used to promote the "WalletConnect & Web3Inbox Airdrop" scam:
Text presented in this email:
You're invited!
We hope this email finds you well and thriving in the world of decentralized finance! Today, we're thrilled to bring you an exclusive celebration that promises to elevate your crypto experience to new heights.
This is not just another airdrop; it's a rare opportunity to amplify your crypto portfolio and be part of something extraordinary. The team at WalletConnect, in collaboration with Web3Inbox, is hosting a special occasion to express our gratitude to our valued users and community members.
[Join & Claim!]
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Quick menu:
- 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 macOS.
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 macOS) - 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 promoted on the Internet, which are designed to trick users into performing specific actions. For example, victims can be lured into connecting digital wallets to cryptocurrency drainers, disclosing vulnerable information, making monetary transactions, downloading/installing software, purchasing products, and so forth.
What is the purpose of online scams?
The purpose of online scams is to generate revenue. Cyber criminals profit primarily by obtaining funds through deception, abusing or selling private information, promoting content (e.g., websites, software, products, etc.), and spreading malware.
I have lost cryptocurrency to the "WalletConnect & Web3Inbox Airdrop" scam, can I get my money back?
No, cryptocurrency transactions cannot be reversed due to their practically untraceable nature.
Why do I encounter online scams?
"WalletConnect & Web3Inbox Airdrop" has been observed being promoted via spam emails. However, other promotional methods are possible. Some of the most commonly used techniques include spam (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, social media posts, browser notifications, etc.), websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs (typosquatting), intrusive adverts, and adware.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from online scams?
Combo Cleaner can scan every website you visit and detect rogue, deceptive/scam, and malicious ones. Therefore, should you enter such a webpage – you will be immediately warned, and further access to it will be denied.
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