Fake airdrop sites like “$IBVM Airdrop” trick users into connecting wallets & losing funds
What is the “$IBVM Airdrop” Scam?
The “$IBVM Airdrop” is a cryptocurrency drainer scam posing as an official airdrop for a token called IBVM(International Bitcoin Virtual Machine). The fake site (e.g., claim‑ibvm[.]xyz) mimics the design and branding of the real IBVM project to build trust. Once someone connects their crypto wallet, they’re tricked into signing a malicious smart contract that gives the scammer control to drain assets from the wallet.
Key facts:
- The site is not affiliated with any legitimate crypto project.
- It uses social engineering and official-looking branding to lure users.
- Once signed, smart contract permissions allow scammers to drain funds — and transactions on the blockchain are irreversible.
How the “$IBVM Airdrop” Crypto Drainer Works
| Phase | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Landing on site | User visits a fake site (e.g., claim‑ibvm[.]xyz) advertised through ads or social media. It claims to offer free tokens via an airdrop. |
| Wallet connection | The user is prompted to connect a crypto wallet (e.g., MetaMask). |
| Signing contract | The site asks the user to sign a smart contract — supposedly to “claim” tokens — which actually grants spending permissions. |
| Draining assets | The scammer uses those permissions to drain tokens, ETH, or other assets from the wallet. This can happen instantly or gradually. |
What Threats & Risks Are Involved
- Financial loss: All crypto assets in the wallet may be stolen.
- Loss of control: Permissions allow unrestricted access to tokens.
- Privacy risk: Some scams also attempt to log credentials or IP data.
- Reputation damage: If attackers use your wallet address, it could be tied to future scams.
How to Recognize the “$IBVM Airdrop” Scam
Here are warning signs to watch for:
- Suspicious or unfamiliar domains (especially *.xyz, *.top, etc.)
- Sudden prompts to connect a wallet and sign contracts
- “Too good to be true” claims like free tokens or exclusive rewards
- Urgent calls to action like “Only 2 hours left to claim!”
- Sites that look similar to real crypto projects but contain slight errors or inconsistencies
- No public audit reports or transparent team details
What to Do If You Encounter the Scam or Have Provided Access
- Stop interacting with the site immediately.
- Revoke contract permissions using your wallet or a service like Revoke.cash.
- Transfer remaining assets to a new, secure wallet address.
- Scan your device for malware, adware, or keyloggers.
- Check your transaction history for unauthorized transfers.
- Report the scam to your crypto wallet provider, local cybercrime authorities, and community security channels.
- Strengthen your security: change passwords, enable 2FA, and never reuse seed phrases.
Prevention: How to Stay Safe from Crypto Drainer Scams Like “$IBVM Airdrop”
- Only connect wallets to verified, official domains.
- Carefully review every smart contract before signing — especially if it asks for unlimited access to your tokens.
- Use a hardware wallet for added security.
- Install browser tools that block malicious URLs and phishing scripts.
- Keep crypto software up to date and only download from trusted sources.
- Be skeptical of giveaways, airdrops, or unsolicited messages promoting crypto offers.
FAQ
Can I get my crypto back if I fell for the scam?
No. Once funds leave your wallet via a signed transaction, they’re almost always unrecoverable. Blockchain transactions are permanent.
Does antivirus software help?
Yes. It can detect phishing sites, malicious scripts, and adware — helping you avoid landing on scam domains in the first place. But it won’t stop you from manually signing a malicious smart contract.
Dealign with Crypto Scams – Method 1: Manual Removal Guide
Follow these steps to manually remove crypto scams and protect your system.
Step 1: Identify the Crypto Scam Source
- Check if you’ve been contacted by a scammer through email, Telegram, Discord, WhatsApp, or social media.
- Identify any malicious software installed on your system, such as fake wallet apps or browser extensions.
- Scan your browser history and emails for phishing links.
Step 2: Report and Freeze Crypto Transactions (If Possible)
- Contact your crypto exchange immediately if you suspect fraud.
- Check if your transaction is pending (some blockchains allow canceling or replacing a transaction).
- Report the scam to authorities such as:
Step 3: Remove Malicious Software and Fake Wallet Apps
- Windows Users:
- Open Control Panel > Programs and Features
- Look for unknown apps related to crypto wallets or trading bots.
- Click Uninstall.
- Mac Users:
- Open Finder > Applications
- Locate suspicious apps and drag them to the Trash.
- On Mobile (Android & iOS):
- Go to Settings > Apps (Android) or General > iPhone Storage (iOS).
- Uninstall any unrecognized crypto wallet apps.
Step 4: Clear Browser Data and Remove Malicious Extensions
- Google Chrome:
- Go to chrome://extensions/
- Remove unfamiliar or suspicious extensions.
- Firefox, Edge, Safari:
- Open settings and remove unauthorized extensions.
- Clear Cache & Cookies:
- Open browser settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data
Step 5: Reset Passwords & Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Change passwords for your crypto exchanges, wallets, and emails.
- Use a strong, unique password for each account.
- Enable 2FA on all critical accounts (Google Authenticator or YubiKey recommended).
Step 6: Scan for Malware and Keyloggers
Even if you removed software manually, some malware can still lurk in your system. Use a security tool to perform a deep scan (see SpyHunter method below for an automatic removal process).
Step 7: Monitor Your Accounts & Funds
- Track your crypto wallet transactions using Etherscan or Blockchain Explorer.
- Keep an eye on email login alerts from suspicious locations.
- Use a hardware wallet (Ledger, Trezor) for better security.
Method 2: Automatic Removal Using SpyHunter
For a fast and reliable way to remove crypto scam-related malware, use SpyHunter.
Step 1: Download SpyHunter
Step 2: Install SpyHunter
- Run the SpyHunter setup file.
- Follow the on-screen installation steps.
- Open SpyHunter once installed.
Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan
- Click on "Start Scan Now" to analyze your system.
- Wait for the scan to detect crypto scam malware, spyware, keyloggers, and phishing trojans.
Step 4: Remove Threats Automatically
- Click "Fix Threats" after the scan completes.
- SpyHunter will eliminate malware, fake apps, and browser hijackers.
Step 5: Protect Your System from Future Crypto Scams
- Enable SpyHunter's Real-Time Protection to block phishing sites and prevent future infections.
- Regularly scan your system for new threats.
Prevention Tips: How to Avoid Crypto Scams in the Future
- Always verify website URLs before logging into exchanges or wallets.
- Avoid unsolicited investment offers on Telegram, Discord, and email.
- Never share your private keys or recovery phrases with anyone.
- Use a hardware wallet instead of online wallets.
- Regularly update your antivirus and anti-malware software.
- Be skeptical of high-return crypto investment schemes.
Conclusion
The “$IBVM Airdrop” scam is a sophisticated crypto drainer that exploits trust, branding, and user error. If you’re ever prompted to sign a contract for “free tokens,” pause and investigate. Crypto safety depends on skepticism, security hygiene, and refusing to interact with unverified platforms.
