“Pepe Rewards” Scam

The “Pepe Rewards” scam is a fraudulent phishing campaign that impersonates the Pepe coin platform, offering fake airdrops to steal users’ cryptocurrency wallet credentials. By luring unsuspecting users to connect their wallets to a bogus platform, the scammers can gain full access to victims’ digital assets. This scam is part of a larger trend of cryptocurrency-related frauds exploiting hype around popular meme coins and tokens.

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Threat Overview

Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Disguise	Fake Pepe coin airdrop
Associated Domain	pepe-bonus[.]com
Detection Names	Seclookup (Malicious), Fortinet (Spam)
Symptoms of Infection	Unauthorized access to cryptocurrency wallets, unexpected transactions
Damage	Monetary loss due to stolen cryptocurrency
Distribution Methods	Compromised websites, social media spam, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications
Danger Level	High
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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In-Depth Analysis

How Did I Get Infected?

Users typically encounter the “Pepe Rewards” scam through:

• Compromised Websites: Redirects from hacked or malicious websites.
• Social Media Spam: Links shared through deceptive posts on Twitter, Telegram, or Discord.
• Pop-Up Ads: Aggressive online advertisements claiming Pepe coin airdrops.
• Bundled Software: Downloaded programs or browser extensions that trigger the phishing page.

What Does It Do?

When users visit the fake Pepe coin airdrop site, they are instructed to connect their cryptocurrency wallet—often using platforms like MetaMask or Trust Wallet. The phishing page captures the user’s private keys or passphrases. Once obtained, the scammers gain control of the wallet and can instantly transfer funds or assets out of the victim’s account.

Should You Be Worried for Your System?

Yes. While the scam primarily targets cryptocurrency wallets rather than infecting the operating system itself, the financial consequences are severe:

• Immediate Loss: Scammers can drain your wallet instantly.
• Extended Impact: If you use the same seed phrase for multiple wallets, more assets could be compromised.
• Data Exposure: Personal or login details entered into the phishing site could be reused for further attacks.

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:
  • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
  • U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Step 3: Remove Malicious Software and Fake Wallet Apps

1. Windows Users:
   • Open Control Panel > Programs and Features
   • Look for unknown apps related to crypto wallets or trading bots.
   • Click Uninstall.
2. Mac Users:
   • Open Finder > Applications
   • Locate suspicious apps and drag them to the Trash.
3. 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

1. Google Chrome:
   • Go to chrome://extensions/
   • Remove unfamiliar or suspicious extensions.
2. Firefox, Edge, Safari:
   • Open settings and remove unauthorized extensions.
3. 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.

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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

1. Run the SpyHunter setup file.
2. Follow the on-screen installation steps.
3. Open SpyHunter once installed.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on "Start Scan Now" to analyze your system.
2. Wait for the scan to detect crypto scam malware, spyware, keyloggers, and phishing trojans.

Step 4: Remove Threats Automatically

1. Click "Fix Threats" after the scan completes.
2. 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.

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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.

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Conclusion

The "Pepe Rewards" scam is a high-risk phishing operation exploiting interest in meme cryptocurrencies. Users are lured by promises of free tokens only to have their digital wallets compromised. Never trust unsolicited offers or airdrops without verifying the source. To protect your system and identity from scams like these, use trusted security software like SpyHunter to detect and remove any related threats.