The Claim $SKATE Coin scam is a deceptive phishing and fraud operation disguised as a legitimate SKATE token airdrop. Cybercriminals lure users into connecting their crypto wallets, trick them into signing malicious smart contracts, and drain funds from those wallets without consent. Although it mimics the real Skate platform, this scam is fraudulent and has led to irreversible financial losses for unsuspecting victims.
Overview of the Threat
- Threat Type: Phishing / Social Engineering / Cryptocurrency Drainer / Fraud
- Associated Domain: skatechain[.]us (and potentially others impersonating skatechain.org)
- Detection Names: Fortinet (Phishing), multiple flags on VirusTotal
- Symptoms of Infection:
- Prompt to connect a crypto wallet
- Request to sign a transaction or smart contract
- Unauthorized and automated crypto transfers from wallet
- Damage & Distribution:
- Loss of cryptocurrency assets
- Spread via social media spam, fake advertisements, deceptive links, and browser hijackers
- Danger Level: High — permanent financial loss due to unauthorized wallet access
- Removal Tool: SpyHunter
Field | Details |
---|---|
Threat Type | Phishing / Cryptocurrency Drainer |
Associated Domain | skatechain[.]us and related phishing domains |
Detection Names | Fortinet (Phishing), VirusTotal (various flags) |
Symptoms | Wallet connection prompt, cryptotransfers, asset loss |
Damage & Distribution | Financial loss, spread via deceptive websites and ads |
Danger Level | High |
Removal Tool | SpyHunter |
Detailed Evaluation: How It Works and What It Does
How I Got Infected
Most victims encounter this scam through fraudulent ads, social media promotions, spammed links, or phishing pages that impersonate a legitimate SKATE token airdrop. These pages use official branding and logos to appear authentic and entice users to link their wallet.
What It Does
Once the user connects their crypto wallet to the malicious site, they’re prompted to approve a smart contract. This contract is intentionally crafted to authorize token transfers without further user input. Once signed, the scammer’s automated script begins transferring tokens or funds out of the victim’s wallet, draining their assets without consent.
Should You Be Worried for Your System?
Yes. While this scam doesn’t typically install malware on your computer, the consequences are severe due to the irreversible nature of blockchain transactions. Once crypto assets are transferred to a scam wallet, they cannot be recovered. The scam poses a serious threat to anyone interacting with web3 wallets.
Eliminating Crypto Scam Threats
Step 1: Identify and Report the Scam
- Gather evidence (screenshots, emails, transaction IDs).
- Report the fraud to:
- Your crypto exchange (Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, etc.).
- Law enforcement agencies like the FBI’s IC3 (ic3.gov) or the SEC (sec.gov/tcr).
- The Federal Trade Commission (reportfraud.ftc.gov).
- Blockchain explorers (like Etherscan) to check your wallet transactions.
Step 2: Uninstall Suspicious Software & Apps
- On Windows: Open Control Panel > Programs & Features → Find & Uninstall suspicious programs.
- On macOS:Go to Finder > Applications → Drag unwanted apps to Trash.
- On Android & iOS: Go to Settings > Apps → Uninstall fake crypto wallets or trading apps.
Step 3: Remove Malicious Browser Extensions
- Google Chrome:
- Open
chrome://extensions/
- Remove any unfamiliar or crypto-related suspicious add-ons.
- Open
- Firefox / Edge / Safari:
- Go to browser settings > extensions → Delete suspicious ones.
- Clear browser cache & cookies:
- Open browser settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data.
Step 4: Secure Your Accounts & Wallets
Change passwords immediately for:
- Crypto wallets
- Exchanges
- Email & social media
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
- Use Google Authenticator, YubiKey, or Authy.
Move remaining funds to a secure wallet:
- Use a hardware wallet (Ledger, Trezor) instead of online wallets.
Step 5: Scan for Hidden Malware & Keyloggers
Your system may still have spyware, tracking your keystrokes or redirecting you to scam sites. A deep scan is essentialto detect and remove threats.
⏳ For a thorough malware check, use SpyHunter. (See Method 2 below.)
Automatic Removal with SpyHunter
If you suspect hidden malware, SpyHunter can detect and remove crypto scam-related malware, trojans, and browser hijackers.
Step 1: Download SpyHunter
Follow SpyHunter installation instructions here: SpyHunter Download Guide
Step 2: Install and Run SpyHunter
- Run the SpyHunter installer.
- Follow the on-screen installation steps.
- Launch SpyHunter after installation.
Step 3: Perform a Full Malware Scan
- Click “Start Scan Now”.
- Let SpyHunter scan for:
- Crypto-stealing malware
- Browser hijackers redirecting to fake exchanges
- Phishing-related spyware
Step 4: Remove All Detected Threats
- Click “Fix Threats” to eliminate malicious programs.
- Restart your system to complete the cleanup.
Step 5: Enable Real-Time Protection for Future Security
Activate SpyHunter’s real-time protection to:
- Block phishing & scam websites
- Prevent future infections
- Monitor system vulnerabilities
Proactive Prevention: How to Avoid Crypto Scams
- NEVER share your private keys or seed phrases – even with “support teams.”
- Always verify URLs before logging in to exchanges.
- Use only official wallet apps from trusted sources.
- Ignore unsolicited investment offers via Telegram, Discord, and social media.
- Check for HTTPS & security certificates before entering login details.
- Regularly scan your device for hidden malware and spyware.
- Store crypto in a hardware wallet (Ledger, Trezor) rather than online wallets.
Conclusion
The Claim $SKATE Coin scam represents a high-risk phishing campaign targeting cryptocurrency users through fake airdrop websites. By impersonating a legitimate blockchain project, it tricks users into connecting their wallets and unknowingly authorizing transactions that lead to financial theft. Do not interact with untrusted airdrop links or sign unknown contracts. If you believe your system or browser was compromised in any way, scanning with SpyHunter is recommended.