The $HILO Rewards Scam is a sophisticated cryptocurrency giveaway hoax. Scammers set up a convincing imitation of the real HILO site (claim-hilo.app) to trick users into connecting their crypto wallets. Once connected, malicious scripts deploy a cryptocurrency drainer that siphons funds—instantly and irreversibly—into the attackers’ wallets.
Threat Overview
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Threat type | Phishing / Social Engineering / Fraud |
Associated domain | claim-hilo.app (fake) |
Detection names | Seclookup (Malicious); VirusTotal (Multiple detections) |
Symptoms of infection | You’ve connected your wallet and notice missing funds immediately afterward |
Damage & distribution | Crypto theft via wallet draining; spread through fake social media, pop-up ads, rogue websites |
Danger level | High |
Removal tool | SpyHunter – Download SpyHunter |
Detailed Threat Evaluation
How I got infected
Victims are lured via deceptive ads, rogue social media accounts, phishing emails, or pop-up ads leading to claim-hilo.app
. The site mimics the real official site, urging users to connect their wallet for “free $HILO token rewards.”
What it does
Upon connecting a wallet, a hidden drainer executes, transferring cryptocurrency out of your wallet—completely invisibly. Because blockchain transactions are final, there’s no way to reverse the theft.
Should you be worried?
Yes. This scam is specifically designed to steal cryptocurrency. Even one interaction can result in significant financial loss. Users should remain highly skeptical of unsolicited crypto “giveaways” and double-check every URL before connecting a wallet.
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 $HILO Rewards Scam poses a serious threat to anyone with a cryptocurrency wallet. It’s well-crafted to appear legitimate, making even cautious users vulnerable. If you’ve connected your wallet and lost funds, the damage is usually final. However, to protect yourself in the future: never connect wallets to sites found via unverified links; always verify domain authenticity; and use trusted security software like SpyHunter to block malicious sites.