Scammers are always finding new ways to impersonate legitimate projects in the world of cryptocurrency. One recent and dangerous example is the fraudulent Fake Elixir (ELX) website hosted at elixir.finance-web3[.]com
. This malicious page closely imitates the real Elixir platform (elixir.xyz) with the sole purpose of stealing unsuspecting users’ cryptocurrency.
If you’re involved in decentralized finance (DeFi), this is a critical scam to be aware of. The website uses social engineering tactics to trick users into connecting their crypto wallets, only to deploy a drainer that siphons funds immediately and irreversibly.
Threat Summary
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Threat Name | Fake Elixir (ELX) Scam Site |
Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Crypto Drainer |
Disguise | Legitimate Elixir (ELX) website (elixir.xyz) |
Related Domain | elixir.finance-web3[.]com |
Associated Emails | None reported |
Detection Names | G-Data (Phishing), VirusTotal detections |
Symptoms | Unofficial domain, no security validation, wallet connection prompts |
Distribution Methods | Fake websites, rogue ads, hacked social profiles, pop-ups |
Damage | Cryptocurrency theft, identity theft, financial loss, irreversible transfers |
Danger Level | Critical |
What Is the Fake Elixir (ELX) Web Page?
Elixir, found at elixir.xyz, is a legitimate decentralized platform that enhances liquidity on cryptocurrency exchanges. It allows users to contribute liquidity safely, making the trading ecosystem smoother and more accessible. Unfortunately, scammers have copied this interface and set up a lookalike site to exploit users’ trust in the Elixir name.
The fake page, located at elixir.finance-web3[.]com
, is nearly identical in design and branding. The main difference is its purpose: to steal your cryptocurrency. Once you connect your wallet, a malicious drainer script initiates a transfer of your digital assets to the scammer’s wallet—leaving you powerless to recover anything.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), since 2021, over 46,000 people have reported more than $1 billion in losses due to cryptocurrency scams. This makes crypto the leading form of monetary loss via scams, accounting for about one in every four dollars lost.
How It Works
- Impersonation: The site perfectly mimics the official Elixir interface to gain trust.
- Wallet Connection: Victims are prompted to connect their cryptocurrency wallet.
- Triggering the Drainer: Upon connection, the malicious script activates and transfers all available crypto assets to the attacker’s wallet.
- Irreversibility: Due to the immutable nature of blockchain transactions, funds cannot be recovered.
These types of scams often spread through phishing campaigns, sponsored ads, and manipulated social media links that appear to be posted by legitimate crypto influencers or even hijacked official accounts.
Why It’s Dangerous
The simplicity and effectiveness of this scam make it extremely dangerous. Users with even a modest knowledge of DeFi can be fooled due to the high level of detail in the fake page’s design. Unlike some forms of malware, this scam doesn’t need to infect your device—it simply tricks you into giving access to your crypto wallet.
This means that even the most secure hardware wallets are vulnerable if the user voluntarily signs a malicious transaction.
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 Fake Elixir (ELX) scam is a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in the crypto ecosystem. While blockchain technology offers unprecedented financial freedom, it also demands a high level of vigilance. Always double-check domain names, avoid clicking on unfamiliar links, and never connect your wallet to a platform you haven’t independently verified.
Stay cautious, stay updated, and spread awareness to protect your community from crypto drainers like this.