While navigating untrustworthy websites, cybersecurity researchers have identified a deceptive phishing scheme disguised as a “Solana L2 Presale.” This scam is specifically engineered to trick unsuspecting users into revealing their cryptocurrency wallet credentials. The fraudulent presale campaign has no affiliation with the legitimate Solana blockchain platform (solana.com) and poses a serious risk to anyone who engages with it.
Fake “Solana L2 Presale” Scam Overview
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Threat Name | Solana L2 Presale scam |
Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
Disguise | Solana Layer 2 Presale event |
Detected Domain | dashboard-solaxy.pages[.]dev |
Serving IP | 172.66.47.73 |
Detection Names | CyRadar (Phishing), Emsisoft (Phishing), Netcraft (Malicious), Trustwave (Phishing), Webroot (Malicious) |
Symptoms of Infection | Unauthorized wallet access, missing crypto funds, abnormal login activity |
Associated Emails | No known associated emails |
Distribution Methods | Rogue pop-up ads, compromised websites, social media spam, PUAs |
Damage | Financial loss via stolen crypto assets |
Danger Level | Critical – Immediate threat to cryptocurrency holdings |
What Is the “Solana L2 Presale” Scam?
The scam operates through phishing websites such as dashboard-solaxy.pages[.]dev
, where victims are prompted to connect their digital wallets under the guise of participating in an early investment opportunity tied to Solana’s Layer 2 technology. Upon connecting their wallets, users are unknowingly providing sensitive login information directly to cybercriminals.
The scam relies on social engineering tactics and digital trickery to gain unauthorized access to victims’ crypto assets. Since blockchain transactions are irreversible and difficult to trace, funds lost in such scams are virtually impossible to recover.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), since early 2021, over $1 billion in cryptocurrency has been reported lost to fraud. A significant portion of these losses stems from phishing and social engineering schemes like the fake “Solana L2 Presale.”
Why This Scam Is Dangerous
Once the scammers get access to your wallet credentials, they can immediately transfer out all stored funds, leaving no chance for retrieval. Unlike traditional bank fraud, there is no customer service or reversal process on decentralized blockchain platforms. The anonymity and irreversibility of crypto transactions make these scams even more dangerous and devastating.
Furthermore, the scam can be promoted through social media posts, online ads, or compromised websites, often disguised with professional-looking branding to add credibility. Victims may not realize they’ve been tricked until it’s far too late.
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 “Solana L2 Presale” phishing scam is a sobering reminder of how sophisticated and damaging cryptocurrency fraud has become. Users must exercise extreme caution when interacting with online presale announcements, especially those requiring wallet logins or connection to third-party domains. If you ever come across platforms claiming affiliation with Solana or any other major blockchain, always verify legitimacy through official sources.
Avoid connecting your wallet to unfamiliar or unverified platforms. With phishing scams like this on the rise, a moment of caution can prevent a significant financial loss.