The MakerDAO Rewards scam is a phishing/social‑engineering fraud promising free MKR tokens via a fake promotion. Hosted on a spoof site (maker‑events[.]net), it impersonates MakerDAO’s official platform to trick users into connecting their crypto wallets. Once connected, a malicious crypto drainer steals funds instantly.
Threat Summary
Field | Details |
---|---|
Threat type | Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
Associated domain | maker‑events[.]net (fake MakerDAO site) |
Detection names | Fake MakerDAO Rewards website |
Symptoms of infection | Unofficial domain, unrealistic free token claims, prompts to connect wallet |
Damage / Distribution | Wallet-draining tool steals crypto, irreversible blockchain transactions |
Danger level | High — direct financial loss via connected wallet approval |
Removal tool | SpyHunter |
Detailed Evaluation
How I Got Infected
Users typically land on this scam via deceptive social media ads or hacked/promoted posts claiming exclusive free MKR rewards. They click “Claim now” and proceed to connect their wallet—often MetaMask or another Web3 wallet—without verifying the URL. Once connected, the drainer executes malicious transactions.
What Does It Do?
After wallet connection, the scam site requests transaction signature approvals (common in “permit phishing”). Those approvals grant the drainer full access, draining assets in an automated way—no further user interaction needed. These actions happen fast and irreversibly on-chain.
Should You Be Worried?
Yes. Because blockchain transactions are irreversible, once the drainer is approved, your funds are essentially gone. The site is convincing enough to mimic official branding, making it dangerous even for experienced users. Always double-check domains and avoid too-good-to-be-true offers.
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 MakerDAO Rewards scam is a deceptive phishing scheme designed to steal cryptocurrency through a fake rewards offer. Prevention is key: always verify domains before connecting wallets, and never proceed with unsolicited offers. If you suspect compromise, use SpyHunter (linked above) to inspect your system and remove any potential malware. Protecting your crypto also starts with skepticism of unrealistic promotions.