The Ethereum (ETH) Reward Program Scam is a deceptive cryptocurrency fraud that promises users a chance to double their Ethereum in return for sending a contribution to a specified wallet. This scam relies on trust and urgency, typically spreading through social media and fraudulent websites. Unfortunately, once victims send their ETH, they receive nothing in return—resulting in a total loss of their funds.
Threat Overview
Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
---|---|
Fake Claim | Contributors will receive double the amount of ETH sent |
Associated Domain | ethereum.org-event[.]info |
Cybercriminal Wallet | 0x98ee9e988c6c2B5b6eA98017D0A2D56f1896914E |
Detection Names | Seclookup (Malicious), other scam identifiers |
Symptoms of Infection | Unexplained ETH transfers, financial loss, redirected pages |
Damage | Irreversible cryptocurrency loss |
Distribution Methods | Fake websites, pop-ups, social media ads |
Danger Level | High |
Removal Tool | SpyHunter |
In-Depth Threat Analysis
How Did I Get Infected?
Most victims encounter this scam via:
- Social Media Ads: Promoted posts that claim a partnership with Ethereum or a major exchange.
- Imposter Websites: Pages designed to mimic legitimate Ethereum sites.
- Popup Redirects: Aggressive adware that redirects users to scam pages.
Once on the page, the user is encouraged to send ETH with the promise of a doubled return. This is a trick to make users transfer crypto directly into the scammer’s wallet.
What Does It Do?
This scam doesn’t install malware or viruses but instead:
- Deceives users into sending ETH to a scam wallet.
- Displays fake messages showing bogus “live” transaction feeds to add credibility.
- Offers no actual return—once ETH is sent, it is gone.
There is no legitimate reason to send cryptocurrency to an address to “verify your wallet” or “double your ETH.”
Should You Be Worried for Your System?
While the scam is primarily financial in nature, the associated websites may also:
- Track your data and IP address.
- Redirect to malware-ridden domains.
- Leave your system vulnerable to further phishing attempts.
To ensure your system is not compromised beyond financial damage, it is highly recommended to scan it with SpyHunter, which is capable of detecting and removing associated threats.
Scam Message Example
A typical message seen on the scam site reads:
100,000 ETH REWARD PROGRAM
To verify your address, just send from 0.5 to 200 ETH to the address below and get from 1 to 400 ETH (x2 back)!
These messages are fake and aim to create urgency, pushing victims into impulsive actions without proper verification.
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 Ethereum (ETH) Reward Program scam is a textbook example of a crypto fraud that relies on hype, impersonation, and greed. Victims are misled by polished websites and fake promises, only to lose their ETH permanently. If you have visited such sites or fear you’ve interacted with them, scan your device using SpyHunter to eliminate any related threats and protect your system from further harm.