The TON Guard Scam is a deceptive phishing scheme targeting cryptocurrency users, particularly those involved with The Open Network (TON). This scam uses a fraudulent website that mimics the official TON platform, tricking users into connecting their digital wallets. Once connected, the scam activates a cryptocurrency drainer that automatically steals funds from the victim’s wallet.
Threat Overview
Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
---|---|
Disguise | Fake TON website |
Associated Domain | aml-cryptocheck[.]net |
Detection Names | CRDF (Malicious), Emsisoft (Phishing), Fortinet (Phishing), G-Data (Phishing), Netcraft (Malicious), Webroot (Malicious) |
Symptoms of Infection | Unofficial domain, lack of official verification, unrealistic claims, too good-to-be-true promises |
Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss |
Distribution Methods | Deceptive emails, compromised or hijacked websites, stolen or fake social media profiles, rogue pop-up ads, unwanted apps |
Danger Level | High |
Removal Tool | SpyHunter |
In-Depth Analysis
How Did I Get Infected?
Users typically encounter the TON Guard Scam through deceptive email links, fake social media profiles, or malicious ads. The scam directs users to a lookalike website (aml-cryptocheck[.]net) where they are urged to connect their crypto wallet under the guise of joining the TON network.
What Does It Do?
Once a user connects their wallet, a hidden cryptocurrency drainer script is activated. This script quietly extracts all available funds from the wallet and transfers them to a scammer-controlled address. Because cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, the funds are permanently lost.
Should You Be Worried for Your System?
Absolutely. While the scam primarily targets cryptocurrency funds, it may also compromise sensitive data tied to your wallet. Victims may become targets for further phishing or malware attacks, increasing the overall threat to personal and financial security.
Scam Message Example
The fraudulent website may display messages such as:
“Connect your wallet to join the TON network and secure your assets.”
This prompt is engineered to lure users into authorizing access to their digital wallets.
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 TON Guard Scam is a high-risk phishing campaign designed to steal cryptocurrency from unsuspecting users. It mimics official platforms, uses sophisticated social engineering tactics, and deploys wallet-draining tools. Always verify the authenticity of crypto platforms and avoid connecting your wallet to unknown sources. To eliminate related malware and enhance protection, use SpyHunter.