Ethereum (ETH) Giveaway Scam – What You Need To Know
Written by: Stelian
Published on:
Cryptocurrency scams are becoming increasingly common as digital currencies gain popularity. One such scam is the Ethereum Giveaway scam, which aims to trick unsuspecting individuals into transferring Ethereum (ETH) to scammers. These scams are often promoted on platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and through deceptive advertisements or unwanted applications. This article will discuss the Ethereum Giveaway scam, how it works, and how to protect yourself from falling victim to it.
How the Ethereum Giveaway Scam Works
The main goal of the Ethereum Giveaway scam is to deceive people into believing they can double their Ethereum by transferring a certain amount of ETH to a provided wallet. Scammers often use the name of Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, to give their scam an air of legitimacy. They claim that by sending 1 ETH to 500 ETH, individuals will receive double the amount in return, with additional bonuses for larger transfers.
For example, scammers may offer to send 2 ETH for 1 ETH, 10 ETH for 5 ETH, and so on. They also create a sense of urgency by claiming this is a one-time opportunity, with a limited supply of 50,000 ETH available for the giveaway. Once the cryptocurrency is transferred to the scammer’s wallet, the victim will not receive any return on their investment, as the entire scheme is fraudulent.
Here is a sample of text displayed by malicious sites:
Giveaway Rules FAQ Transactions Hurry up and take part in the giveaway of 50 000 ETH During this unique event we will give you a chance to win 50 000 ETH, have a look at the rules and don’t miss on your chance! More info Participate in the giveaway Marketplace Price Predictions Live Event 50 000 ETH Giveaway Ethereum (ETH) 50 000 ETH About We believe that Blockchain and Ethereum will make the world more fair. To speed up the process of cryptocurrency mass adoption, We decided to run 50 000 ETH giveaway. Rules To participate you just need to send from 1 ETH to 500 ETH to the contribution address and we will immediately send you back 2 ETH to 1 000 ETH (x2) to the address you sent it from. For example If you send 1+ ETH , you will get2+ ETH back. If you send 5+ ETH, you will get 10+ ETH back. If you send 10+ ETH, you will get 20+ ETH back. If you send 25+ ETH, you will get 50+ ETH back. If you send 50+ ETH, you will get 100+ ETH back. If you send 100+ ETH, you will get 200+ ETH back. If you send 250+ ETH, you will get 500+ ETH back. Extra bonuses 10+ ETH = 10% Bonus 25+ ETH = 20% Bonus 100+ ETH = 40% Bonus 250+ ETH = 50% Bonus You can only participate once. 15 850 ETH already sent to participants!
Hurry up and take part in the giveaway! Use this QR code to participate
15 850 ETH 50 000 ETH You can send ETH to the following address:
Waiting for payment
FAQ What do I have to do to participate in the giveaway? How long will it take me to get my bonus? Who is the sponsor of this giveaway? How many times can I participate in the giveaway? How do I get my bonus? Transactions for Address
Identifying and Avoiding Ethereum Giveaway Scams
Crypto giveaway scams often follow a similar pattern, using the names of well-known individuals or companies to appear more credible. To avoid falling victim to these scams, keep the following tips in mind:
Be skeptical of any cryptocurrency giveaway that promises to double your investment or offers substantial returns for minimal effort.
Research the legitimacy of any giveaway, looking for official statements from the person or company supposedly sponsoring it.
Be cautious of high-pressure tactics urging immediate action or claiming limited availability, as these are common tactics used by scammers.
Do not click on suspicious links or advertisements promoting cryptocurrency giveaways, as they may lead to malicious websites or download malware onto your device.
Remember that cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, so any funds sent to a scammer cannot be recovered.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
To protect yourself from the Ethereum Giveaway scam and other similar schemes, always exercise caution when dealing with cryptocurrency transactions. Take the time to research and verify the legitimacy of any giveaway, and never invest more than you can afford to lose. Additionally, keep your devices and software up to date with the latest security patches and use reputable antivirus software to protect against malware.
Check Your Device for Malware
The Ethereum giveaway scam emails and sites may contain malware, if you suspect your device is infected with malware, you can scan it for free with Malwarebytes. To check your computer or phone for Trojans, browser hijackers, or other malware and remove them for free, run a scan with Malwarebytes Free.
Malwarebytes runs on Windows, Mac, and Android. Click the tab below for the device you want to scan, then follow the steps to remove any malware it finds.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan Your Computer with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your PC in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.
(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)
Install Malwarebytes
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:
Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
Enable “Scan for Rootkits”
Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the Settings gear icon on the left side of the screen.
In the settings menu, find “Scan for rootkits” and click the toggle so it turns blue.
Done? Click “Dashboard” in the left pane to return to the main screen.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take several minutes. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.
Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.
Restart Your Computer
Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, your PC is clean and you can continue with the next steps in this guide.
That’s it — your Windows computer is now free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your Mac in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.
When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”
Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
Restart Your Mac
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, your Mac is clean.
That’s it — your Mac is now free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan Your Phone with Malwarebytes for Android
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
That’s it — your Android device is now free of malicious apps, adware, and browser redirects.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Steps to Take If You’ve Fallen Victim to a Ethereum Giveaway Scam
If you have fallen victim to a Ethereum giveaway scam, it’s essential to act quickly and take the following steps:
Report the scam:
Contact your local law enforcement agency and file a report. Provide all the relevant details and evidence, such as the scammer’s wallet address, transaction details, and any communication you had with them.
Report the scam to the platform where you encountered it (e.g., YouTube, social media, or the website hosting the scam). This could help prevent others from falling victim to the same scheme.
Notify the relevant cryptocurrency exchange if you used one to transfer the funds. They may be able to provide assistance or guidance on the situation.
Secure your devices and accounts:
Change the passwords for all your online accounts, especially those related to cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets.
Install or update anti-virus and anti-malware software on your devices to protect against any malicious software that might have been downloaded during the scam.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts to add an extra layer of security.
Document everything:
Keep a record of all your correspondence with the scammer, including messages, emails, and any other communication.
Take screenshots or save copies of the scam webpage or video, as these can serve as evidence for law enforcement and help with any potential investigation.
Spread awareness:
Share your experience with friends, family, and online communities to raise awareness of the scam and help prevent others from falling victim to similar schemes.
Learn from the experience:
Educate yourself about common cryptocurrency scams and best practices for safeguarding your digital assets.
Stay vigilant and skeptical of any investment opportunities that promise unrealistic returns or require upfront payments.
By being vigilant and following these guidelines, you can protect yourself from the Ethereum Giveaway scam and other cryptocurrency scams. Always remember to think twice before participating in any giveaway that seems too good to be true, as it likely is.
10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams
Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.
Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.
Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).
If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.
Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.
If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.
Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.
If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.
Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.
If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.
Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.
If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.
Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.
If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.
Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.
If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).
Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.
If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.
Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.
If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.
Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.
These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.
About Stelian
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
