Uncovering the Apple Crypto Giveaway Scam Stealing Your Money
Written by: Stelian Pilici
Published on:
In recent years, giveaway scams involving cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin have been on the rise. One of the most common versions is the “Apple Crypto Giveaway Scam”. This scam claims to offer free or bonus cryptocurrency to users, luring them into providing personal information or transferring funds, which are then stolen by scammers.
This article will provide an in-depth explanation of how the Apple Crypto Giveaway Scam works, who is behind it, how to identify fraudulent giveaways, and most importantly, how to avoid falling victim to it. With cryptocurrencies still being a relatively new technology, many people are unaware of the tactics used in crypto-related scams. By understanding this prevalent scam, individuals can protect themselves and prevent theft through education and vigilance.
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Scam Overview
The Apple Crypto Giveaway Scam exploits the popularity of Apple and the rising public interest in cryptocurrencies. Victims are contacted through ads, emails, social media posts, text messages, or fraudulent websites offering free Bitcoins or other cryptocurrencies.
Scammers claim to represent Apple and offer bonus cryptocurrency to celebrate a new product launch or special event. For example, a scam site may advertise a Bitcoin giveaway to promote the release of a new iPhone model. The promises of free crypto may seem enticing to the uninformed.
To collect the offered coins, users are instructed to visit a special website or provide sensitive personal information. However, rather than receiving cryptocurrency, users end up handing over access to accounts, enabling scammers to steal funds.
This scam most often targets iPhone and Apple users, as scammers pose as official Apple representatives or affiliates to build trust with victims. But in reality, Apple has no association with these fraudulent crypto giveaways.
The scammers aim to capitalize on Apple’s brand reputation to add legitimacy to the scheme. Using Apple logos, imagery, and branding helps the scam websites appear more convincing to unsuspecting users.
This scam is also prevalent on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Telegram, using fake accounts that impersonate Apple customer support. Scam links are shared directly in posts, comments, and descriptions across social media to promote the fraudulent crypto giveaways.
In addition to direct web and social media campaigns, scammers also rely heavily on email spam to distribute the Apple Crypto Giveaway scam. Fraudulent emails pretending to come from Apple may offer free Bitcoin or Ethereum to email recipients.
Some red flags that indicate an Apple crypto giveaway is a scam include:
Claims of guaranteed free cryptocurrency or unrealistic bonus amounts
Suspicious links not hosted on official Apple domains
Requests for sensitive personal information
Poor spelling/grammar and low-quality designs
Requests for upfront payments for “processing fees” or “taxes”
Use of excessive promotion/urgency to encourage victims to act fast
If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is. The Apple Crypto Giveaway scam ultimately aims to trick victims into surrendering funds, personal information, or access to accounts in exchange for promised rewards that never materialize. Awareness of the tactics and execution of this scam can help individuals recognize and avoid it.
Fraudulent Apple crypto giveaway promotions typically read as follows:
Apple 5,000 BTC Airdrop!
5000 BTC Giveaway
Apple has come along way in the past year and we couldn’t do it without you.
To celebrate new iPhone 15 Pro & Pro Max powered by A17 Pro, we are proud to announce initiating the airdrop pool of 5,000 Bitcoin (BTC)! Nothing we do at Apple would be possible without our community, and this is just a part of our efforts to assert that. If you want to participate, it is simple to do. Just navigate to the BTC airdrop portal below to learn more:
Click this — official link to get free BTC Click this — official link to get free ETH Note: All persons are able to participate, including those in the United States. All wallets and exchanges are eligible! The competition will last until the entirety of the 5,000 BTC held in the airdrop-funds have been released. If you are late, your BTC will be instantly refunded.
Best wishes,
Tim Cook
Hurry up and take part in the giveaway of 50.000 ETH and 5.000 BTC During this unique event we will give you a chance to win 50.000 ETH and 5.000 BTC, have a look at the rules and don’t miss on your chance!
We believe that Blockchain and BTC coin will make the world more fair. To speed up the process of cryptocurrency mass adoption, We decided to run 5 000 BTC giveaway.
Rules To participate you just need to send from 0.1 BTC to 50 BTC to the contribution address and we will immediately send you back 0.2 BTC to 100 BTC (x2) to the address you sent it from.
About We believe that Blockchain and ETHcoin 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 1000 ETH (x2) to the address you sent it from.
3 654 BTC already sent to participants!
Hurry up and take part in the giveaway!
Use this QR code to participate or BTC address to participate
You can send BTC to the following address:
1jwBAdHUSHwy9bxkrdgMwi43KdcYEhYLA Waiting for payment
3 654 ETH already sent to participants! Hurry up and take part in the giveaway!
Use this QR code to participate or ETH address to participate
You can send ETH to the following address:
0x21257Ab0450E07f82908Fb244BaACC7F2df756d5 Waiting for payment
How the Scam Works
The Apple Crypto Giveaway scam operates by duping victims into transferring cryptocurrency or revealing sensitive credentials under the false pretense of a legitimate giveaway event. Here is a step-by-step overview of how scammers execute this scam:
Step 1 – Fraudulent Website and Promotion
Scammers set up a fake website modeled to look like an Apple domain with Apple branding, images, and messaging. The site promotes a cryptocurrency giveaway, often claiming Apple is distributing free Bitcoin or Ethereum to celebrate a new product launch or milestone.
To create an air of urgency and excitement, scam sites use countdown timers and limit the number of rewards available to pressure visitors to act fast. The scam giveaway is also promoted across various social media platforms and email spam campaigns to reach a wider victim pool.
Step 2 -Harvesting User Information
When victims visit the fraudulent giveaway website, they are prompted to provide personal information to register for the offer.Requested details typically include full name, email address, phone number, cryptocurrency wallet addresses, and more.
Victims may also be asked to complete additional tasks like sharing the scam giveaway posts on social media, downloading suspicious files, or completing a survey. All these actions ultimately help scammers gather data from victims.
Step 3 – Manipulating Victims to Send Funds
Once users provide personal information, scammers leverage the details to build trust and manipulate victims into sending cryptocurrency or money.
A common tactic is claiming victims must send a small amount of Bitcoin or Ether to register their wallet address and receive the promised giveaway coins. Scammers may cite false reasons like “processing fees”, “gas fees”, “network charges”, or “security deposits” to justify these requests for funds.
If the initial request is fulfilled, scammers often follow up asking for more money before the non-existent rewards are released. They may claim technical errors, new rules/limits, or another reason why victims supposedly need to pay more to receive their promised cryptocurrency.
Step 4 -Stealing Funds and Personal Data
Whether victims realize it’s a scam or not, any funds sent to the scammers are stolen. The cryptocurrency giveaway promises are completely fabricated solely to manipulate victims into willingly transferring money or coins into the scammers’ wallets.
In addition to outright cryptocurrency theft, scammers also steal personal information like email addresses, IDs, and financial account details that can facilitate identity fraud or exposing users to future scams.
Once scammers receive the money and information they deem worthwhile from a victim, they block any further communication and move on seeking new targets. Meanwhile, victims receive nothing and are left out funds and compromised sensitive data.
Step 5 -Vanishing Without a Trace
To avoid being tracked, scammers quickly take down fraudulent sites and social media accounts used to execute the giveaway scam. Any traces are wiped clean so that they can disappear before victims can identify them.
The anonymity of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin also makes tracking and recovering stolen funds extremely difficult. Scammers cash out the ill-gotten crypto gains virtually untraceably through tumblers and exchanges that don’t require ID.
Between using disposable scam domains, nameless social media profiles, and mixing stolencryptocurrency, scammers behind the Apple Crypto Giveaway scam remain largely unidentifiable and untraceable. This lack of accountability makes scamming low-risk and highly lucrative for such fraudsters.
What to do if you have fallen victim
Unfortunately, many victims don’t realize they have fallen for the Apple Crypto Giveaway scam until it is too late. However, there are a few steps you can take if you discover that you have fallen prey to this scam:
Step 1: Stop all communication
If you realize that someone posing as Apple customer support or a cryptocurrency giveaway administrator is attempting to scam you, cut off all communication immediately. Do not respond to any calls, emails, texts, or other messages, as scammers may continue efforts to manipulate victims who still believe the scam is legitimate.
Continued engagement with scammers may lead to additional loss of money or sensitive personal data. Cease all direct contact with the scammers to limit further risks.
Step 2: Report fake accounts and websites
Any websites, email addresses, social media accounts, or phone numbers associated with the scam should be reported promptly. Reporting fake accounts and domains used in the scam can help get them taken down. This helps prevent the scam from spreading and victimizing more people.
Report scam emails to your email provider as phishing/spam.
Report scam sites to the web host listed in their WHOIS domain registration records.
Report fake social media profiles by using the respective platform’s reporting tools.
The more compromised points of contact reported, the less capacity scammers have to reach new potential victims.
Step 3: Change passwords and enable 2FA
If you provided any account credentials or sensitive information to scammers, those accounts may be compromised. To secure accounts, change your passwords immediately and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
2FA requires secondary confirmation of your identity when logging into accounts, adding critical protection against unauthorized access of compromised accounts. Enable 2FA and update passwords on email, social media, cryptocurrency exchange, and any other possibly exposed accounts.
Step 4: Monitor accounts for suspicious activity
Carefully monitor your cryptocurrency, financial, and online accounts for any unauthorized access or activity. Scammers who acquire your email, account passwords, or other information may attempt to infiltrate associated accounts.
Check your account logs and transaction histories to spot any actions taken without your authorization. Most cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets provide users options to view login histories and IP addresses used to access accounts. Enabling transaction confirmation emails/notifications can also help identify unauthorized transactions early.
Step 5: Report the scam to relevant authorities
Reporting the scam to law enforcement and consumer protection authorities can help prompt investigation and legal action against scammers. The more information provided, the more effectively authorities can potentially identify and stop the scammers.
File reports of online fraud with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Report cryptocurrency fraud to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
Contact local police and file a report on the incident. Provide all available details on how you were defrauded.
Report business email compromise scams to the U.S. IC3 BEC/EAC Initiative.
Step 6: Share scam details publicly to raise awareness
The more people made aware of common tactics and red flags of the Apple Crypto Giveaway scam, the harder it is for scammers to fool potential victims. Consider sharing your experience through social media posts, online forums, blog/website articles, or mass emails.
Publicizing patterns, websites, account names, or other identifiable details associated with the scam can help warn others not to fall for the same fraudulent giveaway offers. Greater public awareness makes this scam less profitable and riskier for scammers.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Your computer should now be 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:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. 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 “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be 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 to remove malware
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.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
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.
Apple Crypto Giveaway Scam – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Apple Crypto Giveaway scam?
The Apple Crypto Giveaway scam is a fraudulent scheme where scammers impersonate Apple and claim to offer free or bonus cryptocurrency through a special giveaway event. The scammers aim to steal money and personal information from victims who attempt to participate.
How do scammers carry out this scam?
Scammers create fake websites and social media profiles posing as Apple. They promote a phony crypto giveaway, often tied to a new Apple product launch. Victims are told they must send crypto or pay fees to register for the offer. Any funds sent are stolen, and users’ personal data is compromised.
Are the Apple crypto giveaways promoted real?
No. Apple has never run or endorsed any cryptocurrency giveaways. Any promotions for Apple crypto giveaways are fraudulent scams, not real offers.
What cryptocurrencies are being offered in these fake giveaways?
Scammers typically claim to offer popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. However, no actual crypto is ever distributed in these scams.
Should I provide personal information to register for these giveaways?
No, never share any personal information with entities promoting Apple cryptocurrency giveaways. The promised rewards are fictional, and any information given will be used to defraud or scam you.
Why do I have to send crypto to get the giveaway coins?
A request for any upfront cryptocurrency payment is a clear sign it is a scam. There are no legitimate reasons you would need to send coins first before receiving a giveaway. Any explanations given are outright lies used to trick victims.
Can I get back the money I sent to scammers?
Unfortunately, recovering any cryptocurrency sent to scammers is highly unlikely. They quickly cash out through mixing services to cover their tracks. Monitoring exchanges to catch laundering attempts offers just a slim chance of reclaiming lost funds.
How can I avoid falling for the Apple Crypto Giveaway scam?
Stick to official Apple channels, ignore unsolicited offers of free cryptocurrency, do not provide personal information to suspicious third-parties, and immediately cease contact if asked to send any funds to register for a purported giveaway or receive rewards.
Conclusion
The Apple Crypto Giveaway scam uses the increasing mainstream popularity of cryptocurrencies and Apple’s strong brand reputation to trick users into relinquishing funds, personal data, and account access. By understanding the deception and manipulation tactics applied in this scam, individuals can recognize fraudulent giveaways and avoid being victimized.
Education is one of the most critical tools for combating this scam. Those informed on the scam tactics and common red flags are far less likely to fall prey to even sophisticated social engineering ruses used to promote fake Apple cryptocurrency giveaways.
Any unsolicited offers of free cryptocurrency or requests for upfront payments should be treated with extreme skepticism. When interacting online, be vigilant against all forms of phishing attempts and only access cryptocurrency services through official company sites and verified platforms.
Lastly, always use strong unique passwords across accounts and set up multi-factor authentication wherever available. Routinely monitoring accounts and financial statements can also help identify unauthorized access promptly. Though hindsight is 20/20, foresight and vigilance will prove the best defenses against cunning crypto scam schemes.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
Meet Stelian Pilici
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.
