As the popularity of cryptocurrencies continues to grow, so do the number of scams targeting unsuspecting users. One such scam is the DOGE Giveaway scheme, which targets Dogecoin (DOGE) users with the promise of doubling or more than doubling their crypto contributions. Victims of this scam do not receive anything in return, despite being enticed to send their DOGE to the scammers’ wallet.
How the DOGE Giveaway Scam Works
The DOGE Giveaway scam claims to be built on the idea that Dogecoin will “make the world more fair.” It further alleges that Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, Inc., shares this belief. The scammers promise to send back twice the amount of DOGE users contribute, along with additional bonuses for larger contributions.
For instance, sending 5,000 DOGE would supposedly yield 10,000 DOGE in return, and contributing 10,000,000 DOGE would result in a massive 20,000,000 DOGE payout. However, despite these enticing promises, victims of this scam receive nothing in return for their contributions.
Here is a common message displayed by the “Doge Giveaway” scam sites:
JOIN THE GIVEAWAY
Elon Musk believes that blockchain and Doge will make the world more fair. To speed up the process of cryptocurrency mass adoption, We decided to run 100 000 000 DOGE giveaway.
To participate you just need to send from 5 000 DOGE to 10 000 000 DOGE to the contribution address and we will immediately send you back 10 000 DOGE to 20 000 000 DOGE (x2 back) to the address you sent it from.
For example:
If you send 5 000 DOGE, you will be get 10 000 DOGE back.
If you send 10 000 DOGE, you will be get 20 000 DOGE back.
If you send 100 000 DOGE, you will be get 200 000 DOGE back.
If you send 1 000 000 DOGE, you will be get 2 000 000 DOGE back.
If you send 5 000 000 DOGE, you will be get 10 000 000 DOGE back.
If you send 10 000 000 DOGE, you will be get 20 000 000 DOGE back.
Contribution Special BONUS:
10 000 DOGE + = 1 000 DOGE BONUS
25 000 DOGE + = 2 500 DOGE BONUS
50 000 DOGE + = 5 000 DOGE BONUS
100 000 DOGE + = 10 000 DOGE BONUS
1 000 000 DOGE + = 100 000 DOGE BONUS
10 000 000 DOGE + = 1 000 000 DOGE BONUS
PAYMENT ADDRESS
You can send DOGE to the following address:
DNtu44cRemfJPcB3YaFK4tUZkW1Xmr1R8o
Copy Address to Clipboard
Waiting for payment
7 999 874 / 100 000 000
Last chance
to get your DOGE!
Spotting and Avoiding the DOGE Giveaway Scam
To protect yourself from the DOGE Giveaway scam and similar schemes, follow these guidelines:
- Be skeptical of any giveaway that promises to double or more than double your crypto contributions.
- Conduct thorough research and look for official statements from the person or company allegedly sponsoring the giveaway.
- Be cautious of high-pressure tactics that urge you to act immediately or claim limited availability.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or ads promoting cryptocurrency giveaways, as they may lead to malicious websites or malware.
- Remember that cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, so once you send funds to a scammer, you cannot recover them.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
To stay safe from the DOGE Giveaway scam and others like it, be vigilant when engaging in cryptocurrency transactions. Take the time to research and verify any giveaway, and avoid risking more than you can afford to lose. Ensure your devices and software are up-to-date with the latest security patches and use reliable antivirus software to safeguard against malware.
Check Your Device for Malware
The DOGE 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.
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 your PC and remove what Malwarebytes finds.
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.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for Windows 11 and 10. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium
Malwarebytes Free for WindowsScans and removes malware at no cost-
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:
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Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
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Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
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When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
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On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
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Optional: Check for rootkits with a Custom Scan
You don’t need to change any settings for a normal scan. The standard Threat Scan in the next step is enough for most problems, so you can go straight to it.
If you also want to check for rootkits, use a Custom Scan. In current versions of Malwarebytes, rootkit scanning is only available there:
- On the Scanner tile, click the three-dot menu and select Advanced Scan.
- Choose Custom Scan. In its options, check Scan for rootkits.
- Select your system drive (usually C:\) as the location to scan, then start the scan. It takes longer than a Threat Scan.
- When it finishes, review and quarantine the results as described in the steps below.
Rootkit scanning isn’t available on Windows devices with ARM processors.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on your computer. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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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.
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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, Malwarebytes has finished removing the threats it found.
When the scan is done, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they continue, see the options below.
If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Run a computer scan with ESET Online Scanner
- Ask for help in our Windows Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan Your Mac with Malwarebytes for Mac
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 your Mac and remove what Malwarebytes finds.
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Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for macOS. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes PremiumMalwarebytes Free for MacScans and removes malware at no cost -
Open the Malwarebytes setup file
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
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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“.
Malwarebytes needs Full Disk Access to check your whole Mac. When it asks, open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access, turn on Malwarebytes (it may be listed as Malwarebytes Protection), and confirm with your password or Touch ID. Then return to Malwarebytes. On macOS Monterey and earlier, this setting is in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.
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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.
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Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
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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.
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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.
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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, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they come back, save the scan report and ask for help in our forum.
If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.
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 scans your phone or tablet for malware, adware, and potentially unwanted apps. The free version scans only when you start a scan. Real-time protection, which checks apps automatically, is part of the paid Premium version.
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Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
Get Malwarebytes for AndroidOpens Google Play in a new tab.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium for AndroidMalwarebytes for AndroidScans your phone and removes malware at no cost -
Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.
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.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes opens, it walks you through a short setup. Tap Get started and follow the prompts. If you see an offer for a trial or a paid plan, read it before you accept. You can skip it and keep using the free scanner.
Malwarebytes will ask for permission to access the files on your phone so it can scan them. Tap Allow, or turn on the permission in the Android screen that opens, then return to Malwarebytes.
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Run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
On the main screen, tap Scan now. In some versions, you open the menu, tap Scanner, and then tap Run a scan.
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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.
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Remove the detected apps.
When the scan has been completed, you will see a list of the threats that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. Next to each detected item, tap the menu icon (three dots), then choose to uninstall the app or delete the file. Android then asks you to confirm. Tap OK or Uninstall to remove the app.
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Restart your phone.
When the detected apps are removed, restart your phone if Malwarebytes asks you to. Then check whether the problems you noticed have stopped.
If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.
If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Ask for help in our Mobile Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
- Only as a last resort, reset your phone to factory settings. Read the warning below first.
- Back up your photos, videos, files, and messages, for example to your Google account or a computer.
- Make sure you know your Google account email and password. The phone asks for them after the reset. If you changed the password recently, Google recommends waiting 24 hours before you reset.
- On a Samsung phone, also make sure you know your Samsung account password.
- If you use an authenticator app for two-step verification, move your accounts to another device or save your backup codes first.
Steps to Take If You’ve Fallen Victim to a DOGE Giveaway Scam
If you have fallen victim to a DOGE 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 staying alert and following these guidelines, you can protect yourself from the DOGE Giveaway scam and other cryptocurrency scams. Remember, if a giveaway seems too good to be true, it most likely is.
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