URL:Scam is a generic detection name of a dangerous website, that appears in several antivirus engines. It may appear during routine Internet browsing, as well as pop-up after opening a link from a document or a chat. This detection may refer to a wide variety of unsafe websites, as well as be a false positive detection.
What is URL:Scam Detection?
URL:Scam is a detection name that Avast and AVG antivirus engines assign to a website they think hosts scam activities. There are quite a few types of scam websites out there, with different consequences for its victim. Unfortunately, said vendors do not provide any description, leaving the user to guess. I’ve gathered several possible types of shady websites that can get the URL Scam detection. I also put the link to the analysis of each of the cases.
Types of Scam Websites
Scam Website Type
Description
Detailed Analysis
Phishing site
Probably, the most widely known type of online scam is phishing. Such websites usually mimic a login page of a well-known site, such as Microsoft, Amazon, Ebay or online banking web pages. They contain a script that allows hackers to extract the input (i.e. login credentials)
Link
Fake online shopping site
Another widely known case is the shopping website that takes an order but never delivers one. It may offer astonishing discounts, selling items worth several hundred dollars for just a nickel. A user trying to get the desired thing almost for free will happily pay, but only to discover that the order is never about to be delivered
Link
Cryptocurrency scam
Rising popularity of cryptocurrencies made a lot of inexperienced people try getting into this topic. Scammers take advantage of this, offering the sites they’ve established yesterday to trade crypto, participate in airdrops or create a hot wallet. Further, they steal any info and money that gets into these sites. One particular specimen of cryptocurrency scams is so-called crypto drainers, that empty the hot wallet once the user connects one to the scam site
Link.
Fake raffle prizes page
A rather old kind of scam site that encourages people to share their personal information by offering sweet rewards. Latest iPhone, new Samsung smartphone or $1000 gift card just for sharing personal information sounds great. Though all this will never get to the “winner”, as it did not even exist. The only thing such scams aim for is users’ personal information
Link.
Fake job offerings page
This type of scam is particularly new, but works with the same intent as the previous one. Frauds lure people with a job offering, typically going for ones who seek for a remote job. After contacting the victim, they say the victim should send them the entirety of their personal documents, including SSN and ITIN. On top of that, there is a need to pay a small (~$100) fee to cover the paper job expenses. Then, scammers simply cut the conversation
Link
URL:Scam False Positives
| Scam Website Type | Description | Detailed Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Phishing site | Probably, the most widely known type of online scam is phishing. Such websites usually mimic a login page of a well-known site, such as Microsoft, Amazon, Ebay or online banking web pages. They contain a script that allows hackers to extract the input (i.e. login credentials) | Link |
| Fake online shopping site | Another widely known case is the shopping website that takes an order but never delivers one. It may offer astonishing discounts, selling items worth several hundred dollars for just a nickel. A user trying to get the desired thing almost for free will happily pay, but only to discover that the order is never about to be delivered | Link |
| Cryptocurrency scam | Rising popularity of cryptocurrencies made a lot of inexperienced people try getting into this topic. Scammers take advantage of this, offering the sites they’ve established yesterday to trade crypto, participate in airdrops or create a hot wallet. Further, they steal any info and money that gets into these sites. One particular specimen of cryptocurrency scams is so-called crypto drainers, that empty the hot wallet once the user connects one to the scam site | Link. |
| Fake raffle prizes page | A rather old kind of scam site that encourages people to share their personal information by offering sweet rewards. Latest iPhone, new Samsung smartphone or $1000 gift card just for sharing personal information sounds great. Though all this will never get to the “winner”, as it did not even exist. The only thing such scams aim for is users’ personal information | Link. |
| Fake job offerings page | This type of scam is particularly new, but works with the same intent as the previous one. Frauds lure people with a job offering, typically going for ones who seek for a remote job. After contacting the victim, they say the victim should send them the entirety of their personal documents, including SSN and ITIN. On top of that, there is a need to pay a small (~$100) fee to cover the paper job expenses. Then, scammers simply cut the conversation | Link |
Despite originating from legit and reputable antivirus programs, URL Scam detection may sometimes be a false positive. This may happen due to wrong information in the detection database, as well as an element on a legit website that triggers heuristic or AI detection mechanisms. Such a situation is particularly probable with new websites or ones that have recently got new functions.
There were several cases when this detection appeared on completely legit and well-known websites. Among them are trading platform eToro and several FandomWiki-powered pages12. But as this detection does not refer to anything specific, chances are that it can appear to literally any website.
How to stop URL:Scam from appearing?
When URL:Scam detection appears while opening the website you are completely sure is safe and legitimate, you can add one to the whitelist in the program settings. This will make the scanner ignore the page once you access it.
If you are not familiar with the blocked website, consider checking it using GridinSoft Online Scanner. It is completely free, does not require any registration – just drop the URL in and get the result.
In the situation when the URL:Scam keeps popping up no matter what you browse or when you do not touch the web browser at all, the issue may be a malware activity. Malicious programs like adware and browser hijackers are particularly known for opening questionable websites without user’s permission. Scan for the possible threats using GridinSoft Anti-Malware – this will remove the threat and fix the problem.
- DC Fandom Wiki Blocked with URL:Scam – Reddit Thread
- LoL Fandom Wiki Detected with URL:Scam – Reddit Thread
