We Investigated Bitckol: Legit or Scam? The Facts

Written by Daniel Zimmerman

Recently, Bitckol.com site surfaced, promoting itself as a platform where you can safely keep cryptocurrency and other assets. I managed to gather credible evidence that unmistakably confirms it is, actually, a deceptive platform.

Despite what Bitckol site states, they will never pay off your capital. Despite the numbers displayed in the “member area”, there is no way to withdraw even a single penny. All commitments regarding crypto incentives are baseless as well.

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Bitckol Scam Overview

The main offering that Bitckol strives to provide is a protected and convenient cryptocurrency wallet service. The site promises crypto exchange services, tools for managing wallets, transfers, dashboards, and similar stuff. In fact, they endeavor to emulate the functionality of a crypto marketplace, akin to Binance or Coinbase. However, it in actuality solely serves as a shell needed to lull the vigilance.

Bitckol.com Scam

Bitckol Scam

To begin with, Bitckol imitates the layout of numerous equivalent pages. There are quite a few examples, like Bingmes, Hydraspacex or Lunoxbit. They are totally indistinguishable in terms of visual elements, with small discrepancies in the website header. Other details, and sometimes even crypto wallet addresses, are the same. Most likely, all these scam sites are led by a single gang of scoundrels.

Cryptocurrency Scam Summary

WebsiteBitckol.com
HostingAS13335 Cloudflare, Inc.
United States, San Francisco
IP Address104.21.50.249
Threat TypeScam/Fraud
Scam TypeFraudulent offers of cryptocurrency services

How the Bitckol Scam Works?

Bitckol is yet another online platform within a wide-ranging network of associated crypto fraudulent sites. The managers employ various brand names and websites, like Bitckol.com, to trap victims. Nevertheless, these false sites share the same designs, terms of service, and About Us content. This reveals their beginnings as components of the equal fraudulent network, which endorses the similar form of deception under diverse appearances. The deceivers just copy the identical fraudulent website under different names to mislead users into assuming they are joining a fresh venture. However, in reality, it’s the equal group of scammers orchestrating the fraudulent pledges and efforts to take deposited cryptocurrency. The managers shrewdly make use of psychological maneuvers and enticing invitations to carry out their unscrupulous schemes.

Step 1: Spreading

To start the fraud, criminals establish and fill accounts on popular social media platforms. They mainly focus on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Subsequently, the advertising campaign commences. Employing bots and paid promotions (when possible), fraud actors boost the presence of their scam activities to possible victims. This strategy enables them to cast a broad net and engage with their focused spectators. The public commonly consists of cryptocurrency fans searching for chances to earn profits.

Users obtain an incentive to enroll, attracted by the promise of obtaining crypto benefits valued at thousands of dollars, all without cost. To increase the appeal of the offer, false claims of sponsorship by a celebrity are incorporated. As you may guess, these claims are completely baseless.

Step 2: Gaining Traffic

Individuals who show interest check out Bitckol.com via links featured in ads or bot-generated posts. The webpage uses captivating visuals, design features that appear legitimate, and assertions of possessing a official license, all aimed to project an initial perception of credibility.

Step 3: Data Gathering

To redeem their rewards, users need to deliberately create an profile on Bitckol and get prompts to provide sensitive and private data during the enrollment procedure. This includes linking their cryptocurrency wallets, revealing email addresses, specifying phone numbers, furnishing identification documents, and more.

Step 4: Requesting funds

Once signed up, users notice significant amounts of cryptocurrency, valued at thousands of dollars, within their Bitckol wallets. Nevertheless, as it usually happens with such incentives, you are unable to withdraw them ahead of making a deposit. Normally, a funds transfer of $100 is required to withdraw the sign-up bonus. This stipulation serves as the enticement that ultimately results to the money loss.

Step 5: Disappear

The point in time the funds transfer is sent, the scammers cease all interaction. They go ahead to restrict users, delete accounts, and vanish with both the transferred funds and vital private data. The fictitious rewards remain perpetually uncredited, as they lack genuine existence. They function solely as a fraudulent strategy. This approach forms the foundation for the deceivers’ ability to trick victims and embezzle hard-earned earnings through their double-dealing internet-based crypto scheme.

Signs of Scam

I gathered several facts that point at the scammy nature of the Bitckol.com. Actually, there are a lot of scams that fall under the same points, so they are pretty much universal.

  • Unsubstantiated Credibility. Bitckol employs fraudulent celebrity endorsements, often featuring names like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mr. Beast, and Mark Zuckerberg. These false claims extend to fictitious partnerships with reputable entities like Coinbase, Binance, or MetaMask, despite the absence of genuine connections.
  • Implausible Earnings Claims. Promising remarkable returns of 50-100-200%, Bitckol exploits the longing for quick profits. However, such gains are unrealistic within the volatile cryptocurrency landscape, unequivocally identifying Bitckol as a scam.
  • Dubious Corporate Information. Bitckol arouses suspicion by providing inadequate documentation about ownership, location, and registration. Furthermore, the lack of legitimate contact information and the recent registration of domain and social media profiles deepen skepticism.
  • Exclusive Cryptocurrency Payments. Bitckol.com solely accepts payments in cryptocurrencies, refraining from traditional bank transfers and other payment methods. This approach not only shrouds the company’s identity but also prevents the possibility of requesting refunds.
  • Potential Pyramid Scheme. The scam relies on a Ponzi-like referral structure disseminated through social media. Nevertheless, only initial participants profit, often at the expense of funds brought in by subsequent members.
  • Groundless Hype Tactics. Bitckol utilizes fabricated claims about non-existent events, such as securing contracts with Coinbase or receiving endorsements from Elon Musk. This manipulative strategy aims to foster belief in money returns and encourages individuals to top up their accounts again.

What Should I do as a Victim?

If you had to deal with Bitckol site and fell victim to that scam, there are still some steps to take. They will make further scam attempts harder, and also boost the knowledge about that scam among folks.

  • Immediate Reporting. Your initial step should involve promptly notifying local authorities specializing in financial fraud. Extend your reach by reaching out to wallet providers and engaging with social networks’ technical support teams. These actions serve to raise the bar for the scammers’ operations.
  • Share among Friends. Amplify your efforts by informing your close friends about the scam. Similar to informing authorities, this dissemination of information restricts the scammers’ potential victim pool.
  • Preserve Crucial Information. Compile a comprehensive evidence archive by capturing screenshots and archiving all relevant website-related data. Collect the website URL, screenshots of the main page, login interface, end-user license agreement (EULA), account top-up menu, and wallet addresses. These records could provide vital clues for authorities in their pursuit of the scammers.
  • Exploring Refund Options. While most banks’ refund policies may exclude cryptocurrency payments, it’s advisable to explore potential refund avenues under specific circumstances. Maintain hope until you obtain confirmation of the loss.
  • Transform Loss into Knowledge. Turn your financial setback into an opportunity for growth. View your loss as an investment in understanding the strategies employed by crypto scam sites. Familiarize yourself with their telltale characteristics, the methods they employ to entice individuals, and the extravagant promises they make. Equipped with this insight, you’ll be well-prepared to spot and evade future traps without suffering additional financial setbacks.

Scan your system for possible malware infections

Beware of cross scams! Scam actors can use your trust to make you download some stuff or interact with certain documents. It may be a trap that installs malware to your system. There are no moral barriers or limits for these scoundrels.

Throughout the duration of the scam, its actors may reach out to you with specific documents. Alternatively, they may propose you to deploy “cryptocurrency wallet applications” or “browser extensions” to streamline access to your crypto assets. As we earlier determined, these rascals have no plan of restoring your money. So, what do these email messages and browser add-ons represent? You guessed it right – this is another component of the deceptive plan designed to entice you into deliberately running harmful software onto your computer.

Both add-ons and attachments attached to emails can function as a shell for various malware. In this case, I expect the presence of spyware and stealers among other kinds of malicious programs. While it is not mandatory for scammers to distribute malware, the probability is always greater than zero. As noted, their ethics is of no concern, and their reputation is already seriously marred. They have no scruples to give up and strive to maximize gains.

Remove spyware with Gridinsoft Anti-Malware

We have also been using this software on our systems ever since, and it has always been successful in detecting viruses. It has blocked the most common malicious programs as shown from our tests with the software, and we assure you that it can remove spyware as well as other malware hiding on your computer.

Gridinsoft Anti-Malware - Main Screen

To use Gridinsoft for remove malicious threats, follow the steps below:

1. Begin by downloading Gridinsoft Anti-Malware, accessible via the blue button below or directly from the official website gridinsoft.com.

2.Once the Gridinsoft setup file (setup-gridinsoft-fix.exe) is downloaded, execute it by clicking on the file.

setup-gridinsoft-fix.exe

3.Follow the installation setup wizard's instructions diligently.

Gridinsoft Setup Wizard

4. Access the "Scan Tab" on the application's start screen and launch a comprehensive "Full Scan" to examine your entire computer. This inclusive scan encompasses the memory, startup items, the registry, services, drivers, and all files, ensuring that it detects malware hidden in all possible locations.

Scan for spyware malicious programs

Be patient, as the scan duration depends on the number of files and your computer's hardware capabilities. Use this time to relax or attend to other tasks.

5. Upon completion, Anti-Malware will present a detailed report containing all the detected malicious items and threats on your PC.

The spyware was Found

6. Select all the identified items from the report and confidently click the "Clean Now" button. This action will safely remove the malicious files from your computer, transferring them to the secure quarantine zone of the anti-malware program to prevent any further harmful actions.

The spyware has been removed

8. If prompted, restart your computer to finalize the full system scan procedure. This step is crucial to ensure thorough removal of any remaining threats. After the restart, Gridinsoft Anti-Malware will open and display a message confirming the completion of the scan.

Remember Gridinsoft offers a 6-day free trial. This means you can take advantage of the trial period at no cost to experience the full benefits of the software and prevent any future malware infections on your system. Embrace this opportunity to fortify your computer's security without any financial commitment.

Trojan Killer for “spyware” removal on locked PC

In situations where it becomes impossible to download antivirus applications directly onto the infected computer due to malware blocking access to websites, an alternative solution is to utilize the Trojan Killer application.

Trojan Killer - Main View

There is a really little number of security tools that are able to be set up on the USB drives, and antiviruses that can do so in most cases require to obtain quite an expensive license. For this instance, I can recommend you to use another solution of GridinSoft - Trojan Killer Portable. It has a 14-days cost-free trial mode that offers the entire features of the paid version. This term will definitely be 100% enough to wipe malware out.

Trojan Killer is a valuable tool in your cybersecurity arsenal, helping you to effectively remove malware from infected computers. Now, we will walk you through the process of using Trojan Killer from a USB flash drive to scan and remove malware on an infected PC. Remember, always obtain permission to scan and remove malware from a computer that you do not own.

Step 1: Download & Install Trojan Killer on a Clean Computer:

1. Go to the official GridinSoft website (gridinsoft.com) and download Trojan Killer to a computer that is not infected.

Download Trojan Killer

2. Insert a USB flash drive into this computer.

3. Install Trojan Killer to the "removable drive" following the on-screen instructions.

Install Trojan Killer to Removable Drive

4. Once the installation is complete, launch Trojan Killer.

Step 2: Update Signature Databases:

5. After launching Trojan Killer, ensure that your computer is connected to the Internet.

6. Click "Update" icon to download the latest signature databases, which will ensure the tool can detect the most recent threats.

Click Update Button

Step 3: Scan the Infected PC:

7. Safely eject the USB flash drive from the clean computer.

8. Boot the infected computer to the Safe Mode.

9. Insert the USB flash drive.

10. Run tk.exe

11. Once the program is open, click on "Full Scan" to begin the malware scanning process.

Searching spyware Virus

Step 4: Remove Found Threats:

12. After the scan is complete, Trojan Killer will display a list of detected threats.

Searching spyware Finished

13. Click on "Cure PC!" to remove the identified malware from the infected PC.

14. Follow any additional on-screen prompts to complete the removal process.

Restart needed

Step 5: Restart Your Computer:

15. Once the threats are removed, click on "Restart PC" to reboot your computer.

16. Remove the USB flash drive from the infected computer.

Congratulations on effectively removing spyware and the concealed threats from your computer! You can now have peace of mind, knowing that they won't resurface again. Thanks to Gridinsoft's capabilities and commitment to cybersecurity, your system is now protected.

Frequently asked questions

Is there any real info on Bitckol site?

The vast majority of information posted on the Bitckol site is false. It is either fabricated, or a manipulation that misses the context of mentioned events. However, things like quotes or other interactive elements related to current prices may be trustworthy. But I would rather avoid using them as a primary source of information.

Are the Bitckol site promices real?

No, there is no legitimate information on the Bitckol site. The operators of this site use fabricated details and deceptive tactics to create an appearance of credibility, such as appealing visuals and claims of being a licensed company. However, these claims are false, and the site is part of a larger network of interconnected crypto scam sites designed to defraud victims. The scammers manipulate users into providing sensitive personal information and making deposits, ultimately leading to the loss of funds.

Is there any way to recover my lost funds from Bitckol scam?

Unfortunately, recovering funds lost to a scam like Bitckol can be extremely challenging, if not impossible. Scammers often operate from obscure locations and use various tactics to cover their tracks, making it difficult to trace or retrieve the stolen funds. In many cases, these scams are designed to exploit victims and disappear once they have obtained the money.

How to spot crypto trading scams in the future?

Spotting crypto trading scams requires vigilance and a critical eye. Here are some tips to help you identify potential crypto trading scams in the future:

  1. Verify Regulation and Licensing. Before proceeding, ensure that the platform or service is regulated and possesses the necessary licenses from relevant authorities. Scammers often operate without proper authorization.
  2. Resist Urgency. Be cautious of tactics that create a false sense of urgency to pressure you into quick decisions. Legitimate investments provide ample time for research and consideration.
  3. Consult Reviews and Feedback. Seek independent reviews and feedback from other traders. While positive reviews can be fabricated, negative reviews often reveal valuable insights.
  4. Question Unrealistic Promises. Approach offers with unrealistically high returns or guaranteed profits skeptically. If an investment opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is.
  5. Scrutinize Celebrity Endorsements. Exercise skepticism when faced with endorsements from celebrities or public figures. Scammers frequently create fake endorsements to enhance credibility.

What should I do as a victim of a Bitckol.com scam?

If you have become a victim of a Bitckol or similar crypto trading scam, it’s important to take immediate action to minimize further damage and increase the chances of recovering your losses. Here’s what you should do:

  • Cease Communication. If you realize that you’ve been scammed, stop all communication with the scammers. Do not respond to their emails, messages, or calls.
  • Document Everything. Gather and preserve all relevant information, including emails, screenshots, transaction records, and any communication you had with the scammers. This documentation will be crucial for reporting the scam and seeking assistance.
  • Report to Authorities. File a report with your local law enforcement agency and any relevant regulatory authorities in your country. Provide them with all the evidence you have gathered. This helps initiate investigations and raises awareness about the scam.
  • Contact Financial Institutions. If you made any payments or deposits using your credit card or bank account, contact your financial institution immediately. They may be able to help you with disputing transactions or initiating a chargeback.
  • Seek Legal Advice. Consult with a legal professional who specializes in fraud or financial matters. They can provide advice on potential legal actions you can take to recover your funds.
  • Notify Cryptocurrency Exchanges. If you used a cryptocurrency exchange to make transactions related to the scam, notify the exchange about the fraudulent activity. They may be able to assist you in some cases.
  • Monitor Your Accounts. Keep a close eye on your financial and online accounts for any suspicious activity. Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
The truth about Bitckol

Name: Bitckol

Description: Cryptocurrency scams continue to increase as digital assets achieve mainstream adoption. A recent example of such a scam involves Bitckol, a fraudulent crypto exchange that entices victims with promises of free crypto giveaways. This detailed article will extensively examine the operations of the Bitckol scam, techniques for recognizing it, and, most crucially, ways to evade becoming a victim.

Operating System: All

Application Category: Crypto Scams

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About the author

Daniel Zimmerman

I'm Daniel, a seasoned professional deeply passionate about the realm of security and malware defense. With over a decade of experience in the security industry and a background in writing, I am thrilled to share my expertise through this cybersecurity blog.

Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working on the front lines of cybersecurity, tirelessly combating emerging threats and safeguarding digital environments. This hands-on experience has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of malware and cyber-attacks.

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