Recently, Metrochain.net website surfaced, promoting itself as a place where you can securely store cryptocurrency and other assets. I managed to gather reliable supporting information that clearly indicates it is, in fact, a deceptive service.
Despite what Metrochain site says, they will never give back your funds. Despite the numbers displayed in the “member area”, there is zero ability to take out even a penny. All promises regarding crypto incentives are empty as well.
Metrochain Scam Overview
The primary feature that Metrochain attempts to provide is a secure and convenient crypto wallet service. The website pledges crypto exchange services, tools for managing wallets, transfers, dashboards, and similar functions. In reality, they endeavor to emulate the functionality of a crypto exchange, like Binance or Coinbase. However, it in fact solely serves as a shell intended to lull the vigilance.
Initially, Metrochain reproduces the design of many equivalent websites. There are quite a few examples, like Geminiyffs, Pbexcui or Vitalplatform. They are entirely undistinguishable in terms of visual elements, with minor discrepancies in the site header. Other details, and sometimes even crypto wallet addresses, are the same. Presumably, all these deceptive websites are operated by the same group of scoundrels.
Cryptocurrency Scam Summary
| Website | Metrochain.net |
| Hosting | AS53667 FranTech Solutions Luxembourg, Bissen |
| IP Address | 198.251.88.162 |
| Threat Type | Scam/Fraud |
| Scam Type | Fraudulent offers of cryptocurrency services |
How the Metrochain Scam Works?
Metrochain is yet another online platform within a vast network of associated crypto deceptive platforms. The managers utilize different brand identities and websites, like Metrochain.net, to capture victims. Nevertheless, these deceptive websites have in common the same website designs, terms of service, and About information. This exposes their origins as a part of the identical scam network, which endorses the identical mode of deception under different covers. The fraudsters simply replicate the same scam website under different names to mislead users into thinking they are joining a new venture. However, in reality, it’s the identical group of swindlers orchestrating the fraudulent pledges and undertakings to grab deposited cryptocurrency. The administrators cleverly make use of psychological strategies and appealing invitations to carry out their deceitful plans.
Step 1: Spreading
To start the fraud, criminals set up and fill accounts on well-liked social media platforms. They generally focus on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Subsequently, the marketing campaign starts. Utilizing bots and sponsored advertisements (when achievable), fraud actors intensify the presence of their deceptive activities to possible victims. This approach allows them to cast a wide net and engage with their targeted audience. The latter commonly comprises of cryptocurrency enthusiastic individuals seeking chances to earn profits.
Step 2: Gaining Traffic
Users who show interest go to Metrochain.net via links featured in promotions or bot-generated posts. The site employs captivating visuals, design aspects that appear genuine, and assertions of possessing a valid license, all aimed to project an initial image of reliability.
Step 3: Data Gathering
To collect their prizes, users must actively create an profile on Metrochain and get prompts to submit sensitive and personal information during the sign-up procedure. This includes linking their cryptocurrency wallets, revealing email addresses, supplying phone numbers, sending in identification papers, and more.
Step 4: Requesting funds
Once enrolled, users witness considerable amounts of cryptocurrency, valued at hundreds of dollars, within their Metrochain wallets. However, as is common with such bonuses, you can’t withdraw them ahead of making a deposit. Typically, a funds transfer of $100 is required to access the sign-up bonus. This prerequisite serves as the snare that ultimately culminates to the money loss.
Step 5: Disappear
The moment the payment is made, the scammers terminate all contact. They move forward to block users, erase accounts, and disappear with both the submitted capital and essential individual information. The fabricated prizes persist perpetually uncredited, as they lack actual existence. They act solely as a fraudulent strategy. This method forms the foundation for the scammers’ ability to trick victims and misappropriate hard-earned funds through their double-dealing online crypto fraud.
Signs of Scam
I gathered several facts that point at the scammy nature of the Metrochain.net. Actually, there are a lot of scams that fall under the same points, so they are pretty much universal.
- Cryptocurrency-Only Transactions. Metrochain.net insists on cryptocurrency payments exclusively, excluding conventional methods like bank transfers. This strategy ensures anonymity for the scam and eliminates any possibility of seeking refunds.
- Dubious Company Credentials. Metrochain arouses suspicion by failing to provide critical information about ownership, location, and legal registration. The lack of valid contact details and the recent creation of domain and social media profiles cast doubt on its legitimacy.
- Baseless Hype Generation. Metrochain resorts to fabricating non-existent achievements, such as contracts with Coinbase or endorsements from Elon Musk, to manipulate emotions and enhance the perception of potential returns, enticing victims to invest more.
- Fictitious Celebrity Association. Metrochain employs a deceptive tactic by falsely associating itself with well-known figures like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mr. Beast, and Mark Zuckerberg. Additionally, the scam falsely claims partnerships with established entities like Coinbase, Binance, or MetaMask to bolster its false credibility.
- Potential Ponzi-Like Model. The scam operates on a pyramid-style referral system disseminated through social media, benefiting only initial participants and relying on later investments to sustain the illusion.
- Unrealistic Profit Promises. Promising improbable returns of 50-100-200%, Metrochain capitalizes on the desire for high profits. However, the tumultuous nature of the cryptocurrency market renders such gains implausible, solidifying Metrochain.net as a definite scam.
What Should I do as a Victim?
If you had to deal with Metrochain 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.
- Report to Authorities. Your initial action should involve reporting the scam to local authorities responsible for addressing financial fraud. Additionally, reach out to wallet providers and engage with the technical support teams of social networks. This collective effort raises the bar for the scammers’ operations.
- Inform Your Inner Circle. Extend your impact by sharing information about the scam with your close friends. Similar to notifying authorities, this dissemination of details curbs the scammers’ potential to deceive.
- Document the Trail. Assemble a comprehensive record by capturing screenshots and archiving all relevant website-related data. This encompasses the website URL, screenshots of the main page, login interface, end-user license agreement (EULA), account top-up menu, and wallet addresses. These materials offer invaluable leads for authorities in their pursuit of the scammers.
- Explore Refund Possibilities. While cryptocurrency payments may not typically align with traditional bank refund policies, it’s worthwhile to explore potential refund avenues under specific circumstances. Maintain a positive outlook until you secure confirmation of the loss.
- Transform Loss into Insight. Shift your focus from the financial loss to gaining wisdom. Consider your loss as an investment in comprehending the tactics employed by crypto scam sites. Familiarize yourself with their distinctive traits, the methods they employ to entice individuals, and the extravagant pledges they make. This knowledge equips you to recognize and avoid future traps, minimizing the risk of enduring further 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, fraudsters may contact you with particular documents. Alternatively, they may suggest you to install “cryptocurrency wallet applications” or “browser extensions” to simplify access to your cryptocurrency savings. As we earlier figured out, these deceivers have no intention of returning your capital. So, what do these email messages and browser plugins represent? You guessed – this is another component of the scam designed to entice you into willingly running destructive applications onto your system.
Both plugins and files included to email messages can function as a carrier for diverse malicious code. In this scenario, I anticipate the presence of spyware and stealers among all forms of malware. While it is not mandatory for scammers to distribute malware, the chance is always above zero. As noted, their conscience is of little concern, and their dignity is already severely tarnished. They have no scruples to lose and intend to boost revenues.
Frequently asked questions
- Contact your bank or card provider and ask about chargeback options.
- Save screenshots, receipts, tracking numbers, and emails as evidence.
- Change reused passwords and enable two-factor authentication on important accounts.
- Watch for follow-up phishing emails pretending to offer refunds or delivery updates.
