We Looked at the Evidence: Is Pegotex Legit or Scam?

Recently, Pegotex.com website surfaced, promoting itself as a platform where you can securely store cryptocurrency and other assets. I managed to gather reliable supporting information that unmistakably reveals it is, in fact, a deceptive site.

Contrary to the claims of Pegotex.com, they will never refund your money. Despite the money displayed in the “member area”, there is no ability to withdraw even a penny. All promises regarding crypto rewards are hollow as well.

It is better to prevent, than repair and repent!

When we talk about the intrusion of unfamiliar programs into your computer’s work, the proverb “Forewarned is forearmed” describes the situation as accurately as possible. Gridinsoft Anti-Malware is exactly the tool that is always useful to have in your armory: fast, efficient, up-to-date. It is appropriate to use it as an emergency help at the slightest suspicion of infection.

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Pegotex Scam Overview

The key service that Pegotex aims to provide is a safe and convenient cryptocurrency wallet service. The site promises exchange solutions, tools for handling wallets, transfers, dashboards, and similar stuff. In truth, they endeavor to emulate the functionality of a crypto exchange, akin to Binance or Coinbase. However, it actually exclusively serves as a shell intended to lull the vigilance.

Pegotex Scam

Initially, Pegotex reproduces the design of numerous similar pages. There are quite a few examples, like Zoymex, Zeywex or Xwgcoin. They are totally indistinguishable in terms of visual elements, with minor discrepancies in the webpage header. Other details, and at times even crypto wallet addresses, are the same. Presumably, all these deceptive sites are operated by the same gang of swindrels.

Cryptocurrency Scam Summary

How the Pegotex Scam Works?

Pegotex is yet another online platform within a wide-ranging network of interconnected crypto scam sites. The administrators employ different brand names and websites, like Pegotex.com, to trap victims. Nevertheless, these fraudulent websites have in common the same designs, terms of service, and About content. This unveils their beginnings as a part of the equal scam network, which promotes the similar form of scam under different disguises. The fraudsters simply replicate the identical deceptive website under different names to fool users into thinking they are joining a new venture. However, in reality, it’s the same system of scammers orchestrating the deceptive promises and efforts to take deposited money. The managers cleverly employ psychological maneuvers and appealing propositions to implement their unscrupulous schemes.

Step 1: Spreading

To initiate the deceptive scheme, criminals establish and fill accounts on popular social media platforms. They generally focus on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Subsequently, the promotional campaign begins. Employing bots and sponsored ads (when achievable), scam actors boost the presence of their fraudulent activities to possible victims. This strategy enables them to create an extensive net and interact with their aimed viewers. The latter commonly consists of cryptocurrency enthusiastic individuals looking for opportunities to earn profits.

Users obtain an incentive to register, attracted by the commitment of getting crypto benefits valued at hundreds of dollars, all free of charge. To enhance the attractiveness of the offer, false suggestions of sponsorship by a celebrity are incorporated. As you may guess, these claims are entirely baseless.

Step 2: Gaining Traffic

People who show interest visit Pegotex.com via links included in ads or robotic posts. The site employs captivating visuals, design aspects that appear authentic, and assertions of holding a official license, all designed to convey an initial perception of credibility.

Step 3: Data Gathering

To claim their prizes, users need to deliberately set up an account on Pegotex and get guidance to provide sensitive and personal data during the registration process. This includes linking their cryptocurrency wallets, providing email addresses, specifying phone numbers, submitting identification documents, and more.

Step 4: Requesting funds

Once enrolled, users observe substantial amounts of cryptocurrency, valued at hundreds of dollars, within their Pegotex wallets. Nevertheless, as it usually happens with such incentives, you can’t withdraw them prior to topping up your account. Typically, a deposit of $100 is asked to access the sign-up bonus. This stipulation serves as the trap that ultimately leads to the money loss.

Step 5: Disappear

The instant the funds transfer is made, the deceivers cease all communication. They go ahead to block users, delete accounts, and disappear with both the transferred money and essential individual details. The fabricated benefits remain perpetually uncredited, as they lack actual existence. They operate exclusively as a phishing strategy. This approach forms the foundation for the deceivers’ ability to mislead victims and embezzle hard-earned money through their deceptive web crypto fraud.

Signs of Scam

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

• Unsubstantiated Credibility. Pegotex 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%, Pegotex exploits the longing for quick profits. However, such gains are unrealistic within the volatile cryptocurrency landscape, unequivocally identifying Pegotex as a scam.
• Dubious Corporate Information. Pegotex 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. Pegotex.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. Pegotex 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 Pegotex 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 course of the fraud, its actors may reach out to you with specific files. Alternatively, they may suggest you to set up “cryptocurrency wallet applications” or “browser extensions” to simplify access to your crypto funds. As we previously figured out, these scammers have no intention of returning your funds. So, what do these email messages and browser plugins represent? Correct – that is another element of the deceptive plan designed to entice you into deliberately installing malicious applications onto your computer.

Both plugins and attachments attached to email messages can serve as a carrier for various malicious software. In this situation, I foresee the presence of spyware and stealers among all kinds of malicious programs. While it is not obligatory for scammers to distribute malware, the probability is always significant. As stated, their ethics is of little concern, and their reputation is already deeply compromised. They have no scruples to give up and aim to boost profits.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2. Insert a USB flash drive into this computer.

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

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.

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.

Step 4: Remove Found Threats:

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

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.

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

The truth about Pegotex

Name: Pegotex

Description: Cryptocurrency scams continue to increase as digital assets achieve mainstream adoption. A recent example of such a scam involves Pegotex, a fraudulent crypto exchange that entices victims with promises of free crypto giveaways. This detailed article will extensively examine the operations of the Pegotex 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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