[WARNING for Newbies] Watch out for fake Bitcointalk when using Search Engine

[masulum]

Recently I tried to do a test by using search engines to find bounties thread. Here is my results

Test on Duckduckgo.
The search for Duckduckgo was very surprising to me. because the results obtained are fake Bitcointalk websites with domains that might be familiar to some members of this forum, namely the Bitcointalk.*to the top position (on first pages) of this search engine.

The following are the results I got


The second test on Google
In the second test, I tried to refer to Google as the number one search engine for most members. This time, I tried to use the fake website's domain name as a keyword. And my guess is correct, it turns out Google also indexes the website pages. The results are as follows



That is, anyone who searches, such as a bounty hunter, airdrop hunter or investor can become a victim of the search results by being directed to the address of the fake Bitcointalk.

Make sure you are visiting https://bitcointalk.org and bookmark this pages with CTL+D or Hit Bookmark button on your borwsers.

[Pmalek]

It has been suggested before that it is not safe to just search for bitcointalk as a keyword.
Instead, add site:bitcointalk.org followed by the content you are searching for. In your case bounties.

That way will get results ONLY from bitcointalk.org and not other site.

[LogitechMouse]

When I search on Google, I often see that site bitcointalk.to but shame on them.

I only log in my account into one device only and whenever I login to the forum, it automatically logged in. If you are browsing that phishing site, it will direct you to the login section where you need to put your user and pass again which is a bit weird for me and I checked the site and found out that it is a fake site.

I think the best way for this problem is just check the site you are browsing.

[masulum]

I think the best way for this problem is just check the site you are browsing.

Of course, we just need to re check the domain. But, sometimes people just click what they see on search results.

[Lucius]

There is simple and easy solution that will show you only legit sites if you use search engines, and it's called adblock. You can use it for any browser just by navigate to Extension -> Open Chrome Web Store (for Chrome) and search for example uBlock -> Click Add to Chrome.

Most of fake (phishig) site are using paid advertisements which are shown at the top of search results, and by using adblock you can block them and prevent to click on them. When you are sure that you are on legit site, just save it to bookmark of your browser and use it every time from there.

[masulum]

There is simple and easy solution that will show you only legit sites if you use search engines, and it's called adblock. You can use it for any browser just by navigate to Extension -> Open Chrome Web Store (for Chrome) and search for example uBlock -> Click Add to Chrome.

Most of fake (phishig) site are using paid advertisements which are shown at the top of search results, and by using adblock you can block them and prevent to click on them. When you are sure that you are on legit site, just save it to bookmark of your browser and use it every time from there.

Unfortunatelly, my test results not because they are using paid ads on search engine. They are organic results on page 1. That why I made this warning, because I'm sure many user only focus on title and forgot domain address.

But its good for everyone who wan't see any PPC on search engine. Another option to get good results already mentioned by Pmalek

[mk4]

I'm not sure if these sites actually uses ads because I've always had uBlock Origin on, but they've been appearing on top of the organic search results for some reason so the adblock method isn't going to be effective. As a person who knows a bit on Search Engine Optimization(SEO), I really don't know how these fake sites rank above the real Bitcointalk.org.

The go to solution for me is still the site:bitcointalk.org search query method. I've actually accidentally clicked on one of those sites in the past 🤦(i know). Noticed it immediately when it asked me to log in.


EDIT: A bit of good news at least, Bitcointalk.to seems to be down(for now, that is). But expect new ones to come up.

[Lucius]

masulum&mjglqw, when I search for keyword "bitcointalk" with Google, I get this forum on first place, and on second place is some other bitcointalk forum with com domain. That site with to domain is not even show on second page of my search results.

For keywords "bitcoin bounty campaign" I also get first two results which are linked to this forum. Probably Google displays search results differently for different geographic areas, so I see different results.

[Pmalek]

masulum&mjglqw, when I search for keyword "bitcointalk" with Google, I get this forum on first place, and on second place is some other bitcointalk forum with com domain. That site with to domain is not even show on second page of my search results.

I just tried it and I get the same result as you do. In the past when I didn't search using the site:bitcointalk.org method I would come across the .to site very often. The safest way is just giving your search engine the proper command and possible threats are prevented.

[o_e_l_e_o]

The safest way is just giving your search engine the proper command and possible threats are prevented.

I use this method too ("site:bitcointalk.org"), but it isn't foolproof. It won't protect you if you click on phishing links from elsewhere or even from within this forum, and it won't protect you on the occasions you forget to use it.

I always recommend adding any phishing sites you come across to your hosts file for maximum protection. If you do this, it is impossible to fall victim as your browser won't even open them. The instructions have been linked to in the first reply to OP.

[mu_enrico]

I almost became a victim several times already. Thanks to LastPass that doesn't trigger automatic filling in those scam sites. Just like others have said, don't forget to include "site: bitcointalk.org" for every google search. Sometimes I got lazy and only type "keyword bitcointalk," and I immediately regret my decision.

[Lafu]

There are a few threads already about Fake and phishing sites for Bitcointalk !


From: LoyceV
Request: add bitcointalk.TO to [phishing] list

From: Silent26
Think Before You Click (Beware of Phishing Sites)

From: Carrelmae10
Bitcointalk Phishing Site

And guess there are a few more but was looking only at fast search !