The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) of New Zealand has issued a critical warning regarding a pervasive “fake Bitcoin giveaway” and advance fee scam operating under the name Zavrox, along with a vast network of associated, fraudulent websites. The scam, which leverages fake celebrity endorsements and the promise of free cryptocurrency, is designed to trick unsuspecting individuals into making payments that are never returned.
The FMA’s alert, published recently, details how scammers are using sophisticated tactics, including doctored social media videos featuring well-known personalities like Elon Musk, to promote an offer of 0.31 “free” Bitcoins upon signing up with Zavrox (www.zavrox.com) or its numerous duplicate sites using a special promotion code.
How the Elaborate Scam Unfolds:
According to the FMA, the scheme operates with a deceptive simplicity:
- Fake Celebrity Endorsements: Social media platforms are flooded with fabricated videos of celebrities promoting an enticing offer: 0.31 free Bitcoins for signing up with Zavrox or one of its many clone websites.
- Instant, Illusory Balance: Upon registration, users are immediately credited with 0.31 Bitcoins in their account, creating a false sense of legitimacy and excitement.
- The Advance Fee Trap: When users attempt to withdraw these “free” Bitcoins, they are prompted to make a small payment in Bitcoin, presented as a necessary “fee” to process the withdrawal.
- No Withdrawal, No Refund: After the user makes this payment, the promised Bitcoins are never withdrawn or sent to their nominated wallet address. The initial “free gift” is revealed to be nothing more than a bait-and-switch tactic to steal the advance fee.
The FMA explicitly states, “There are no actual free Bitcoin giveaways.” This “free gift” tactic is a common hallmark of advance fee fraud, where victims are persuaded to pay a small amount upfront for a much larger, non-existent reward.
A Growing Network of Fraudulent Sites:
The FMA has identified a significant number of duplicate websites operating the identical scam, emphasizing the scale of this deceptive operation. These include, but are not limited to:
- zavrox.com
- Relutor.com
- bitobase.com
- xraize.com
- jorerx.com
- arbitervault.com
- lemip.com
- cepez.com
- wazanex.com
- vlunur.com
- vexusbit.com
- xprobit.com
- spcaex.best
- nonaf.com
- eurex-crypto.eu
- viaxbit.com
- cloudxbit.com
- zmorax.com
- paycommoney.top
- bitinby.com
- clunio.com
- xanory.com
- coinfuse.io
- kofrex.com
- genemybit.com
- menotar.com
- cenvor.com
- comtrex.pro
- cenorim.com
- cevonor.com
- colenex.com
- welamex.com
- raeex.com
- rexwox.com
- xzors.com
- xvairo.com
- xtapbit.com
- socfo.com
- dexn.cc
- neloax.com
FMA’s Recommendation and What to Do:
The FMA strongly recommends extreme caution when encountering videos or articles, especially those featuring celebrities or politicians, that make offers described as “too good to be true.”
If you believe you have been targeted by this scam or have shared your details with Zavrox or any of its associated websites, it is crucial to:
- Cease all communication with the entity immediately.
- Do not make any further payments.
- Gather all evidence (screenshots, transaction records, communications).
- Contact your local financial regulatory body or police department to report the incident.
- You can also file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at https://www.ic3.gov/ and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) at https://www.fincen.gov/msb-state-selector.
- For European citizens, you can report cybercrime online to Europol at https://www.europol.europa.eu/report-a-crime/report-cybercrime-online.
- Consider seeking independent financial advice.
This warning serves as a vital reminder for the public to exercise vigilance and conduct thorough due diligence before engaging with any online investment or cryptocurrency offer, especially those promising unrealistic returns or free assets.