As a researcher with years of experience in cybersecurity and digital forensics, I can’t help but feel like I’m playing a never-ending game of cat and mouse with these scammers. It seems they are always one step ahead, finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities and trick unsuspecting users.
Tricksters are using phony Telegram bots that distribute harmful software to swipe your cryptocurrencies.
In a December 10th update on their platform, Scam Sniffer warned that fraudsters are fabricating false X account identities resembling well-known crypto influencers. These impersonators subsequently lure users into joining Telegram groups by offering investment tips and insights.
In a Telegram group, users are directed to authenticate via “OfficiaISafeguardBot”, a falsified verification tool designed to generate a sense of immediacy through limited verification periods, according to the company’s statement.
Afterward, the bot introduces harmful PowerShell commands designed to download and activate malicious software. This action is intended to infiltrate computer systems and cryptocurrency wallets. Scam Sniffer reports observing many instances where such malware has resulted in the unauthorized acquisition of private keys.
As a seasoned crypto investor, I’ve learned that the recent instances of fraud in our community have been traced back to a deceitful verification bot, according to Scam Sniffer. It’s crucial for us all to stay vigilant and double-check any messages or requests we receive, especially those involving verifications.
The company stated that it’s uncertain at this moment whether there are more deceptive programs posing as legitimate entities. Nonetheless, it’s quite feasible for such entities to disguise themselves as others, according to their statement.
As reported by Scam Sniffer, malware designed to infect ordinary users has been around for some time. However, the underlying structure powering these harmful programs is rapidly advancing and growing increasingly complex.
When scammers carry out successful thefts and the demand for such activities increases, they often transition into a ‘scam-on-demand’ service, much like the creators of cryptocurrency wallet-draining software rent out their tools to other fraudsters engaged in phishing schemes.
For the first time, we’ve encountered a unique blend of counterfeit X accounts, fabricated Telegram channels, and harmful Telegram bots. This is an unprecedented occurrence in our monitoring.
Currently, the security team has reported an increase in fraudsters pretending to be others on platform X and promoting false links and cryptocurrencies.
So far this month, our monitoring system at Scam Sniffer has detected an average of approximately 300 scammers posing as X each day, which is significantly higher than the average of 160 scammers seen in November.
Not less than two individuals have suffered the loss of more than $3 million after they clicked on harmful links and authorized transactions from fraudulent accounts, the report stated further.
warning has been issued by Cado Security Labs as well, highlighting an ongoing threat where individuals working in the Web3 sector are being tricked into using counterfeit meeting applications. These fraudulent apps are then used to introduce malware and pilfer login details for websites, mobile applications, and digital wallets containing cryptocurrency.
In a similar vein, Cyvers, a web3 security platform, cautioned this month that phishing attempts might escalate in December due to hackers aiming to capitalize on the increase in digital transactions during the holiday season.
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2024-12-11 06:14