.png)
A new
cybercrime has surfaced in which hackers are snatching cryptocurrency wallets
through Google Ads. According to Check Point Research (CPR), scammers are
creating adverts at the top of Google Search that replicates prominent wallet
companies like Phantom and MetaMask to deceive users into handing up their
crypto wallet passphrase and private key.
In a blog
post, CPR states that scammers used Google Ads at the top of Google Search to
entice customers by imitating popular wallets and platforms. Over $500k worth
of cryptocurrency was taken in a few days, according to the company.
How does
the fraud work?
Scammer
places a Google Ad at the top of a search query for a cryptocurrency wallet.
The victim is directed to a phishing website that looks identical to the
genuine wallet website after clicking on the malicious link that is displayed
as Google Ads.
If you
already have a wallet, the bogus website will attempt to steal your pass;
otherwise, it will offer you a new pass for your freshly established wallet. The
fraudster will obtain access to your wallet in either case and will be able to
steal all of your cryptocurrency.
How to
Keep Yourself Safe
<!--[if !supportLists]-->·
<!--[endif]-->CPR
advises the crypto community to remain vigilant and provides safety guidelines
for those who want to keep safe.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->·
<!--[endif]-->Before
clicking any link, double-check the URL in your browser. In the URL, the
padlock symbol must appear.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->·
<!--[endif]-->Locate
the icon for the extension. The extension will have a chrome-extension URL and
an extension icon near it. Only the extension should create the password, and
always check the browser URL to see if it's an extension or a website.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->·
<!--[endif]-->No
one should ever ask for a user's password, and no one should ever give it out.
It should only be used once more when setting up a new wallet.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->·
<!--[endif]-->Skip
the commercials. If you're looking for wallets, crypto trading and swapping
platforms in the crypto world, always look at the first website that comes up
in your search, not the ad, as these might lead you astray and lead to a scam.