FBI Warns Of Phishing Attacks In The Crypto Space
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warned of phishing attacks in the crypto space and how criminal actors exploit and drain NFTs and cryptocurrencies from victims' wallets. Hackers usually create a sense of urgency in their tweets or messages. The potential victims do not get the time to think before acting on it.
Having a sense of urgency does not mean it is from scammers and hackers. When digital marketers do marketing, they also create a sense of urgency in their posts, ads, and offers. We often see that online. So you cannot give a red flag instantly.
It is not easy to detect that the posts come from bad actors because that is a legitimate account. The thing is, bad actors compromise the real social media accounts that have a high reputation and then promote fake giveaways, and airdrops.
For example, Uniswap founder Hayden Adams’ X account was compromised, and hackers warned of Uniswap exploit. Since it comes from the founder, there is a high chance people will act on it. When it mentioned that tokens are at risk, people are ready to do something to protect their tokens. Then hackers gave a phishing link.
The FBI comes forward to talk about criminal actors' moves to compromise social media accounts to launch phishing attacks. The phishing link directs potential victims to a fake website which is designed to drain their wallets. If they click somewhere to claim airdrops or for any reason and connect their wallets, bad actors steal their crypto assets.
X user StockEd clicked a Google ad that pops up on search results but did not connect the wallet. It is surprising but more than $300,000 worth of NFTs was stolen from the wallet. You cannot say you just click the link to take a look at the website and you are safe.
Maybe there was malware or any other form of virus that enabled the hackers to exploit and drain the victim's wallet. Or that person mistakenly clicked somewhere on the website that caused this to happen. Unfortunately, you will see Google ads run by scammers that show up on search results. I avoid clicking Google ads.
Many people lost their crypto becoming victims of phishing attacks. It is great to see that the FBI talked about it and warned people so that they do not fall for any scams.
