Ape-themed airdrop phishing scams are on the rise, experts warn
Cybersecurity experts identified and disclosed the rising popularity of airdrop phishing among crypto and nonfungible token (NFT) scammers.
Airdrops serve as an essential marketing tool for crypto projects, which involves sending free cryptocurrency tokens or NFTs to promote awareness among investors. However, a new report released by Malwarebytes Labs highlighted an alarming rise in airdrop phishing attempts as scammers try to cash in on the hype around Yuga Labs’ BAYC Ape-related NFT collection.
Airdrop phishing: what is it, and how is my cryptocurrency at risk? https://t.co/kWG09l06fi
Malwarebytes recorded that the most common airdrop phishing tactics involve the use of fraudulent websites portraying as one of the legitimate platforms, adding that “Apes are, of course, the hottest draw in town where Airdrop phishing is concerned.”
The report acknowledged the fraudsters’ rising interest in ape-themed phishing while citing the “variety of fake pages out there reflects this.”
The above screenshot shows a phishing attempt wherein scammers created a site asking visitors to claim up to 10 Bull & Ape NFTs. However, similar to any other phishing website, when a user tries to claim the seemingly lucrative offer, it prompts for a variety of password/recovery phrases:
In addition, Malwarebytes also warns about the rise in the “connect your wallet” airdrop phish wherein Twitter accounts with massive followers pose as popular projects such as Moonbirds project offering NFT airdrops.
As the crypto community notices and calls out such scams, the fraudsters tend to turn off replies to their tweets to prevent being exposed. In this case, the official verified Moonbirds account warned about the imposters.
BEWARE of scammers, we don't
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