Fake Ledger Live app sneaks into Microsoft's app store, $588K stolen
Almost $600,000 in Bitcoin (BTC) has been stolen from users who downloaded a fake Ledger Live application on Microsoft’s app store, according to cryptocurrency sleuth ZachXBT.
The on-chain analyst spotted the scam, “Ledger Live Web3” on Nov. 5, which is tricking users into thinking that they’re downloading “Ledger Live” — a user interface for Ledger hardware wallets to store cryptocurrency offline.
Approximately 16.8 BTC worth $588,000 has been received by the scammer across 38 transactions using wallet address, “bc1q….y64q,” according to Blockchain.com. About $115,200 has left the scammer’s wallet across two transactions, leaving it with $473,800 or 13.5 BTC.
Community Alert: There is currently a fake @Ledger Live app on the official @Microsoft App Store which was resulted in 16.8+ BTC ($588K) stolen
Scammer address
bc1qg05gw43elzqxqnll8vs8x47ukkhudwyncxy64q pic.twitter.com/rOZ0ZWRWbn
In a follow up post, ZachXBT noted that Microsoft may have removed the fake Ledger Live app from its platform.
The first transaction sent to the scammer’s wallet address took place on Oct. 24, worth $5,210. Prior to that, the wallet hadn’t been used. Most of these transactions have taken place since Nov. 2, with the largest transfer totaling $81,200 on Nov. 4.
A search by Cointelegraph found the fake “Ledger Live Web3” application appeared in Microsoft’s app store as early as Oct. 19.
ZachXBT said they have received two messages from victims on Nov. 4 and even argued that Microsoft “should be held liable” for allowing the fake Ledger Live app to appear in its app store.
Sadly received two messages about this from victims today. Seems another person lost funds in just past few min. pic.twitter.com/yYPbizltN5
Related: Ledger hardware wallet rolls
Read more on cointelegraph.com
