Crypto phishing in Telegram: 2000% growth in two months
Date: 2025-01-17 Author: Oliver Abernathy Categories: BUSINESS
From November 2024 to January 2025, their number increased by more than 2000%, while the volume of regular Internet phishing remained stable.
Scammers use Telegram as their main platform for attacks on cryptocurrency users. They create groups that look like cryptocurrency trading platforms, airdrops, or channels with "exclusive" information. However, instead of the usual request to connect a crypto wallet through a fake site, they are introducing a new approach.
The attackers offer to install a bot to allegedly confirm identity. After completing these actions, the scammers gain access to passwords, browser data, and crypto wallets of the victim. Moreover, they can control the device's clipboard, which makes the theft of data and assets virtually invisible.
The change in methods is due to the fact that users have become better at understanding phishing schemes and avoiding them. At the same time, malware provides criminals with greater opportunities to access sensitive information, and the consequences of such leaks are harder to track.
Cybersecurity experts warn: no legitimate cryptocurrency platform requires installing bots for verification.
Additionally, in December, experts reported another fraudulent scheme targeting dishonest cryptocurrency users. Hackers provoke them to participate in a supposedly simple theft, thus luring them into a trap.
According to the Chainalysis 2024 report, hackers are actively mastering complex technologies, including artificial intelligence. These tools are used to blackmail victims, bypass checks on crypto platforms and other criminal activities.
To protect themselves, it is important for users to be attentive and remember that no legitimate service will request actions that could put their data at risk.
