A report by AegisWeb3 has shed light on the alarming rise of crypto scammers who have defrauded over 14,000 individuals, accumulating approximately $6.4 million through fake token claim scams. The study, covering a period of nine months from August 2022 to May, exposes the tactics employed by these scammers to exploit unsuspecting users and drain their wallets.
According to the AegisWeb3 report, the scammers entice their victims by sending links claiming to offer airdrops of various cryptocurrencies. When users connect their wallets to these fraudulent websites, their funds are immediately exploited and stolen. During the nine months, a staggering 14,605 individuals fell victim to these scams, resulting in the loss of approximately 3,234 Ethereum ($ETH), equivalent to over $6 million.
The report highlights the success of the most profitable scammers in their illicit activities. One particular scammer managed to gain 1024 $ETH from 1,714 victims, while another fraudster, targeting the highest number of victims, stole 302 $ETH from 2,137 addresses. The findings of the AegisWeb3 report were corroborated by blockchain security firm Peckshield, further validating the extent of the scamming operations.
Crypto scammers took advantage of the popularity surrounding airdrops of well-known crypto projects like Blur and Arbitrum ($ARB). CryptoSlate reported that two malicious actors managed to steal over a million ARB tokens. Certik, a blockchain security firm, identified a phishing site being promoted by a fake Arbitrum Twitter account, thereby highlighting the sophistication of these scams.
The proliferation of meme coins has provided an additional avenue for scammers to create counterfeit tokens using the names of legitimate coins, giving the impression of free airdrops. In one instance, a scammer utilized on-chain functionality to create the illusion that the creator of PSYOP, eth_ben, was conducting an airdrop of the meme-coin to the public. However, closer inspection of the link revealed it led to a phishing website. AegisWeb3 noted that scammers often prompt users with messages containing words like “Approve,” tricking them into unknowingly transferring their assets to the phishing contracts.
The surge in crypto scamming incidents necessitates enhanced vigilance and security measures within the crypto community. Increased awareness about phishing scams, verifying the authenticity of airdrops, and exercising caution when clicking on suspicious links are vital steps to protect oneself from falling victim to these scams. Furthermore, blockchain security firms and regulatory bodies must collaborate to implement robust measures that deter and penalize scammers.
In conclusion, the AegisWeb3 report provides a concerning glimpse into the world of crypto scammers, who have successfully defrauded thousands of individuals and amassed millions of dollars through fake token claim scams. The widespread exploitation of airdrops, combined with the proliferation of meme coins and counterfeit tokens, highlights the urgent need for increased user education and comprehensive security measures. By fostering a collective effort to combat these scams, the crypto community can mitigate the risks posed by scammers and ensure a safer environment for all participants in the digital asset space.
Disclaimer: This article was created for informational purposes only and should not be taken as investment advice. An asset’s past performance does not predict its future returns. Before making an investment, please conduct your own research, as digital assets like cryptocurrencies are highly risky and volatile financial instruments. This is a news article only.
