Hamster Kombat, one of the most popular mobile games of the moment, is making headlines not only for its success, but also for a wave of scams that are targeting its players. This Telegram-based game has attracted millions of users, but unfortunately also the attention of experienced phishing scammers.
Phishing attacks, how they work
Phishing is a scam technique in which attackers try to trick people into giving them sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial data. Kaspersky security expert Olga Svistunova recently explained to Cointelegraph that the Kaspersky team has uncovered several fraudulent schemes targeting Hamster Kombat users. One of the most common schemes promises to convert in-game coins into rubles through phishing links that request Telegram login credentials. Once these credentials are provided, fraudsters can access personal accounts, steal data, blackmail victims, and send fraudulent messages.
The Hamster Kombat phenomenon
Hamster Kombat achieved incredible success in a very short time, with 239 million users in just 81 days and a daily addition of 4-5 million new players. This explosive growth has made the game an attractive target for scammers. Telegram founder Pavel Durov pointed out that Hamster Kombat is one of the fastest growing digital platforms in the world.
Fake cryptocurrency Airdrop
But the problems do not end there. Svistunova also revealed that fraudsters are organising fake cryptocurrency airdrops linked to Hamster Kombat. These fake airdrops are designed to steal the credentials of users’ crypto wallets. Fraudsters exploit the lure of free cryptocurrency to trick people into gaining access to their digital wallets. In addition, they create phishing sites that offer Hamster cryptocurrency at discounted prices, further tricking users into giving up their sensitive data (pictured below fake Hamster Kombat withdrawal banner).
Fake websites and fraudulent commissions
Another common tactic is the creation of fake websites promising free coins to users. These sites demand fraudulent fee payments with the intention of stealing users’ cryptocurrencies. These deceptive practices pose a significant threat to players, many of whom may be unaware of phishing techniques.
The impact on the cryptocurrency sector
Hacking and phishing attacks continue to undermine confidence in the cryptocurrency industry. Over the past 13 years, nearly $19 billion in digital assets have been stolen through 785 reported attacks. The largest theft was the Plus Token case in 2019, in which attackers took $2.9 billion worth of Bitcoin and Ether.
A Growing Phishing Problem
Phishing attacks are increasing, especially on some of the newer blockchains. For example, phishing attacks on Base increased by 1,900% in March compared to January, resulting in an 18-fold increase in cryptocurrencies stolen through phishing.
How to Protect Yourself Against Phishing Attacks
With the growing popularity of Hamster Kombat and other cryptocurrency platforms, it is essential that users remain vigilant and take appropriate security measures. Using two-factor authentication, avoiding suspicious links and always checking the authenticity of communications can help protect against fraudsters. Other useful tricks are:
- Use two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Check suspicious links. Never click on unverified links or links from unknown sources.
- Keep software up-to-date. Ensure that all applications and operating systems are updated with the latest security patches.
Staying informed and taking preventive measures is crucial to avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes. Digital security is the responsibility of all of us, especially in an era where cyber threats are constantly evolving.
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