Blockchain security experts have uncovered a new scam that uses malicious Google ads to trick crypto users into visiting a fake Pudgy Penguins website.
A new scam targeting crypto users has been uncovered. Analysts at blockchain security firm Scam Sniffer warn that criminals appear to be exploiting Google’s advertising network to deliver malicious advertisements.
In an X thread on Wednesday, the analysts explain that malicious ads contain suspicious JavaScript code that checks whether the viewer has a crypto wallet. When a wallet is detected, the code redirects users to a fake website that mimics the legitimate website for Pudgy Penguins, a non-fungible token collection of 8,888 unique tokens depicting chubby cartoon penguins.
Once users are redirected to the fake website, fraudsters could steal personal information or trick victims into linking their wallets, allowing unauthorized access to withdraw funds.
The current target of the scam is Pudgy Penguins users, but Scam Sniffer has warned that this method could easily be adapted to target other crypto projects as well. The security experts advise crypto investors to always check website URLs carefully to avoid falling for similar scams. To be on the safe side, Scam Sniffer recommended using ad blockers, considering a separate browser for Web3 activity, and double-checking URLs before connecting a wallet.
The latest scam is part of a larger trend in which criminals are using Google Ads to deceive crypto users. In one case, scammers imitated the Revoke Cash recovery service by using deceptive ads that redirected users to…
