Scam ads targeting the common protocol appear on Google
Key receivers
Fraudsters are using fraudulent Google ads to impersonate the normal protocol and steal crypto assets. Users are advised to manually verify website addresses to ensure their authenticity and avoid fraud.
Share this article
Fraud sniffer analysts have identified fraudulent Google ads that direct users to fake websites designed to steal crypto assets.
🚨 Alert: Beware of scam ads impersonating the normal protocol on Google.
These scam ads can steal your assets if you click them and connect wallets and sign transactions. pic.twitter.com/E8OE2oaheh
– Fraud Fraudster | Web3 Anti-Scam (@realScamSniffer) December 28, 2024
Malicious ads appear at the top of Google search results when users search for “common protocol” by placing themselves above the legitimate website. These ads mimic the standard protocol brand name and language to appear authentic. This layout can get users to click, as many tend to click on the first few results they see.
Victims who click on these deceptive ads are directed to a fake website that tries to access their digital assets in two main ways: requesting wallet connections from services like MetaMask or Trust Wallet, and getting users to sign a malicious transaction that transfers assets to fraudsters.
Fraudsters are using Google's ad platform to create malicious ads that direct users to fake websites. They often play on keywords related to popular wallets and platforms by creating ads that closely resemble legitimate services.
Once users click on these ads, they are redirected to phishing sites that look legitimate but are designed to collect sensitive information such as wallet passwords.
Earlier this week, Scam Sniffer reported a similar scam targeting Pudgy Penguin users using malicious Google ads with dubious JavaScript code that detects crypto wallets.
🚨 Urgent security alert 🚨
1/6 A user reported being redirected to a fake @pudgypenguins website via a Singaporean news portal. Our investigation has confirmed that this is part of a larger malicious ad campaign. pic.twitter.com/Izv3f87WrX
– Fraud Fraudster | Web3 Anti-Scam (@realScamSniffer) December 25, 2024
When these scam ads identify a crypto wallet, users are redirected to fake versions of legitimate platforms where fraudsters collect personal information or gain unauthorized access to funds through wallet connections.
Users are advised to always verify website addresses directly and never link to a site that they are not 100% sure is legitimate.
Share this article
