The Threat of Fake Skype App Targeting Crypto Investors
If you are a crypto investor in China, you need to be aware of the fake Skype application that is being widely distributed on the Chinese internet. This is especially important because many international marketplaces are not accessible within China, creating an opportunity for bad actors to exploit and target crypto investors with phishing applications.
The security firm SlowMist has reported that Chinese scammers are distributing a fake version of Skype (version 8.87.0.403) for Android devices on various local marketplaces. Once installed, this malicious application can access images from the victim’s phone and monitor for new images in real-time, uploading them to the scammers’ backend interface.
Furthermore, the fake Skype app sends data such as device information, user ID, and phone number to the scammers’ backend and monitors messages for TRON or Ethereum-type address format strings, replacing them with addresses pre-made by the scammers automatically.
SlowMist revealed that the gang behind the fake Skype app also targeted users in 2022 with a scam version of Binance, using similar backend domain “bn-download3[dot]com.”
SlowMist
Stolen Funds and Laundering
SlowMist’s investigation found that the scammers behind this fake Skype app have received nearly $193,000 in Tether (USDT) through 110 transactions on a TRON chain address. Most of the stolen funds were laundered through BitKeep’s Swap service, with transaction fees covered by a user registered on the OKX crypto exchange.
Hot Take: Protect Yourself from Phishing Scams
As a crypto investor, it’s crucial to stay vigilant against phishing scams targeting your digital assets. Be cautious of downloading applications from unverified sources and regularly monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity. Additionally, consider using hardware wallets or other secure storage methods to protect your investments from such fraudulent activities.
By
By
By
By
By