Cryptocurrency scammers are exploiting the viral popularity of the Telegram-based clicker game, Hamster Kombat, by staging fraudulent airdrops.
Cryptocurrency scammers are exploiting the viral popularity of the Telegram-based clicker game, Hamster Kombat, by staging fraudulent airdrops. Players of this tap-to-earn game are being targeted by scammers and malicious actors seeking to profit from its widespread popularity.
Users of the fast-growing mobile game, Hamster Kombat, have become victims of phishing attacks. These attacks involve scammers deceiving players into taking actions that benefit the attackers, typically by stealing personal information or credentials.
Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky recently uncovered these phishing schemes, as reported by security expert Olga Svistunova to Cointelegraph. She stated:
“Our team has identified a series of fraudulent schemes aimed at Hamster Kombat users. In one scheme, scammers entice victims with promises of converting in-game coins to rubles through phishing links that require Telegram login credentials.”
Svistunova further explained that successful attacks occur when attackers obtain users’ credentials:
“Once the credentials are entered, attackers gain access to personal accounts, allowing them to steal data, commit blackmail, and send fraudulent messages. This scheme primarily targets victims in Russia, but fraudsters from other countries may also adopt this tactic.”
Hamster Kombat is one of the most popular mobile games, boasting 239 million users in just 81 days. The clicker game attracts 4-5 million new users daily, making it one of the fastest-growing digital services globally, according to Telegram founder Pavel Durov.
Cybersecurity Firm Warns of Fake Hamster Kombat Crypto Airdrops
In addition to phishing attacks, cryptocurrency scammers have been targeting the game with fake airdrops that lead to fraudulent links. These fake airdrops aim to steal users’ crypto wallet credentials, as Kaspersky’s Svistunova noted:
“Scammers exploit the appeal of free cryptocurrency by offering fake Hamster cryptocurrency airdrops, aiming to steal crypto wallet information. Fraudsters also set up phishing sites pretending to sell Hamster cryptocurrency at a discount, deceiving users into providing access to their crypto wallets.”
The Hamster Kombat (HMSTR) token has gained popularity since its pre-market trading listing on Bybit on July 8. The cybersecurity firm added that scammers are also creating fake websites promising free coins to users, with the intention of stealing cryptocurrency through “fraudulent commission payments.”
