The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued a warning to cryptocurrency users in the United States regarding an increase in impersonation scams. These scams involve fraudsters pretending to be federal officials in order to deceive users and steal their cryptocurrency. This new tactic by scammers is just one of the many ways they try to take advantage of crypto users.
According to CISA, impersonation scams have been on the rise and often involve the use of government employees’ names and titles. The agency has been made aware of recent instances where scammers have claimed to be affiliated with CISA. It is important to note that CISA employees will never ask for money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards, and will never instruct users to keep their interactions confidential.
While impersonation scams have traditionally targeted individuals through fiat currency and gift cards, scammers are now turning their attention to cryptocurrency. Once a digital asset transaction is completed, it is irreversible, making it easier for scammers to exploit unsuspecting victims. CISA advises users not to engage with impersonators, to hang up immediately, and to report the incident to the agency.
In addition to requesting cryptocurrency transfers, impersonators also employ other tactics to steal funds from users. One common method is phishing, where scammers send links to fake websites that resemble legitimate cryptocurrency wallet services. Users are tricked into entering their wallet information, including private keys, giving scammers access to their funds.
Another emerging method used by impersonators is directing users to “drainers” on platforms like Discord and Telegram, which are popular among crypto communities. These drainers claim to check wallets for sanctions compliance, but in reality, they extract funds from users’ wallets once they have access to them.
It is crucial for cryptocurrency users to remain vigilant and cautious when dealing with unknown individuals or requests for personal information. By staying informed and following best practices for online security, users can protect themselves from falling victim to impersonation scams and other forms of fraud in the cryptocurrency space.