As reported by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky, Hamster Kombat gamers have become the latest victims of phishing scams. This surge in phishing schemes targeting the Telegram-based game coincides with the growing user base and anticipation surrounding the game’s upcoming token listing.
Increase in phishing attacks
Phishing scams have become a popular method for cybercriminals to steal from users. Hamster Kombat players have been particularly targeted in recent weeks. The scammers use various techniques to deceive users, including sending phishing links that promise to convert in-game tokens into fiat currency, particularly Russian rubles.
These links allow hackers to gain control of users’ accounts, leading to data theft and fraudulent messages. In some instances, hackers have also blackmailed victims after accessing their accounts. Another prevalent method involves fake airdrop links. These links often contain malicious codes designed to steal private keys from users’ crypto wallets or gain unauthorized access to their wallets.
The fake airdrop pages entice users with promises of free coins or withdrawals. The rise in these incidents is closely linked to Hamster Kombat’s plan to launch its HMSTR token. The game has amassed over 250 million users in less than 100 days and has announced a partnership with Crypto.com. Despite experiencing some technical issues on July 15, which prevented users from logging in, the platform is now fully operational. The HMSTR token is currently listed for pre-trading on Bybit.
Rise in phishing scams
The phishing scams targeting Hamster Kombat highlight a broader trend of increasing phishing attacks this year. According to ScamSniffer data, victims lost $314 million to phishing attacks across all EVM chains in the first half of 2024. This figure surpasses the total amount stolen in 2023, indicating that the trend will likely continue.
Scammers employ various methods, such as Permit phishing signatures, which allow them to sign transactions off-chain for the affected address, and address spoofing, where users unknowingly send funds to a malicious address that closely resembles the correct one.
Cybercriminals often exploit trending situations to attract victims. For example, after the WazirX exploit, numerous fake accounts and phishing websites emerged, impersonating the exchange and promising user refunds.
Targeting Russian users
Most phishing schemes targeting Hamster Kombat players focus on Russian users. However, cybersecurity experts warn that attackers could soon extend their reach to other regions where the game has a significant user base, such as the Philippines and Nigeria.
The rise in phishing scams targeting Hamster Kombat players underscores the growing threat of cyber attacks in the gaming world. Gamers are advised to remain vigilant and exercise caution when dealing with suspicious links and offers to protect their accounts and personal information from malicious actors.