Crypto Scammers Mastermind $163M Gambit with AI-Driven Trap Sites

Crypto thefts reached $163 million in August as hackers increasingly pivot to more sophisticated and deceptive methods to exploit cryptocurrency users. The shift in tactics highlights a broader trend in cybercrime, where attackers are leveraging social engineering and counterfeit platforms to extract digital assets from unsuspecting victims. A notable case is the proliferation of “scambling” sites—fraudulent online gambling platforms—that have surged in number over the past month. These sites lure users with promises of free credits and engaging games, only to trap them in a cycle of deposits with no viable exit [1].

The scam gambling sites often promote themselves through deceptive advertisements on social media platforms, claiming to be affiliated with well-known personalities or brands. Users are enticed with a “promo code” that grants them $2,500 in virtual credits to play on the sites. However, once users attempt to cash out any winnings, they are prompted to make a “verification deposit” of cryptocurrency, typically around $100. These deposits are rarely returned, and users are often coerced into making additional payments until they lose all invested funds [1].

Behind these scams is a Russian affiliate program called “Gambler Panel,” which operates as a centralized operation and provides scamming tools and strategies to thousands of affiliates. The program incentivizes affiliates to drive traffic to these sites, with some earning a minimum of $10 per verification deposit. Gambler Panel has more than 20,000 affiliates and offers a detailed playbook for maximizing profits from each victim [1].

The infrastructure supporting these scam sites is highly scalable, with one entity reportedly managing over 1,200 domains, all utilizing shared technical elements such as a common API for chatbots and centralized support systems. The sites are also designed to prevent users from registering multiple accounts from the same IP address or device, ensuring that each scam is conducted on a one-to-one basis [1].

A developer who investigated the scam network noted that the operators use a unique Bitcoin wallet for each domain, which likely serves as a decoy to obscure the real financial flow. Attempts to contact customer support are often handled by a mix of AI and human operators, who eventually block the user. These tactics underscore the sophistication of the operation and the difficulty in tracing the financial transactions [1].

As the threat landscape evolves, cybersecurity experts warn that these scams are part of a broader shift in how cybercriminals operate. Traditional phishing and DDoS attacks are increasingly being replaced by more targeted and deceptive methods that exploit user trust in digital platforms. The proliferation of scam gambling sites exemplifies this trend, and it is likely that more such operations will emerge unless platforms and regulators take stronger measures to curb these threats [1].

Source:

[1] Krebs on Security – In-depth security news and investigation (https://krebsonsecurity.com/)