Malicious Cross-Chain Bridge Scam Results in $520,000 Loss for Crypto Holder
A recent incident reported by Web3 security platform Scam Sniffer highlights the risks associated with fake cross-chain bridges. On January 6, Scam Sniffer announced that a crypto holder had lost over $520,000 in Chainlink (LINK) tokens after signing a malicious transaction on a fake bridge.
Details of the Incident
According to on-chain details, the victim signed the fake transaction on January 4, resulting in the loss of 22,415 LINK tokens, valued at approximately $525,196 at the time. The attackers targeted Telegram-based decentralized finance groups, exploiting users seeking faster bridging solutions.
This incident follows a recent report on DeFi attacks, which revealed that the ecosystem lost $494 million to wallet drainer phishing scams in 2024. Over 332,000 addresses were compromised during the 12-month period, marking a 67% year-over-year increase in losses. Affected wallets rose by 3.7% during the same period.
Increasing Prevalence of Wallet Drainer Attacks
Wallet drainer attacks have intensified throughout the year, with the largest single crypto theft via these attacks exceeding $55.4 million. In December 2024, Scam Sniffer detailed how attackers were using Google ad campaigns to steal funds from unsuspecting crypto holders. For instance, fake ads led users to a fraudulent Pudgy Penguins website, resulting in stolen funds.
Other Scam Tactics to Be Aware Of
Blockchain security firm SlowMist revealed last month that attackers had turned to Zoom to target crypto users. To avoid falling prey to such scams, Scam Sniffer advises users to take precautions such as:
- Verifying URLs before accessing them
- Avoiding links from strangers
- Being cautious of individuals who appear overly eager to help, as urgency is a common tactic used by scammers
If someone’s “helping” seems too eager, be extra cautious. Take your time to verify β urgency is often a scammer’s tool.
As crypto scams and phishing attacks continue to pose significant risks to the crypto community, it’s essential for users to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their assets.
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