Cryptocurrency hackers attempted a crypto scam on Apple’s event that affected tens of thousands of people by using a YouTube Livestream video of Apple CEO Tim Cook as a decoy.
Cryptocurrency scammers attempt to cash in on Apple’s event with a fake YouTube live stream video. The scammers had set up the live YouTube streaming activity to advertise a crypto scam.
The stream showed an Ad interview with Apple CEO Tim Cook which acted as a decoy to lure users.
The Apple scam
The scammers managed to get the video to the top of the search results during the event. The fraudsters relied on a bunch of Apple-related keywords in the system.
The attack affected tens of thousands of users who fell for the trick deployed by the fraudsters. The main goal of the scammers revolved around tricking unsuspecting users into links that lead to a sketchy-looking website.
The sketchy website served as a platform for advertising cryptocurrency scams. Despite the labeling of the scam as new, a similar attack occurred last year. Fraudsters pulled the same trick during an Apple event last September.
Over 165,000 people watched the fake YouTube live stream. The scam featured an announcement by Apple CEO Tim Cook about Apple buying Bitcoin. The stream claimed that Apple planned to buy 100,000 BTC.
In addition, the live stream cited that the company will organize a giveaway event next to an old interview with Cook.
Last November, Tim Cook claimed that he bought some crypto. However, he reiterated that the tech giant did not intend to immediately delve into crypto.
Crypto scams targeting tech firms
Major tech companies like Google and Apple continue to face backlash over crypto scams. In November 2021, hackers stole approximately $500,000 worth of crypto through Google Ads.
Scammers placed Ads at the top of Google search that imitated popular wallet brands like MetaMask and Phantom. The attackers aimed to trick users into giving up their wallet passphrase and private keys.
In October 2021, hackers exploited Apple’s security features. The scammers’ plan revolved around the stealing of about $1.4 million or more.
The scam involved dating sites and taking advantage of Apple’s Enterprise Developer Program.
Hackers strike up a friendship using the dating game as a decoy. They then quickly move to money in the guise of them doing you a big favor. The favor entails offering you a chance to join an ‘unbeatable’ investment opportunity.
The dating sites and apps, approved by Apple, drew a level of trust from users. Hackers took advantage of this to find victims. The scammers tricked the users into transferring crypto to illicit wallets.
Apple’s crypto journey
In February 2020, Apple hired Jeff Bronikowski to create digital assets using Flow’s public blockchain. Jeff formerly worked as the head of technology innovation at Warner Music.
Meanwhile, in November 2021, Tim Cook claimed that Apple aims to consider crypto in its plans. Then later on in February 2022, Apple unveiled its new Apple Pay feature. The feature enables millions of merchants to securely accept payments by tapping their iPhones. The Tap To Pay feature also plays a part in transacting crypto.
Later on, MetaMask announced its support for Apple Pay. The move allowed users to buy crypto directly from their wallets.
