TLDR

• Cybercriminals are targeting players of the popular game Hamster Kombat with phishing scams.
• Scammers use fake airdrop claims, token conversion promises, and fraudulent websites to trick users.
• The attacks coincide with Hamster Kombat’s rapid growth and plans to launch a cryptocurrency token.
• Phishing attacks have increased significantly in 2024, with $314 million lost in the first six months.
• Cybersecurity experts warn that these scams may spread to other regions where the game is popular.

The popular mobile game Hamster Kombat has become a target for cybercriminals, who are using various phishing tactics to trick players into revealing sensitive information. As the game’s user base grows rapidly, so do the risks for its millions of players.

Hamster Kombat, a Telegram-based tap-to-earn game, has gained over 239 million users in just 81 days. This explosive growth has caught the attention of scammers looking to exploit the game’s popularity.

Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky recently reported an increase in phishing attacks targeting Hamster Kombat players.

These attacks use several methods to lure unsuspecting gamers. One common tactic involves sending phishing links that promise to convert in-game tokens into real money, particularly Russian rubles.

When users click these links and enter their login information, hackers gain access to their accounts. This access allows criminals to steal data, send fraudulent messages, and even blackmail victims.

Another popular scheme involves fake airdrop claims. Scammers create websites or send messages promising free cryptocurrency related to Hamster Kombat. These fake airdrops aim to trick users into providing access to their crypto wallets, potentially leading to theft of digital assets.

The timing of these attacks is not coincidental. Hamster Kombat recently announced plans to launch its own cryptocurrency token, HMSTR, which is already listed for pre-trading on some exchanges. This news has created buzz among players and likely contributed to the increase in scam attempts.

Olga Svistunova, a security expert at Kaspersky, warned that while many of these scams currently target Russian users, they could soon spread to other regions where the game is popular, such as the Philippines and Nigeria.

The rise in Hamster Kombat-related phishing is part of a larger trend in cryptocurrency scams. According to data from ScamSniffer, victims lost $314 million to phishing attacks across all EVM chains in the first six months of 2024 alone. This amount already surpasses the total losses for all of 2023.

Cybersecurity experts advise Hamster Kombat players to be cautious of any messages or links promising free tokens, discounted cryptocurrency, or easy ways to convert in-game currency to real money. They should avoid clicking on suspicious links and never share their login credentials or wallet information.

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