iPhone users BEWARE! Delete these fake apps as Cryptocurrency hackers out to cheat you

They say dating apps make or break hearts. While we can’t really prove that, cybercriminals are certainly making these users' lives very tough. In a recent report, it has been found that hackers are using dating apps like Tinder and Bumble to dupe iPhone users of their Bitcoin currency and exposing their data to further risks. These cryptocurrency scammers are known as CryptoRoms.

Cybersecurity researchers at Sophos have found this scammer group that has collected over $1.4 million in tokens. These crypto scammers were targeting iPhone users on dating platforms like Bumble and Tinder. After stealing the tokens, the scammers were also compromising the user’s data for other cyber risks.

Crypto scammers “dating and cheating” modus operandi

The scam involves duping a person and trying to lure them in installing dubious apps that can compromise their data.

“Once they've made contact with a target, the attackers suggest continuing the conversation on a messaging platform. They then try to persuade the target to install and invest in a fake cryptocurrency trading app,” said Jagdeesh Chandraiah, senior threat researcher, Sophos.

Using these fake crypto trading apps, the crypto scammers also take control of the victim’s iPhone and get hold of their personal data. These apps are distributed via websites that mimic bank websites.

The scammers have been mostly active in Asia but they are now expanding to the US and Europe. “From news reports, we learned one victim lost $87,000 (roughly ₹65 crores). There are additional news reports in UK of these scams, with one victim losing $45,000 (roughly ₹33.8 lakhs) to a scammer who contacted them through Facebook, and another who lost $25,000 (roughly ₹18.2 lakhs) after being scammed by someone who contacted through Grindr,” as quoted from the report.

How to avoid a Bitcoin scam

Hence, if you have invested in cryptocurrency, it is advised you carry on with your crypto trading only via verified platforms. On iPhones, users should always download crypto apps from the Apple App Store to remain safe from such scamsters around the world. One should not engage in any kind of crypto trading via other social media or dating platforms.