FBI Issues Warning on New Cryptocurrency Impersonation Token Scam
The FBI has issued a warning about a new cryptocurrency scam where criminals create fake tokens that impersonate well-known cryptocurrencies like Tether (USDT) and other stablecoins. These impersonation tokens are sent to victims using cryptocurrency addresses that closely resemble legitimate addresses the victims have previously interacted with. This tactic, known as an address-poisoning attack, exploits the way wallet software displays truncated addresses, making the fraudulent address appear familiar to the user.
Criminals aim to deceive victims into trusting these bogus tokens or inadvertently sending funds to the scammer's address. In one reported case, a Colorado resident lost $2.1 million in a stablecoin investment scam involving impersonation tokens. To protect yourself, always double-check the full address before sending cryptocurrency, verify tokens and addresses using a blockchain explorer for any suspicious activity, and stay educated about impersonation scams. If you believe you've fallen victim to such a scam, report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
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