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Crypto Scam App Disguised as WalletConnect Steals $70K in Five-Month Campaign

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Crypto Scam App Disguised as WalletConnect Steals K in Five-Month Campaign

Sep 28, 2024Ravie LakshmananCryptocurrency / Mobile Security

Cybersecurity researchers have discovered a malicious Android app on the Google Play Store that enabled the threat actors behind it to steal approximately $70,000 in cryptocurrency from victims over a period of nearly five months.

The dodgy app, identified by Check Point, masqueraded as the legitimate WalletConnect open-source protocol to trick unsuspecting users into downloading it.

“Fake reviews and consistent branding helped the app achieve over 10,000 downloads by ranking high in search results,” the cybersecurity company said in an analysis, adding it’s the first time a cryptocurrency drainer has exclusively targeted mobile device users.

Over 150 users are estimated to have fallen victim to the scam, although it’s believed that not all users who downloaded the app were impacted by the cryptocurrency drainer.

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The campaign involved distributing a deceptive app that went by several names such as “Mestox Calculator,” “WalletConnect – DeFi & NFTs,” and “WalletConnect – Airdrop Wallet” (co.median.android.rxqnqb).

While the app is no longer available for download from the official app marketplace, data from SensorTower shows that it was popular in Nigeria, Portugal, and Ukraine, and linked to a developer named UNS LIS.

The developer has also been associated with another Android app called “Uniswap DeFI” (com.lis.uniswapconverter) that remained active on the Play Store for about a month between May and June 2023. It’s currently not known if the app had any malicious functionality.

Crypto Scam App

However, both apps can be downloaded from third-party app store sources, once again highlighting the risks posed by downloading APK files from other marketplaces.

Once installed, the fake WallConnect app is designed to redirect users to a bogus website based on their IP address and User-Agent string, and if so, redirect them a second time to another site that mimics Web3Inbox.

Users who don’t meet the required criteria, including those who visit the URL from a desktop web browser, are taken to a legitimate website to evade detection, effectively allowing the threat actors to bypass the app review process in the Play Store.

Besides taking steps to prevent analysis and debugging, the core component of the malware is a cryptocurrency drainer known as MS Drainer, which prompts users to connect their wallet and sign several transactions to verify their wallet.

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Crypto Scam App

The information entered by the victim in each step is transmitted to a command-and-control server (cakeserver[.]online) that, in turn, sends back a response containing instructions to trigger malicious transactions on the device and transfer the funds to a wallet address belonging to the attackers.

“Similar to the theft of native cryptocurrency, the malicious app first tricks the user into signing a transaction in their wallet,” Check Point researchers said.

“Through this transaction, the victim grants permission for the attacker’s address 0xf721d710e7C27323CC0AeE847bA01147b0fb8dBF (the ‘Address’ field in the configuration) to transfer the maximum amount of the specified asset (if allowed by its smart contract).”

In the next step, the tokens from the victim’s wallet are transferred to a different wallet (0xfac247a19Cc49dbA87130336d3fd8dc8b6b944e1) controlled by the attackers.

Cybersecurity

This also means that if the victim does not revoke the permission to withdraw tokens from their wallet, the attackers can keep withdrawing the digital assets as soon as they appear without requiring any further action.

Check Point said it also identified another malicious app exhibiting similar features “Walletconnect | Web3Inbox” (co.median.android.kaebpq) that was previously available on Google Play Store in February 2024. It attracted more than 5,000 downloads.

“This incident highlights the growing sophistication of cybercriminal tactics, particularly in the realm of decentralized finance, where users often rely on third-party tools and protocols to manage their digital assets,” the company noted.

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“The malicious app did not rely on traditional attack vectors like permissions or keylogging. Instead, it used smart contracts and deep links to silently drain assets once users were tricked into using the app.”

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Bitcoin Retreats From Record High After Fed Cools Risk Appetite

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Bitcoin Retreats From Record High After Fed Cools Risk Appetite

Bitcoin fell for the first time in four days with speculative bets being pared across financial markets after Federal Reserve officials suggested greater caution over how quickly they can continue reducing borrowing costs.

The original cryptocurrency fell as much as 5.3% to $100,752, a day after climbing above $108,000 for the first time in what’s been a record-breaking rally this year. The seven largest digital tokens as measured by market value were all lower, data compiled by Bloomberg show.

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Navigating the Rise of Cryptocurrency in Latin America

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Navigating the Rise of Cryptocurrency in Latin America

Cryptocurrency adoption in Latin America is
experiencing explosive growth, driven by a mix of factors in the area like
economic instability, financial innovation, and regulatory evolution. Countries
like Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico are emerging as global leaders in
cryptocurrency usage, offering a fertile ground for both individuals and
businesses to explore digital assets as practical solutions for real-world
financial challenges.

To learn more about Latin America’s rapidly
evolving crypto market, download our whitepaper, “Unlock the Potential of Latin
America’s Booming Crypto Market.”

Read the report on the Latam’s blooming cryptocurrency market.

The rising wave of crypto in Latin
America

Cryptocurrency adoption in Latin America is
accelerating, fueled by inflation and currency devaluation. In Argentina, where
inflation has devastated the peso, Bitcoin and stablecoins have played an
important role in protecting savings. Around 15% of the population uses crypto
regularly, finding it a critical hedge against inflation.

In Brazil, crypto is even being integrated
into mainstream finance. The country was one of the first to approve
cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and by 2023, the value of USDT
transactions was equivalent to $55 billion, more than 80% of its crypto volume.
This makes Brazil a key player in the global crypto market.

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Mexico has carved out a niche in crypto
remittances, with Bitso processing over $3.3 billion in cross-border payments
in 2022. Crypto is emerging as a more efficient solution for these
transactions, benefiting millions of families reliant on remittances.

Regulatory evolution driving market growth

The regulatory environment across Latin
America is evolving, creating opportunities for businesses to expand. For example,
El Salvador made history by becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as
legal tender, with further initiatives like Bitcoin-backed bonds and a
government-sponsored crypto wallet. This bold experiment has positioned El
Salvador as a global trailblazer for cryptocurrency adoption, even as its
long-term effects are being evaluated.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s fintech law from 2018
recognized cryptocurrencies as virtual assets, establishing a clear regulatory
pathway for businesses. This clarity has helped companies like Bitso thrive. Meanwhile,
Colombia’s regulatory sandbox has promoted crypto experimentation in a
controlled environment, attracting fintechs and positioning the country as a
future hub for innovation.

Argentina, while still working on a
comprehensive regulatory framework, has seen increased interest in crypto
regulation under its new pro-crypto government. Colombia’s sandbox model is
providing fintechs with a controlled environment to test their offerings,
positioning the country as an emerging leader in the digital asset space as
well.

Emerging opportunities

Despite infrastructure and regulatory
challenges, Latin America offers immense opportunities for crypto growth.
Argentina and Venezuela, with their hyperinflationary economies, continue to
see widespread crypto adoption as citizens seek alternatives to their unstable
currencies. Stablecoins like USDT and USDC can help individuals and businesses
in these countries by providing greater financial stability.

Advertisement

Mexico’s growing role in crypto remittances
and Colombia’s fintech-friendly environment highlight the region’s potential
for further expansion. Tokenization is another area of growth, with Brazil’s
agricultural commodity token project, Agrotoken, revolutionizing access to
credit for small farmers. Brazil’s Drex initiative also highlights the
country’s commitment to developing a fully digital economy and integrating
blockchain technology into mainstream financial systems.

Latin America’s complex economic landscape,
combined with its openness to crypto solutions, makes it an exciting market for
businesses seeking to leverage digital assets. By addressing regulatory and
payment infrastructure challenges, companies can unlock the full potential of
this rapidly evolving crypto market.

The role of payment solutions in this evolving
market

Cross-border payments and regulatory
complexities are significant hurdles for businesses expanding into the Latin
American crypto market. The region’s rising demand for remittances, along with
fragmented payment infrastructures, means businesses must navigate
multi-currency transactions. Additionally, evolving regulatory landscapes
require businesses to stay compliant while managing operational risks.

Paysafe addresses these challenges by
offering solutions that streamline cross-border payments, supporting multiple
currencies and reducing transaction costs. With strong integration into key
local systems, Paysafe helps businesses deliver the seamless payment options
customers expect.

Furthermore, Paysafe’s regulatory expertise
ensures businesses remain compliant across diverse markets, while its advanced
security features protect against fraud, providing businesses with the trust
and reliability they need to thrive in the region’s fast-growing crypto
ecosystem.

Advertisement

Conclusion

Latin America is a prime market for
cryptocurrency adoption and its growth shows no sign of slowing down. From the
pioneering efforts of El Salvador to the sophisticated regulatory framework in
Brazil, the region offers diverse use cases for businesses looking to enter or
expand their crypto operations. Our whitepaper highlights that despite
challenges like regulatory fragmentation and cultural nuances, Latin America
presents tremendous opportunities for growth.

For more detailed insights and strategies,
download our whitepaper, “Unlock the Potential of Latin America’s Booming
Crypto Market.”

Read the report on the Latam’s blooming cryptocurrency market.

By leveraging Paysafe’s comprehensive
payment solutions, businesses can seamlessly navigate the complexities of the Latin
American crypto landscape, unlocking the full potential of one of the world’s
fastest-growing markets.

Disclaimer:

This article is not intended to be
financial, investment or trading advice. This article is for information and
solely for education purposes. It does not protect against any financial loss,
risk or fraud.

Advertisement

Why Paysafe

Paysafe supports Latin American businesses
with over 25 years of experience, offering top-tier fraud, risk, and compliance
support. Their solutions streamline cross-border payments, support multiple
currencies, and reduce transaction costs, enabling confident expansion in the
crypto market.

Cryptocurrency adoption in Latin America is
experiencing explosive growth, driven by a mix of factors in the area like
economic instability, financial innovation, and regulatory evolution. Countries
like Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico are emerging as global leaders in
cryptocurrency usage, offering a fertile ground for both individuals and
businesses to explore digital assets as practical solutions for real-world
financial challenges.

To learn more about Latin America’s rapidly
evolving crypto market, download our whitepaper, “Unlock the Potential of Latin
America’s Booming Crypto Market.”

Read the report on the Latam’s blooming cryptocurrency market.

The rising wave of crypto in Latin
America

Cryptocurrency adoption in Latin America is
accelerating, fueled by inflation and currency devaluation. In Argentina, where
inflation has devastated the peso, Bitcoin and stablecoins have played an
important role in protecting savings. Around 15% of the population uses crypto
regularly, finding it a critical hedge against inflation.

Advertisement

In Brazil, crypto is even being integrated
into mainstream finance. The country was one of the first to approve
cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and by 2023, the value of USDT
transactions was equivalent to $55 billion, more than 80% of its crypto volume.
This makes Brazil a key player in the global crypto market.

Mexico has carved out a niche in crypto
remittances, with Bitso processing over $3.3 billion in cross-border payments
in 2022. Crypto is emerging as a more efficient solution for these
transactions, benefiting millions of families reliant on remittances.

Regulatory evolution driving market growth

The regulatory environment across Latin
America is evolving, creating opportunities for businesses to expand. For example,
El Salvador made history by becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as
legal tender, with further initiatives like Bitcoin-backed bonds and a
government-sponsored crypto wallet. This bold experiment has positioned El
Salvador as a global trailblazer for cryptocurrency adoption, even as its
long-term effects are being evaluated.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s fintech law from 2018
recognized cryptocurrencies as virtual assets, establishing a clear regulatory
pathway for businesses. This clarity has helped companies like Bitso thrive. Meanwhile,
Colombia’s regulatory sandbox has promoted crypto experimentation in a
controlled environment, attracting fintechs and positioning the country as a
future hub for innovation.

Argentina, while still working on a
comprehensive regulatory framework, has seen increased interest in crypto
regulation under its new pro-crypto government. Colombia’s sandbox model is
providing fintechs with a controlled environment to test their offerings,
positioning the country as an emerging leader in the digital asset space as
well.

Advertisement

Emerging opportunities

Despite infrastructure and regulatory
challenges, Latin America offers immense opportunities for crypto growth.
Argentina and Venezuela, with their hyperinflationary economies, continue to
see widespread crypto adoption as citizens seek alternatives to their unstable
currencies. Stablecoins like USDT and USDC can help individuals and businesses
in these countries by providing greater financial stability.

Mexico’s growing role in crypto remittances
and Colombia’s fintech-friendly environment highlight the region’s potential
for further expansion. Tokenization is another area of growth, with Brazil’s
agricultural commodity token project, Agrotoken, revolutionizing access to
credit for small farmers. Brazil’s Drex initiative also highlights the
country’s commitment to developing a fully digital economy and integrating
blockchain technology into mainstream financial systems.

Latin America’s complex economic landscape,
combined with its openness to crypto solutions, makes it an exciting market for
businesses seeking to leverage digital assets. By addressing regulatory and
payment infrastructure challenges, companies can unlock the full potential of
this rapidly evolving crypto market.

The role of payment solutions in this evolving
market

Cross-border payments and regulatory
complexities are significant hurdles for businesses expanding into the Latin
American crypto market. The region’s rising demand for remittances, along with
fragmented payment infrastructures, means businesses must navigate
multi-currency transactions. Additionally, evolving regulatory landscapes
require businesses to stay compliant while managing operational risks.

Paysafe addresses these challenges by
offering solutions that streamline cross-border payments, supporting multiple
currencies and reducing transaction costs. With strong integration into key
local systems, Paysafe helps businesses deliver the seamless payment options
customers expect.

Advertisement

Furthermore, Paysafe’s regulatory expertise
ensures businesses remain compliant across diverse markets, while its advanced
security features protect against fraud, providing businesses with the trust
and reliability they need to thrive in the region’s fast-growing crypto
ecosystem.

Conclusion

Latin America is a prime market for
cryptocurrency adoption and its growth shows no sign of slowing down. From the
pioneering efforts of El Salvador to the sophisticated regulatory framework in
Brazil, the region offers diverse use cases for businesses looking to enter or
expand their crypto operations. Our whitepaper highlights that despite
challenges like regulatory fragmentation and cultural nuances, Latin America
presents tremendous opportunities for growth.

For more detailed insights and strategies,
download our whitepaper, “Unlock the Potential of Latin America’s Booming
Crypto Market.”

Read the report on the Latam’s blooming cryptocurrency market.

By leveraging Paysafe’s comprehensive
payment solutions, businesses can seamlessly navigate the complexities of the Latin
American crypto landscape, unlocking the full potential of one of the world’s
fastest-growing markets.

Advertisement

Disclaimer:

This article is not intended to be
financial, investment or trading advice. This article is for information and
solely for education purposes. It does not protect against any financial loss,
risk or fraud.

Why Paysafe

Paysafe supports Latin American businesses
with over 25 years of experience, offering top-tier fraud, risk, and compliance
support. Their solutions streamline cross-border payments, support multiple
currencies, and reduce transaction costs, enabling confident expansion in the
crypto market.

Continue Reading

Crypto

Focus: As bitcoin soars, luxury brands consider accepting crypto payments

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Focus: As bitcoin soars, luxury brands consider accepting crypto payments
Bitcoin’s soaring value has caught the attention of high-end fashion brands and retailers, prompting further interest in offering cryptocurrencies as a means of payment to tap in to fresh pockets of wealth and build loyalty with crypto investors.
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