Technology
Fake Google Gemini AI pushes ‘Google Coin’ crypto scam
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You may think you can spot a crypto scam from a mile away. But what if the pitch comes from what looks like an official Google AI assistant, answering your questions in real time and showing projected profits? That is exactly what scammers are doing now. Security researchers at Malwarebytes, a cybersecurity company known for tracking malware and online scams, recently uncovered a live “Google Coin” presale site featuring a chatbot that claimed to be Google’s Gemini AI.
The bot walked visitors through an investment pitch, gave detailed return estimates and guided them to send cryptocurrency payments. Google does not have a cryptocurrency. Yet the site looked polished and professional, convincing enough to appear legitimate at first glance.
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Security researchers at Malwarebytes uncovered a polished crypto scam that falsely claims Google launched a new digital coin. (Photo by Helena Dolderer/picture alliance via Getty Images)
What you need to know about the “Google Coin” crypto scam
Researchers discovered a fraudulent website promoting a fake cryptocurrency called “Google Coin.” The site was designed to look like it belonged to Google and claimed the project was connected to its AI assistant, Gemini.
At the center of the scam was a chatbot that introduced itself as “Gemini, your AI assistant for the Google Coin platform.” It used familiar branding and visuals to make visitors believe they were interacting with a legitimate Google product.
When asked simple investment questions, the chatbot gave specific financial projections. For example, it claimed that buying 100 tokens at $3.95 each could turn into more than $2,700 once the coin was “listed.” The site displayed fake progress counters, countdowns and claims of millions of tokens already sold. Once someone clicked “Buy,” they were instructed to send Bitcoin to a specific wallet address. The payment was final and irreversible.
There is no official Google Coin. The entire operation was built to collect cryptocurrency from unsuspecting investors.
How the “Google Coin” crypto scam works
This scam combines two powerful tricks: brand impersonation and artificial intelligence. First, the scammers created a website that mimics Google’s look and feel, including logos, design, and tech language. Then they layered in a chatbot that acts like a real AI assistant. Because many people are now used to chatting with AI tools, this interaction seemed normal and legitimate.
The chatbot is programmed with a tight script. It answers questions confidently, avoids admitting risk, and refuses to acknowledge the possibility of a scam. If you ask about company registration or regulation, it deflects with vague promises about security and transparency.
This means you are not debating with a clumsy scammer over email. You are interacting with software designed to persuade you around the clock. The chatbot can talk to hundreds of people at once, give each one personalized answers and push them toward sending cryptocurrency. Once you send it, your money is gone.
This type of scam is dangerous because it’s interactive and appears credible. When a chatbot answers your questions in real time, it can lower your guard. You might think, “If this were fake, it would not sound so professional.” But that is exactly the point. AI allows scammers to scale up their confidence and polish.
If you fall for it, the financial loss can be immediate and permanent. Cryptocurrency payments cannot be reversed like credit card charges. There is no customer support line to call. There is no refund process.
Even worse, once you engage with a scam site, your contact details, email or wallet address could be added to lists that circulate among fraud groups. That can make you a target for future investment scams, phishing emails or impersonation attempts.
We reached out to Google for comment but did not hear back before our deadline.
SPOTIFY VOTING SCAM EXPOSED
Scammers are using a fake “Google Coin” presale site with a chatbot posing as Google’s Gemini AI to lure investors into sending cryptocurrency. (Photo by Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images)
7 ways you can protect yourself from a crypto scam
Crypto scams are getting more sophisticated, especially with AI tools that make fake investments look polished and legitimate. The good news is that you can dramatically lower your risk by taking a few smart precautions before you invest or send any digital currency.
1) Be skeptical of “new” coins tied to famous brands
If you see a cryptocurrency claiming to be launched by a well-known company, verify it directly on the company’s official website. Major corporations publicly announce major financial products. If you cannot find confirmation on the company’s real domain, assume it is fake and walk away.
2) Never trust guaranteed or specific return projections
No legitimate investment can promise that your $395 will turn into $2,700. When a chatbot gives exact future prices or guaranteed multipliers, that is a red flag. Real investments carry risk and uncertainty. Promises of quick, predictable profits are classic scam tactics.
3) Use a password manager
A password manager creates strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts and stores them securely. If scammers trick you into entering credentials on a fake site, unique passwords prevent them from accessing your other accounts. Many password managers also alert you if your information appears in known data breaches. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.
4) Install antivirus software
Strong antivirus software helps detect malicious websites, phishing attempts, and suspicious downloads before they can harm your device. It adds another layer of protection if you accidentally click a dangerous link. This can stop hidden malware from being installed while you are distracted by a convincing scam pitch. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
5) Consider identity theft protection
An identity theft protection service monitors your personal information, such as your Social Security number or email, and alerts you if it is being misused. If scammers collect your details through a fake investment site, early alerts can help you act quickly before financial damage spreads. See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com.
6) Use a personal data removal service
Data removal services work to remove your personal details from public data broker sites. The less personal information available about you online, the harder it is for scammers to target you with personalized pitches. Reducing your digital footprint lowers your overall exposure to fraud. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com. Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.
7) Slow down before sending cryptocurrency
Crypto payments are fast and irreversible. Before sending any digital currency, pause and verify the recipient independently. Search for reviews, warnings, and official announcements. If the investment requires urgency, such as a countdown or “final stage” message, treat that pressure as a warning sign.
300,000 CHROME USERS HIT BY FAKE AI EXTENSIONS
The AI-powered scam mimics Google branding and uses real-time chat to build trust before requesting irreversible crypto payments. Google does not have a cryptocurrency, despite claims on a convincing “Google Coin” investment website. (Photo by Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images)
Kurt’s key takeaway
Scammers are no longer relying only on clumsy emails or obvious red flags. They are using artificial intelligence to create polished, persuasive conversations that feel real and responsive. When that fake AI wears the face of a trusted brand, it becomes even more convincing. The good news is that awareness is powerful. If you take a moment to verify claims, question guaranteed returns, and use protective tools, you dramatically reduce your risk.
Do you think AI is making online scams harder to recognize than they were a few years ago? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Technology
Shokz’s bassy OpenRun Pro 2 are $40 off thanks to a new Mother’s Day promo
If you’re looking to pick up a pair of open-ear headphones for yourself — or your mom — Shokz is running a Mother’s Day sale. Now through May 10th, the company’s best pair of bone conduction headphones, the OpenRun Pro 2, are available from Amazon, Best Buy, and Shokz for around $139.95 ($40 off), their lowest price of the year. If you purchase direct, you’ll also receive a free waist bag (a $29.99 value).
While traditional headphones tend to block out the world, open-style headphones provide a safer alternative, letting you listen to music and podcasts while remaining vigilant. After testing the OpenRun Pro 2, The Verge’s Victoria Song said using them felt “like the stars finally aligning.” Unlike many open-ear headphones, they don’t skimp on bass or clarity thanks to a dedicated air conduction speaker, though they still won’t rival a traditional pair of in-ears when it comes to sound quality. Still, they’re more comfortable than earlier Shokz models, with flexible ear hooks and a lightweight neckband that creates a secure, natural fit, even for those who wear glasses.
The fact that the Pro 2 vibrate significantly less than other models is another highlight, as is battery life. They offer up to 12 hours on a single charge, which was enough for us to go nearly a week without plugging them in (they charge incredibly fast via USB-C, too). They also include AI-powered noise cancellation for calls (though results were mixed in our testing) and an IP55 rating, making them well-suited for both sweaty workouts and outdoor use.
Other Shokz deals to consider
Technology
United Arab Emirates plans AI-run government within two years
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The United Arab Emirates just made one of the most aggressive moves yet in the global AI race. The country says it will integrate agentic artificial intelligence across half of its government operations within two years.
For context: Most governments are still debating whether to use AI. This plan puts speed and execution front and center and goes in the opposite direction of how governments typically handle major technology changes.
If it works, the UAE could offer a preview of how AI may reshape public services far beyond the Middle East. If it runs into problems, it could also highlight the risks of moving this fast when government decisions, personal data and public trust are all involved.
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UAE AMBASSADOR YOUSEF AL OTAIBA: US AND UAE FORGE GROUNDBREAKING HIGH-TECH PARTNERSHIP BASED ON AI
UAE leaders meet to outline a plan that would bring Agentic AI into core government decision-making and operations. (Dubai Media Office)
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What agentic AI means for the UAE government
Agentic AI refers to systems that can analyze information, make decisions and take action with minimal human input. In this model, AI can process requests, adjust workflows and improve outcomes in real time. It can also carry out certain government tasks from start to finish, instead of only suggesting what a person should do next.
So, how would that show up in everyday ways? Think faster permit approvals, automated public services or systems that respond instantly to changes in demand. Instead of waiting for human bottlenecks, processes move continuously.
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According to the announcement, AI will act more like an operational partner than a tool. That marks a change in how governments think about technology.
How the UAE plans to roll out AI across government
There is also a clear structure behind the rollout. The UAE has put a detailed plan in place with clear expectations from the start. Every ministry and government entity will be evaluated based on how quickly it adopts AI, how well it implements those systems and how effectively it redesigns workflows around them.
Oversight will come from Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a senior government leader who plays a key role in the country’s executive decision-making. Day-to-day execution will be led by a task force chaired by Mohammad Al Gergawi, a longtime cabinet minister focused on government modernization.
How AI will change government jobs in the UAE
One of the biggest parts of this plan has less to do with machines and more to do with people. Every federal employee will receive AI training. The goal is to build a workforce that can work alongside intelligent systems rather than compete with them.
That matters because large-scale automation often raises concerns about job loss. The UAE is taking a different angle by focusing on reskilling and adaptation. If it works, it could become a model that other countries try to follow. If it struggles, it will highlight how difficult workforce transformation can be at scale.
Why the UAE is moving so fast on AI in government
This move fits into a broader strategy. The UAE has spent years positioning itself as a tech-forward economy. By embedding AI into government operations, the country hopes to improve efficiency, reduce delays and deliver faster services to residents and businesses.
It also sends a signal globally. The UAE wants to set the benchmark for how governments use AI in a big way. That puts pressure on other countries, including the United States, to rethink how quickly we adopt similar technologies.
The UAE plans to use agentic AI to help analyze information, make decisions and carry out tasks across a wide range of government services. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Concerns about AI in government are already growing
For all the excitement, this kind of rollout raises real concerns. Critics point to accountability as one of the biggest questions. When AI systems start making decisions inside government, it can become harder to understand who is responsible when something goes wrong. Was it the system, the developer or the agency using it?
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Privacy is another sticking point. Government systems already handle sensitive personal data. Expanding AI across those systems could increase how much data is collected, analyzed and stored, which makes some experts uneasy.
There is also the issue of bias. AI models learn from data, and if that data has gaps or flaws, the outcomes can reflect that. In a government setting, that could affect access to services, approvals or enforcement decisions in ways that are not always obvious.
Then there is trust. Even if the systems work as intended, people may still hesitate to accept decisions made by machines, especially when those decisions affect their daily lives.
Supporters argue that these risks can be managed with strong oversight and transparency. Still, critics say the speed of this rollout leaves little room for error, and that is where the debate is likely to intensify.
What this means to you
Even if you do not live in the UAE, this push has real implications. First, it raises expectations. When one government proves it can deliver faster services with AI, people elsewhere will start asking why theirs cannot.
Second, it accelerates the global AI race. Governments will need to balance speed with privacy, security and oversight. Third, it highlights a growing reality. AI is moving into decision-making roles beyond basic support functions. That changes how systems are built and how accountability works.
You may start to see similar experiments here in the United States, especially at the state or city level, where innovation can happen faster.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
The UAE is betting big on a future in which AI plays a central role in how its government operates. The timeline is aggressive, and the scope is hard to ignore. What stands out most is how quickly this is moving from concept to execution. At the same time, the questions are just as big as the opportunity. Who is accountable when AI makes a decision? How much data is being used behind the scenes? And how much trust are people willing to place in systems they cannot fully see? This could become a model that other governments try to follow. It could also expose real challenges around transparency and control. Either way, it is a clear signal that AI is moving deeper into systems that affect our everyday lives.
The initiative is set to expand AI across multiple agencies, with a focus on faster services, improved efficiency and real-time operations. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
If AI can start making real-time decisions inside government systems, how comfortable are you with that level of automation showing up in your everyday life? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
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