Blockchain security experts have discovered a new scam using malicious Google ads to trick cryptocurrency users into visiting a fake Pudgy Penguins website.

A new scam targeting cryptocurrency users has been uncovered, with analysts at blockchain security firm Scam Sniffer warning that bad actors appear to be taking advantage. GoogleAn ad network to spread malicious ads.

in X thread On Wednesday, analysts explained that the malicious ads contain suspicious JavaScript code that checks whether the viewer has a cryptocurrency wallet. If a wallet is detected, the code redirects users to a fake website that mimics the legitimate website of Pudgy Penguins, which is Non-fungible token A set of 8,888 unique icons depicting chubby cartoon penguins.

Once users are redirected to the fake website, scammers can steal personal information or lure victims into linking their wallets, allowing unauthorized access to withdraw funds.

The current target of the scam is Pudgy Penguins users, but Scam Sniffer warned that this method could easily be adapted to target other cryptocurrency projects as well. Security experts advise cryptocurrency investors to always check website URLs to avoid falling for similar scams. To stay safe, Scam Sniffer recommended using ad blockers, considering using a separate browser for web3 activities, and double-checking URLs before connecting a wallet.

The latest scam is part of greater trend Bad actors exploit Google ads to scam cryptocurrency users. In one case, scammers mimicked a cashback cancellation service using fraudulent ads that redirected users to a fake site designed to steal money. In another case, Google ads were used to promote a fake version of the Whales Market cryptocurrency platform, redirecting users to a fraudulent site where their wallets were hacked.