Phishing Attacks Take Lead Amid WazirX Hack, CoinDCX CEO Issues Dire Warning

CoinDCX CEO Sumit Gupta has issued a stark warning concerning the WazirX hack worth $230 million. He spotlighted fake compensation emails designed to drain user funds.
By Kritika Mehta
WazirX Creditors To Weigh Restructuring Plan That Could Revive Trading: Details

Highlights

  • WazirX recently faced a $230 million exploit from one of its multisig wallets.
  • If you have received an email claiming to compensate the lost funds via an airdrop, it's not time to rejoice.
  • The compensation email is just another phishing tactic and users should avoid linking their wallets to unauthorized sites.

In the aftermath of a significant $230 million hack on the WazirX cryptocurrency exchange, users have found themselves targeted by a new wave of phishing attacks. The hack occurred on July 18, 2024, compromising assets such as Shiba Inu (SHIB), Pepe Coin (PEPE), Polygon (MATIC), Ethereum, and others.

The hackers stole the above-mentioned assets despite the CEX’s stringent security measures. The exchange has since been working on a comprehensive reimbursement plan to compensate affected users. However, the ensuing chaos has provided fertile ground for scammers to exploit the situation further.

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CoinDCX CEO Issues Stark Warning

Sumit Gupta, CEO of CoinDCX, has issued a stark warning to the crypto community about fake compensation emails purporting to be from WazirX. These fraudulent emails appear to come from official channels. However, they are designed to deceive users into divulging sensitive information or clicking malicious links.

The fake email in question, which has been circulating widely, begins with an acknowledgment of the security breach and a promise of reimbursement. It states:

“On July 18, 2024, our platform experienced a significant cyber attack that resulted in the loss of over $230 million in various cryptocurrencies. Despite our robust security measures, attackers managed to exploit a vulnerability in our multisig wallet, causing this unfortunate incident. We deeply regret any inconvenience and concern this may have caused you.”

The fake WazirX email goes on to outline a compensation plan involving the issuance of a new token, WZA. It also mentions that it will be airdropped to affected users based on the value of their lost assets. The process, it claims, will begin within 30 days. However, these emails are part of a sophisticated phishing campaign designed to capitalize on the panic and uncertainty following the hack.

CoinDCX’s Gupta took to X to spread awareness and caution users. In his post, he emphasized the importance of verifying the authenticity of any communication from the exploited exchange. He advised:

“Please be extra careful about the emails you receive. Always double-check: The sender’s email address and the authenticity of the website link. Verify details from two different verified and trusted sources before taking any action. Please do not give in to FUD. Stay safe.”

The tweet also included the hashtag #WazirX, which quickly gained traction as users shared their experiences and tips for avoiding scams. Moreover, Gupta’s warning is a crucial reminder of the phishing scam risks in crypto space, especially in times of crisis.

Also Read: Just In: Liminal Claims No Responsibility in $230M WazirX Wallet Hack

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WazirX Cautions Against Phishing Attacks

WazirX has also spotlighted a slew of phishing scam attempts. The team is trying to tackle the issue and has been actively working to mitigate the damage caused by these phishing attempts. In a statement, the team highlighted the emergence of scam bots impersonating their official accounts. They wrote:

“It has come to our notice that scam bots are impersonating our official WazirX accounts and sharing fake links. We strongly recommend double-checking the username and verified badge of any account that appears to be WazirX.”

The team urged users to be vigilant and to avoid clicking on links from unverified sources. Moreover, they also stressed the importance of using the official WazirX website and support channels for any inquiries related to the latest crypto hack and the compensation plan.

In addition, Scam Sniffer, a Web3 sleuth has also issued a warning against these phishing attempts. They remarked, “Beware of fake WazirX accounts and phishing sites. Each hack is also a chance for phishing scammers to strike. Stay safe!”

Also Read: WazirX Hack Update: Will Investors Get Their Money Back?

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Kritika Mehta
Kritika boasts over 2 years of experience in the financial news sector. Currently working as a crypto journalist at Coingape, she has consistently shown a knack for blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. Kritika combines insightful analysis with a deep understanding of market trends. With a keen interest in technical analysis, she brings a nuanced perspective to her reporting, exploring the intersection of finance, technology, and emerging trends in the crypto space.
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