Le groupe SiGMA appelle �� la vigilance apr��s des escroqueries cibl��es via chatbot

Sophisticated scams in search of victims: beware of instant messaging identity fraud!

SiGMA urges caution following a recent spate of financially motivated chatbot scams; cybercriminals have posed as several profiles of SiGMA Group employees.

A little different from phishing scams, the chatbot scam is used to manipulate a trusted brand or person by creating a fake chat group run either by an automated bot or by actors who work together to build a misleading narrative around the intended victim. The funds paid out are most often unrecoverable, especially if a digital currency has been used �C which is becoming more common as cryptocurrencies become more widespread.

The increase in their popularity has also coincided with the increase in the use of instant messaging services, which has helped to boost the adoption of crypto, but has also paved the way for increased criminal activity.

Telegram, for example, currently has 500 million monthly active users. More than a billion consumers are expected by 2022 and the platform has become a must-have for crypto enthusiasts… and for those who target them. From companies to inexperienced investors, some players are particularly targeted by pump-and-dump scams and fake trading bots.

Increasingly sophisticated, these scams usually rely on the fact that the stolen identities are often those of legitimate and trustworthy public figures or companies �C giving the scammers an appearance of authenticity and legitimacy.

Although often complex in their creation, it is possible to pay attention to a few signs. Look for URLs that try to mimic the original sites, misspelled words and added characters, low-resolution logos; Poor grammar and unclear language are also key indicators that can indicate a scam. Any request for money transfers, whether as payment or support, must be verified in person or by phone with the intended recipient.

If you believe you have been targeted or notice anything unusual about a conversation you may have had with a SIGMA employee (especially a request for financial assistance!) please contact us by emailing a SiGMA representative: [email protected], calling the company’s Malta office on +356 2133 6670, or by visiting the contact page on the official SiGMA website.

SiGMA Americas 2021 Virtually:

The SiGMA Americas Virtual Show will take place from September 13-14, 2021. Here you will find a fully interactive exhibition floor, networked chat rooms, and renowned panelists. The beautifully designed booths are equipped with state-of-the-art product screens and dialogue boxes; Participants can visit the virtual stage, where a series of lectures will address key topics live for 2 days. Discover the program and register .