Facebook Crypto Scams uses fake ads to spread dangerous malware to users

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You may already know that Facebook’s greatest strength It’s not the social media platform itself, but it’s the user data it collects.

The data we hand over without thinking twice is what this multi-billion dollar company uses to generate revenue. We sell that data to advertisers. Advertisers will try to make money from you by displaying ads in the hopes of purchasing the product. I’ll admit it. Advertising platforms can be beneficial by connecting small businesses to potential buyers.

However, Facebook can be promoted by almost anyone with minimal moderation, which often leads to dangerous scams. Security researchers have discovered its persistence Fraud campaign It plagues Facebook and leverages the reputation of its famous cryptocurrency exchange to lure victims into a maze of malware.

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How Facebook Crypto Scam Works

BitDefender Labs reports that malicious ad campaigns have been running on Facebook for several months. The attackers use deceptive ads that mimic popular cryptocurrency brands such as Binance, TradingView, Bybit, and Metamask. To make fraud look legal, ads often feature familiar faces such as Elon Musk, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zendaya.

When a user clicks on an ad, they land on a fake website that looks almost the same as the actual website. These sites will allow visitors to download what is called “desktop client.” This download serves as an entry point for sophisticated malware systems.

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Instead of delivering malware directly, fake sites launch silent servers on the victim’s device. This server connects to the backend channel and receives malicious instructions. This method makes it difficult for traditional security tools to detect attacks.

To avoid exposure, attackers also use advanced filtering and tracking tools. If users do not arrive via certain Facebook ad links, the website may display harmless content instead. The site also checks for automated tools or sandbox environments designed to catch threats. In some cases, it blocks access and displays blank pages in other browsers unless the user is open in Microsoft Edge.

How hackers use fake Facebook pages to spread malware

Bitdefender researchers have discovered hundreds of Facebook accounts involved in promoting the campaign, sometimes exceeding 100 ads in a day. Many of these ads are removed quickly, but often get thousands of views before they disappear.

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One of the Facebook pages completely mimicked the official TradingView account, which contains fake comments, posts and images, except for the redirect link that led to the malicious clone. Victims tend to be men with an interest in technology and finance, with some ads being particularly honed by users in Bulgaria and Slovak, showing how attackers tweak their campaigns based on geography and demographics.

6 Ways to Avoid Crypto Malware Scams on Facebook

As this Facebook scam shows, Cybercriminals are becoming more creative And by that day it’s even more convincing. These tips will help you stay a step ahead.

1. Don’t trust ads just because they’re familiar

The con man has become a master of visual deception. They replicate branding, use celebrity support and mimic official pages to give the ad an air of legitimacy. In the Facebook Malvertising campaign, the attackers quickly gained trust by using names like Binance and faces like Elon Musk. Instead of clicking on an ad, it’s safer to enter the URL yourself and go directly to the company’s official website. If you are unsure about the reliability of your ads, check our official social media account or customer service.

2. Avoid downloading from ad links and install powerful antivirus software

These attacks tricked users into downloading what appeared to be a desktop app for a trusted service, but they were actually malware installers. The best way to protect yourself from malicious links to install malware is to install powerful antivirus software on all your devices, as it may access your personal information. This protection can also warn you that it will phish email and ransomware fraud and keep your personal information and digital assets safe.

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3. Keep your browser up to date

Interestingly, the attackers of this campaign used browser filtering to avoid detection, prompting users to specially reopen their sites in Microsoft Edge. Using a secure browser like Firefox or Brave is useful and keeping you up to date will help you protect you from the latest threats. Tools like content blockers and script filters can also help stop malicious behavior before they start.

4. Beware of the subtle red flags

Even the most persuasive fake websites often talk about whether it’s a slightly unbranded URL, a strange layout, a rush or a general message. A secure URL must start with “https://” and match the official domain name. If you want to encourage your site to act quickly, promise high returns, or seek personal information in advance, take a step back. These emotional pressure tactics are a hallmark of modern fraud.

5. Add two-factor authentication (2FA) to lock down your account

Two-factor authentication (2FA) You can provide an additional layer of security in case your account is compromised. Even if you accidentally fall into a scam and your login credentials are stolen, 2FA makes it extremely difficult for an attacker to access your account without a second verification step.

6. Use the Data Deletion Service

While no services promise to delete all your data from the Internet, personal data removal services can reduce the risk of being targeted in the first place. These services help you continuously scan data broker sites, request removal on your behalf, and maintain contact information, location history and interest from the hands of advertisers and scammers. Given that the campaign leveraged Facebook data to target users interested in Crypto and Tech, the less data available online, the more difficult it is for attackers to personalize the scam.

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Important points of cart

Facebook just didn’t suppress Malvertising, and it’s not just putting users at risk. It undermines the overall points of the advertising platform. Stop clicking when you start associating Facebook ads with scams or malware. And when that happens, advertisers lose money with the impression that they don’t go anywhere, eroding trust in the platform’s ability to provide real, safe engagement. For businesses that rely heavily on advertising revenue, it’s not careless to just slip through these threats. It’s self-destructive. If Facebook doesn’t understand this, both users and advertisers will ultimately see elsewhere.

Do you think social media platforms are doing enough to combat online scams? Write us a letter and let us know cyberguy.com/contact.

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