Scammers targeted the TradingView community with fake
YouTube channels designed to trick users into downloading malware. According to
the charting platform, these deceptive channels are expertly designed to
impersonate TradingView.
TradingView has issued an urgent warning for users to
only engage with its official YouTube presence to avoid falling victim to these
scams. Recently, fake YouTube channels masquerading as
official TradingView accounts have surged in popularity, preying on the
platform’s user base.
The Growing Threat of Fake Channels
These fraudulent channels reportedly utilize stolen or
hijacked accounts with verified badges and a considerable number of
subscribers. By creating seemingly legitimate content, such as
livestreams or tutorial videos, they lure unsuspecting viewers into downloading
what is falsely advertised as the “developer version” of TradingView
or a “cracked” paid application.
“Scammers create convincing YouTube channels that
appear to be official TradingView accounts, often using stolen or hijacked
channels with large subscriber bases and verified badges,” the platform explained.
In reality, the files linked in these videos contain
malicious scripts, usually a Windows PowerShell command, that, when executed,
install a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) onto the victim’s device.
This malicious software gives cybercriminals
unauthorized access, enabling them to steal sensitive information, including
cryptocurrency wallet credentials, and drain the victim’s funds.
How to Stay Safe from Scams
The impact of these scams has reportedly been devastating for
many TradingView users. Victims have reported losing access to their
cryptocurrency wallets after following instructions from these fraudulent
channels. Scammers go to great lengths to make their content appear credible,
often using deepfake personalities, positive fake comments, and mimicking
TradingView’s actual content.
To protect against scams, TradingView is now urging users never to download its software from any third-party source. The only
official apps, including the mobile and desktop versions, are available directly on the TradingView website.
The company also mentioned that it will never ask users to run PowerShell or command-line scripts to install its platform; such
requests should be treated as major red flags. Another key tactic used by scammers is offering
“too good to be true” deals, like free access to premium features or
giveaways.
Safety Guidelines for Users
TradingView is reportedly collaborating with YouTube
and law enforcement agencies to identify and remove fraudulent channels. The
firm also asked victims to disconnect their devices from the internet and run a
thorough malware scan.
Change all passwords, especially for any
cryptocurrency wallets or trading accounts, and notify your wallet provider.
Consider transferring your funds to a secure wallet to safeguard your assets.
Scammers targeted the TradingView community with fake
YouTube channels designed to trick users into downloading malware. According to
the charting platform, these deceptive channels are expertly designed to
impersonate TradingView.
TradingView has issued an urgent warning for users to
only engage with its official YouTube presence to avoid falling victim to these
scams. Recently, fake YouTube channels masquerading as
official TradingView accounts have surged in popularity, preying on the
platform’s user base.
The Growing Threat of Fake Channels
These fraudulent channels reportedly utilize stolen or
hijacked accounts with verified badges and a considerable number of
subscribers. By creating seemingly legitimate content, such as
livestreams or tutorial videos, they lure unsuspecting viewers into downloading
what is falsely advertised as the “developer version” of TradingView
or a “cracked” paid application.
“Scammers create convincing YouTube channels that
appear to be official TradingView accounts, often using stolen or hijacked
channels with large subscriber bases and verified badges,” the platform explained.
In reality, the files linked in these videos contain
malicious scripts, usually a Windows PowerShell command, that, when executed,
install a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) onto the victim’s device.
This malicious software gives cybercriminals
unauthorized access, enabling them to steal sensitive information, including
cryptocurrency wallet credentials, and drain the victim’s funds.
How to Stay Safe from Scams
The impact of these scams has reportedly been devastating for
many TradingView users. Victims have reported losing access to their
cryptocurrency wallets after following instructions from these fraudulent
channels. Scammers go to great lengths to make their content appear credible,
often using deepfake personalities, positive fake comments, and mimicking
TradingView’s actual content.
To protect against scams, TradingView is now urging users never to download its software from any third-party source. The only
official apps, including the mobile and desktop versions, are available directly on the TradingView website.
The company also mentioned that it will never ask users to run PowerShell or command-line scripts to install its platform; such
requests should be treated as major red flags. Another key tactic used by scammers is offering
“too good to be true” deals, like free access to premium features or
giveaways.
Safety Guidelines for Users
TradingView is reportedly collaborating with YouTube
and law enforcement agencies to identify and remove fraudulent channels. The
firm also asked victims to disconnect their devices from the internet and run a
thorough malware scan.
Change all passwords, especially for any
cryptocurrency wallets or trading accounts, and notify your wallet provider.
Consider transferring your funds to a secure wallet to safeguard your assets.
This post is originally published on FINANCEMAGNATES.
