Kraken, a prominent centralized crypto exchange, revealed an unusual but eye-opening scam attempt. A fraudster tried to hijack a client’s account by disguising with a rubber Halloween mask.
Digital security is a major concern in crypto, as hackers and scammers continuously look for ways to exploit vulnerabilities. The overall losses from scams and hacks in October were $129 million.
When the attacker attempted to regain access to the client’s Kraken account, the first step was to verify identity. At first glance, the individual seemed to be an ordinary customer, but the inconsistencies quickly raised red flags.
During the preliminary checks, the scammer failed to name the assets in the account, a clear sign that something was off. This prompted the agent to escalate the situation to a video call for further verification.
It was during this call that the scam attempt was exposed dramatically. The attacker was wearing a rubber mask that did not even remotely resemble the account holder’s appearance.
In addition to wearing a mask, the scammer presented a poorly Photoshopped ID that, while matching the account holder’s details, was fake.
Kraken’s Chief Security Officer, Nick Percoco, commented on the absurdity of the attempt. He explained how the mask barely matched the Caucasian male in his early 50s that the fraudster was impersonating.
This was not Kraken’s first encounter with scammers trying to mask their identity. Percoco pointed out that fraudsters sometimes wear fake mustaches or other disguises, hoping to pass for the real account holder.
These attempts rarely succeed, as Kraken’s agents are trained to spot even subtle discrepancies, such as mismatched facial features or unusual attire.
Percoco stressed the importance of exchanges maintaining strict identity checks. He warned that outsourced support teams may lack the attention to detail to prevent scams.
Percoco urged users to stay vigilant, as relying solely on an exchange’s security may not be enough to keep up with evolving threats.
Percoco emphasizes that while Kraken has strong security, users must also take responsibility. He urged users to use two-factor authentication (2FA) for all accounts.
He also suggested FIDO2 and passkeys for extra security. These hardware keys ensure users are not tricked into entering credentials on fake sites, making it nearly impossible for attackers to gain access.
The trading platform has prioritized security awareness, actively participating in efforts to combat and prevent online fraud and scams.
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