Originally published on: October 15, 2024
Amid the excitement surrounding Uniswap’s new Ethereum layer 2 platform, scammers have seized the opportunity to promote a fake website on Google posing as the official Unichain network.
Initially hosted at unlchalindefi[.]com, the fraudulent site claimed to offer user-friendly apps for the Uniswap Unichain network, but instead, it was a trap to steal users’ cryptocurrency and transfer it to the scammers. MetaMask issued warnings cautioning users about this deceptive site.
Although the fake website has been taken down, the incident sheds light on the dangers facing Web3 users and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding funds.
Uniswap Labs recently announced the launch of a testnet for the upcoming Unichain Ethereum layer 2 network, promising faster transactions and enhanced liquidity access. While the mainnet is set to debut later this year, scammers exploited the lack of domain authority of the official Unichain website to mislead users.
The deceptive tactics involved purchasing Google ads, redirecting users to the fake site under the guise of a sponsored post. Following reports by blockchain analytics platform Scam Sniffer, the scam was uncovered, prompting Google to remove the malicious advertisement.
To prevent falling victim to such scams, users are advised to exercise caution when clicking on Google ads for cryptocurrency protocols and to carefully scrutinize transactions to detect any suspicious activity. As the Web3 landscape continues to evolve, staying informed and adopting security measures is crucial for protecting assets and investments.
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