Think you’re scam-savvy because you stick to trusted sites? Hackers just found a way around that
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Cybercriminals are dressing up as trusted news outlets—and it's costing people dearly.
These slick impersonations don’t just fool the eye, they rob victims blind.
And the deception doesn’t stop at fake headlines—it ends with empty bank accounts.
Researchers uncovered a massive operation that hijacked the look and feel of reputable news websites—like CNN, BBC, CNBC, News24, and ABC News—to push dangerous investment scams.
The scam’s bait? Sponsored ads on search engines and social media that featured sensational headlines such as ‘Shocking: [Local Celebrity] backs new passive income stream for citizens!’.
These ads redirected users to convincingly faked websites that mimicked trusted news outlets, promising breakthrough financial advice that could change lives with minimal effort.
The moment someone entered their name, email address, and phone number, a so-called ‘friendly advisor’ would reach out—referencing the fake article and offering to walk them through the opportunity.
It always started small, with a suggested deposit of around $240, to access a ‘revolutionary’ passive income platform.
Once in, users could watch their fake earnings grow on a manipulated platform—until they asked to withdraw, at which point mysterious fees, identity checks, and technical issues would block access to the funds.
By the time victims realised they had been duped, their money was gone… along with their so-called advisor, who often sold their details to other scammers for a second round of exploitation.
The campaign was part of a large international scam ring operating some 17,000 fraudulent websites across 50 countries, with the United States being the most heavily targeted.
The scam platforms used names like Eclipse Earn, Solara Vynex, and Trap10—supported by countless fake social media accounts to push their reach even further.
Red flags were everywhere—if you knew where to look.
The sponsored accounts had no history, no followers, and suspiciously blank profiles.
The websites used cheap domain endings like .xyz, .io, .shop, or .click, and many used typosquatting tactics to imitate well-known brands.
Scammers used the false authority of ‘Know Your Customer’ checks to pry personal information from their targets.
To stay safe, experts recommended using up-to-date security software that blocks malicious websites.
They also advised against clicking on unsolicited links, especially from unverified sources or messages.
Double-checking headlines—especially if they involve celebrities promoting wealth schemes—was key to spotting disinformation.
And if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
For those who had already been caught in such a scam, authorities advised halting all contact immediately.
Users should change all important passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and notify their banks to flag suspicious activity.
Checking credit reports for identity theft and reporting the scam to official authorities were also strongly encouraged.
Malwarebytes, which investigated the campaign, stated it blocked sites like cryptoevent.io to help stop these scams in their tracks.
‘We don’t just report on threats—we help safeguard your entire digital identity,’ the company said.
If you thought sticking to trusted sites was enough to stay safe online, this next story might make you think twice.
Not all scams come with flashing warnings—some are subtle, polished, and incredibly convincing.
One small tip could help stop these crooks in their tracks before they get your money.
Read more: Scammers took $66.6 million from seniors—could this 30-minute tip stop them?
Would you be able to tell if your next click leads to a scam—or straight to the bank account of a criminal?
These slick impersonations don’t just fool the eye, they rob victims blind.
And the deception doesn’t stop at fake headlines—it ends with empty bank accounts.
Researchers uncovered a massive operation that hijacked the look and feel of reputable news websites—like CNN, BBC, CNBC, News24, and ABC News—to push dangerous investment scams.
The scam’s bait? Sponsored ads on search engines and social media that featured sensational headlines such as ‘Shocking: [Local Celebrity] backs new passive income stream for citizens!’.
These ads redirected users to convincingly faked websites that mimicked trusted news outlets, promising breakthrough financial advice that could change lives with minimal effort.
Fake news sites push investment scam ads. Image source: Pexels/Nicola Bart
Disclaimer: This is a stock image used for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual person, item, or event described.
Disclaimer: This is a stock image used for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual person, item, or event described.
The moment someone entered their name, email address, and phone number, a so-called ‘friendly advisor’ would reach out—referencing the fake article and offering to walk them through the opportunity.
It always started small, with a suggested deposit of around $240, to access a ‘revolutionary’ passive income platform.
Once in, users could watch their fake earnings grow on a manipulated platform—until they asked to withdraw, at which point mysterious fees, identity checks, and technical issues would block access to the funds.
By the time victims realised they had been duped, their money was gone… along with their so-called advisor, who often sold their details to other scammers for a second round of exploitation.
The campaign was part of a large international scam ring operating some 17,000 fraudulent websites across 50 countries, with the United States being the most heavily targeted.
The scam platforms used names like Eclipse Earn, Solara Vynex, and Trap10—supported by countless fake social media accounts to push their reach even further.
Red flags were everywhere—if you knew where to look.
The sponsored accounts had no history, no followers, and suspiciously blank profiles.
The websites used cheap domain endings like .xyz, .io, .shop, or .click, and many used typosquatting tactics to imitate well-known brands.
Scammers used the false authority of ‘Know Your Customer’ checks to pry personal information from their targets.
To stay safe, experts recommended using up-to-date security software that blocks malicious websites.
They also advised against clicking on unsolicited links, especially from unverified sources or messages.
Double-checking headlines—especially if they involve celebrities promoting wealth schemes—was key to spotting disinformation.
And if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
For those who had already been caught in such a scam, authorities advised halting all contact immediately.
Users should change all important passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and notify their banks to flag suspicious activity.
Checking credit reports for identity theft and reporting the scam to official authorities were also strongly encouraged.
Malwarebytes, which investigated the campaign, stated it blocked sites like cryptoevent.io to help stop these scams in their tracks.
‘We don’t just report on threats—we help safeguard your entire digital identity,’ the company said.
If you thought sticking to trusted sites was enough to stay safe online, this next story might make you think twice.
Not all scams come with flashing warnings—some are subtle, polished, and incredibly convincing.
One small tip could help stop these crooks in their tracks before they get your money.
Read more: Scammers took $66.6 million from seniors—could this 30-minute tip stop them?
Would you be able to tell if your next click leads to a scam—or straight to the bank account of a criminal?
