Scammers are targeting users of OpenSea, the leading non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace, with a new phishing scam. This scam promises an exclusive mint event involving the American footwear giant Nike and RTFKT, a key player in the NFT arena.
The Scam Email
The scam came to light when MasterJew.eth, co-founder of the ApeFathersNFT project, received a suspicious email. He quickly alerted the public about the fraudulent message on social media platforms. The email, which falsely claimed to be from OpenSea, had the subject line “Exclusive Invitation: RTFKT x Nike Dunk Genesis RBOT CRYPTOKICKS Minting Event!” It purported that the recipient was among 400 chosen customers to participate in a limited edition NFT collaboration between RTFKT and Nike. The email contained a link to “Mint RTEKT Now,” which, according to experts, could redirect to a malicious website aimed at stealing wallet information or funds.
Red Flags and Past Incidents
This email had several red flags indicating a scam. In the past, OpenSea, due to its popularity, has been a frequent target of similar phishing attacks. A notable incident occurred in November, where a similar email tried to defraud investors. In February 2022, OpenSea suffered a significant phishing attack, resulting in the loss of NFTs valued at approximately $2 million.
OpenSea’s Response and User Vigilance
In response to these attacks, OpenSea has consistently advised its users to exercise caution. Users are warned against clicking on untrustworthy links or engaging with suspicious emails and direct messages. OpenSea also encourages users to report phishing emails and to check their official website for any legitimate announcements regarding minting events or collaborations.
Conclusion
OpenSea users must remain vigilant and cautious, especially in the face of increasing phishing scams. Awareness and prudent actions are key to safeguarding digital assets in the ever-evolving world of NFTs.
