Scammers stole $43.7 million from gaming and metaverse platforms in 2023

A new analysis reveals cryptocurrency users lost over $43.6 million ($43,655,107) last year after being targeted by scammers on gaming and metaverse platforms.

The findings come from Smart Betting Guide via the REKT Database, which found cryptocurrency users lost more than $1.7 billion ($1,759,850,729) due to exploits and exit scams last year – with 2.5% of that stolen from gaming and metaverse platforms.

The data shows that some blockchains were more vulnerable to this than others, with Binance users losing $1,493,552 and Arbitrum users losing $552,652.

It’s unclear exactly which exploits are used most often by those targeting these platforms, but they may include phishing, where users are tricked into revealing sensitive information, and fake virtual exchanges created within the metaverse, where users can deposit their assets but cannot withdraw them.

Other issues may include fraudulent NFT projects, where scammers create fake projects within the metaverse and sell them for an inflated cost or exploit vulnerabilities in gaming platforms to steal in-game assets and currencies.

The latter is particularly concerning, given many gaming companies allow players to purchase games with cryptocurrency, including GameStop, Microsoft, and Best Buy.

The platforms that saw the most funds lost last year due to scams 

The category that saw the lowest sum lost was stablecoins, designed to maintain a stable value relative to a specific asset, such as other cryptocurrencies. In 2023, scammers stole $10,317,554 via this route – 95% below the average ($139.5k).

It’s also important that those holding cryptocurrency are particularly vigilant now, as the data reveals February is one of the worst months for being hit by scams.

February ranks third as the month that saw the most funds stolen across all affected platforms, with an average of $789,070,994 taken by scammers each year. This is 6% higher than the average monthly loss ($746,647,085).

While February was the third month that saw the most funds stolen, the worst month came out as December, with an average loss of $1,040,146,937 (39% above the monthly average).

Ranking second is January, with an average of $838,025,266 taken yearly. This is 12.2% above the monthly average and makes for a tough start to the year for blockchain users.

The risk drops slightly once we get into March, with the average sum lost equating to  2.9% less than the monthly average. Overall, the likelihood of being hit by a crypto scam is higher in the year’s first half than in the second half, excluding December.

Regarding the findings, Zigmas Pekarskas, CEO of Smart Betting Guide, said: “As with any technical asset, cryptocurrency is vulnerable to scams – especially as it continues to grow in popularity and application, much like the metaverse. This is particularly true given cryptocurrency transactions are often anonymous and typically irreversible, so it’s difficult to trace transactions back to individuals.”

Some platforms, including those in the metaverse and gaming sphere, are more susceptible to cybercrime than others. “When transacting on one of these platforms, ensure you do your research and due diligence. Be cautious of ‘too good to be true’ prices or unverified items for sale, especially if purchasing an extremely limited or in-demand in-game item, as scammers will look to exploit your interest.”

Users are also advised to use a secure cryptocurrency wallet to store their funds and assets – ideally with multi-signature support – and report any suspicious activity or fraudulent listings to the platform’s support team as early as possible.

Months ranked from highest to lowest likelihood of being targeted by scammers 

 

The five biggest cryptocurrency scams in 2023, based on lost funds