Fast Facts
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Phishing Alert: A new scam posing as an invitation to an “Exclusive Crypto Travel Summit” in Dubai, times for which are mismatched, is targeting crypto users via fake emails from Booking.com.
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Fake Speakers: The scam lists notable figures like Vitalik Buterin and Brian Armstrong as keynote speakers for a non-existent event planned for November 2025.
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Community Response: The crypto community is aware of rising scam complexity, with warnings being shared widely; notable incidents include Binance’s alerts regarding listing scams and phone impersonations.
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Safety Advice: Bobby Ong advises deleting suspicious emails and stresses the need for vigilant email security to prevent falling victim to such scams.
CoinGecko CEO Warns of Fake Crypto Summit Scam Using Booking.com
Bobby Ong, CEO of CoinGecko, has sounded the alarm about a new phishing scam targeting cryptocurrency enthusiasts. This fraudulent scheme involves deceptive emails that appear to originate from Booking.com, inviting recipients to a fake event labeled as the “Exclusive Crypto Travel Summit” in Dubai.
The scam email claims that Booking.com and Coinbase have teamed up to launch a crypto travel service. It even lists high-profile speakers, including Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, and Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum. The event is supposedly scheduled for November 2025, but a notable red flag reveals that the RSVP deadline was set for September 30, 2025. Such anomalies suggest the content was hastily crafted or recycled.
Ong took to social media to advise individuals against engaging with these emails. He urged recipients to delete the messages immediately. In a robust response, Booking.com’s official account acknowledged the issue. They expressed regret over the fake emails and requested further details to aid their investigation.
This incident reflects a broader trend of scams in the cryptocurrency space. Just last month, Binance issued warnings about various fraudulent schemes. They informed users about fake “listing agents” offering spots on their platform for a fee and impersonators posing as customer support agents. These scams often lead to stolen funds, raising serious concerns among users.
Community reaction to Ong’s warning was a mix of recognition and frustration. Many users expressed solidarity with the challenges faced in navigating these deceptions. One user remarked on the increasing sophistication of scams, highlighting the need for vigilance. Ong agreed, emphasizing that the crypto world demands users scrutinize every email they receive.
As technology continues to develop, so too do the tactics of scammers. Awareness and education remain crucial in navigating this evolving landscape. By staying informed, users can better protect themselves against potential threats.
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Disclaimer
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative and carries significant risk, including the potential loss of your entire investment. Do not make financial decisions based on this information. Consult a licensed financial advisor before investing. This site does not offer, sell, or advise on cryptocurrency, securities or other regulated financial products in compliance with SEC and applicable laws. Please do your own research and seek professional advise.
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