Ethical Hacking News
In a shocking revelation, cybersecurity firm CTM360 has unveiled a massive operation involving fake news websites known as Baiting News Sites (BNS). These sites have been deceiving users into investing in online scams across 50 countries. The article explores the scale and tactics of this operation, highlighting the need for increased vigilance in online security.
Fake news websites (Baiting News Sites) masquerading as reputable outlets like CNN, BBC, and CNBC deceive users into investing in online scams across 50 countries.Over 17,000 fake news sites were caught fueling investment fraud, with scammers using sponsored ads to push traffic to these sites.BNS pages feature official logos, images, and real public figures to build trust quickly, often using clickbait headlines promising sensational revelations or exclusive investment opportunities.Scammers use a two-phase structure: luring victims through ads and fake articles, followed by requests for ID documents, crypto deposits, and "account verifications" designed to delay withdrawals.BNS sites are customized per region, using local languages, media logos, regional influencers, and banks to increase their believability.These scams often start with a call from a so-called advisor, followed by requests for sensitive data and ongoing "account verifications".
In a shocking revelation, cybersecurity firm CTM360 has unveiled a massive operation involving fake news websites known as Baiting News Sites (BNS). These sites, masquerading as reputable news outlets such as CNN, BBC, and CNBC, have been deceiving users into investing in online scams across 50 countries. The sheer scale of this operation is staggering, with over 17,000 fake news sites caught fueling investment fraud.
According to CTM360's report, these BNS pages are designed to appear authentic, featuring official logos, images, and even real public figures to build trust quickly. Scammers use sponsored ads on Google, Meta, and blog networks to push traffic to these sites, often using clickbait headlines that promise sensational revelations or exclusive investment opportunities.
Upon clicking on the ad, users are redirected to a fake article, which in turn leads them to a fraudulent trading platform. The scammers' tactics are devious, with many of these scams following a two-phase structure. The first phase involves luring victims through ads and fake articles, while the second phase kicks in once the victim engages, starting with a call from a so-called advisor, followed by requests for ID documents, crypto deposits, and ongoing "account verifications" designed to delay withdrawals.
These BNS sites are often customized per region, using local languages, familiar media logos, regional influencers, and banks to increase their believability. Many users stumble upon these scams while searching for legitimate ways to invest online or earn passive income. The content is carefully crafted to match high-intent searches, such as "automated crypto trading" or "celebrity-backed investment," making it all the more enticing.
Once on the fake platform, victims are asked to register with their name, phone number, and email, followed by an "investment agent" who sounds professional and persuasive. The scammers urge victims to make a small deposit, usually around $240, to activate their account. From there, the victims are shown fake dashboards simulating profits, complete with earnings that don't exist.
These schemes not only exploit trust but also collect sensitive data for reuse in phishing, identity theft, and secondary fraud. The BNS sites play a key role in the distribution phase of a larger fraud pipeline, acting as the entry point for many victims. CTM360 continues to track these campaigns and provide takedown support, threat intelligence, and risk protection to governments and organizations across targeted regions.
The implications of this operation are far-reaching, with cybersecurity experts warning that BNS sites pose a significant threat to online security. These scams demonstrate the ever-evolving nature of cybercrime, with scammers continually adapting their tactics to evade detection. As the ecosystem evolves, it's essential for individuals and organizations to stay vigilant and take proactive measures to protect themselves from these insidious threats.
To combat this rise in fake news sites, cybersecurity firms like CTM360 are working tirelessly to track down these scams and provide support to those affected. It's a constant cat-and-mouse game between scammers and cybersecurity experts, but with continued awareness and action, we can hope to stay one step ahead of these cyber threats.
In conclusion, the rise of Baiting News Sites has highlighted the need for increased vigilance in online security. These fake news sites are not only deceiving users into investment scams but also collecting sensitive data for reuse in more sinister activities. It's essential for individuals and organizations to be aware of this threat and take proactive measures to protect themselves.
With over 17,000 fake news sites caught fueling investment fraud, the stakes have never been higher. As we move forward, it's crucial that we remain informed about these emerging threats and work together to stay safe online.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Baiting-News-Sites-The-Insidious-Rise-of-Fake-News-Sites-Fueling-Investment-Fraud-ehn.shtml
https://thehackernews.com/2025/07/baittrap-over-17000-fake-news-websites.html
Published: Tue Jul 8 07:02:42 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
