Scammers targeting users of the leading non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace OpenSea with new phishing scam promising an exclusive mint event involving American footwear company Nike and RTFKT, a prominent player in the NFT scene.
MasterJew.eth, co-founder of the ApeFathersNFT project, was among the recipients of the scam email. He alerted the public about the fraudulent message on X, calling for attention.
Got another scam email coming from what looks like @opensea and @Spatial_io
Saying that the mint is partnered with @Nike @RTFKT
This is obviously a scam, a 400 piece limited collection… sheeeesh.
Be safe out there degens! pic.twitter.com/Aa9OVlXwPd
— MasterJew.eth (@skizdidlyidler) January 7, 2024
The email, which was purported to come from OpenSea, had the subject headline: “Exclusive Invitation: RTFKT x Nike Dunk Genesis RBOT CRYPTOKICKS Minting Event!”
It claimed that the recipient was one of 400 lucky customers selected to participate in the launch of a limited edition NFT collaboration between RTFKT and Nike. The email included a link to “Mint RTEKT Now,” which — receipts caution — could lead to a malicious website that would attempt to steal the user’s wallet information or funds.
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The email also thanked the recipient for being part of the OpenSea community and expressed excitement for the upcoming event. It ended with a signature that claimed to be from OpenSea and included a copyright notice.
However, the email had several red flags that indicated it was a scam. OpenSea is the largest and most popular NFT marketplace, allowing users to buy, sell and create digital collectibles.
Due to its prominence, it has been the target of several phishing attacks in the past, as scammers try to take advantage of the growing interest and demand for NFTs. Last November, a similar email surfaced, looking to defraud unsuspecting investors.
Notably, amid the escalating concerns at the time, the marketplace confirmed that it had not suffered any hack, and advised users not to click any untrustworthy links. In February 2022, a phishing attack on OpenSea resulted in the loss of multiple NFTs worth about $2 million.
To curb the prevalence of these losses, OpenSea advises its users to be vigilant and cautious of any suspicious emails or direct messages that ask them to send funds or connect their wallets.
OpenSea users can report phishing emails to their email providers or to the social media platforms where they received them. In addition, they could also check the official website of OpenSea for any notifications or announcements about minting events or collaborations.
