A wallet drainer operating on The Open Network (TON) announced it is shutting down due to a lack of high-value users, also known as crypto “whales,” in the TON ecosystem. The malicious service revealed that it would direct its users to a different platform focused on draining Bitcoin instead.
On October 7, Web3 anti–scam platform Scam Sniffer shared a screenshot from the TON–based wallet drainer, where the hackers explained their decision to close shop. They stated that the TON community is relatively small and lacks the larger-scale investors that would make their activities profitable. The hackers wrote:
“Due to TON not having whales and it being a small community, we will close.”
As the service winds down, the group encouraged its users to start targeting Bitcoin, suggesting that those who enjoyed draining wallets on TON would find Bitcoin draining just as appealing. They advertised a new service for this purpose and made it clear that the TON–based draining tool would not be returning.
This shift comes as the TON ecosystem has increasingly become a target for such malicious activities. In the past, drainers have used deceptive methods to trick users, such as displaying fake transactions using TON’s comment feature. This feature allows a custom message to accompany a transfer, disguising the real purpose of a transaction signature.
One common scam tactic involved showing messages like “Receive 5,000 USDT” with a “Confirm” button. Once a user signs the transaction, their tokens are drained. In May, Scam Sniffer reported that this technique had been used to steal 22,000 Toncoin tokens, valued at over $150,000 at the time.
Although the wallet drainer is exiting the TON space, the incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and improved security in the growing crypto landscape.
Summary Review: The shutdown of the TON-based wallet drainer reflects the evolving strategies of malicious actors in the crypto space as they shift their focus to more lucrative targets like Bitcoin. The lack of large investors, or “whales,” in the TON ecosystem made it less appealing for these hackers, leading to the closure of their operation. However, this also serves as a reminder for users to remain cautious, as similar draining tactics continue to target unsuspecting users across various blockchain networks. Staying informed and using enhanced security measures is essential in safeguarding assets in the ever–changing crypto environment.
Disclaimer: Remember that nothing in this article and everything under the responsibility of Web30 News should be interpreted as financial advice. The information provided is for entertainment and educational purposes only. Investing in cryptocurrency involves inherent risks and potential investors should be aware that capital is at risk and returns are never guaranteed. It is imperative that you conduct thorough research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decision.
