A concerning trend is emerging in the cryptocurrency and NFT space: the rise of the "try my game" scam on Discord. This insidious tactic, which has reportedly been around for years, is now gaining traction as a means for hackers to steal valuable digital assets.

The scam operates by exploiting the trust and community spirit prevalent within Discord servers. Hackers infiltrate these groups, carefully observing user interactions to identify potential targets. They feign interest in users' crypto holdings and NFTs to gauge the value of their digital assets. Once a target is identified, the hacker extends an invitation to "try my game," which involves sending a link to a malicious server containing Trojan malware.

Clicking this link and downloading the game grants the hacker access to the victim's device, enabling them to steal personal information and, most critically, drain any connected cryptocurrency wallets. NFT artist Princess Hypio recently shared her experience of losing $170,000 in crypto and NFTs after being tricked into playing a game on Steam. While the game itself was harmless, the server it was hosted on was compromised, leading to the devastating loss. Three of her friends also fell victim to the same scheme.

Kraken's chief security officer, Nick Percoco, notes that these scams are increasingly popular attack methods. He emphasizes that the primary vulnerability in the crypto space isn't technical; it's trust. Scammers capitalize on this by embedding themselves within communities, mimicking trusted friends, and exploiting the good intentions of their targets.

Discord has recently updated its policies to address these deceptive practices, explicitly stating that financial scams violate their terms of use. However, Percoco points out that these scams don't rely on exploiting code vulnerabilities but rather on manipulating people into taking actions they normally wouldn't.

To protect yourself from falling victim to such scams, consider the following precautions:

• Be wary of unsolicited direct messages (DMs). Discord DMs are a common avenue for scammers to target users.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of security to your account, making it harder for hackers to gain access.
• Exercise caution when clicking links or downloading files. Verify the legitimacy of any link before clicking, and avoid downloading files from untrusted sources.
• Never share your seed phrase or private keys. These are the keys to your cryptocurrency wallets, and should be kept secret.
• Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true. Scammers often lure victims with promises of free cryptocurrency or NFTs.
• Trust, but verify. Always confirm the legitimacy of any offer or request, even if it appears to come from a friend.
• Turn off your Discord DMs.

The "try my game" scam highlights the importance of vigilance and skepticism in the digital world. By understanding how these scams operate and taking appropriate precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim.