Cybersecurity experts have raised alarms after discovering over 2,650 counterfeit websites impersonating the legitimate DeepSeek platform, creating a dangerous landscape for cryptocurrency investors.
According to a news publication by Qi’anxin XLab, a leading cybersecurity company, these fraudulent sites are part of a growing wave of phishing scams that aim to deceive crypto users.
The fake sites mimic the real DeepSeek platform’s interface and domain names, luring users into entering sensitive information, downloading malware, or falling prey to subscription fee frauds.
The increased prevalence of these counterfeit sites poses a significant risk to those engaging with cryptocurrency services, especially as these scams become more sophisticated.
Surge in Counterfeit Domains Linked to Phishing Activities
A recent analysis by Qi’anxin XLab, covering the period from December 1, 2024, to February 3, 2025, revealed a concerning spike in counterfeit DeepSeek domains, particularly during the last week of January 2025.
The phishing sites peaked on January 28 but continue to grow in numbers. These fake platforms primarily aim to harvest user login credentials and personal data by impersonating the legitimate DeepSeek platform.
As the sites are crafted to closely resemble the real platform’s design, unsuspecting users may end up purchasing virtual assets or entering sensitive information, unknowingly providing it to cybercriminals.
The rapid rise in such domains highlights the ongoing and escalating risk to the cryptocurrency community.
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Geopolitical Spread of Phishing Sites Intensifies the Threat
The global reach of these phishing attacks adds another level of concern, as the counterfeit DeepSeek sites have been linked to IP addresses across multiple countries.
Qi’anxin XLab’s findings show that 60% of these fraudulent sites are hosted in the United States, while others are scattered across countries including Singapore, Germany, Lithuania, Russia, and China.
The wide geographical distribution indicates a well-organized, transnational network of cybercriminals that has made it difficult for security agencies to prevent and dismantle these scams.
The global nature of these threats underscores the need for international collaboration and increased vigilance within the crypto space to combat the rising tide of phishing attacks.
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Scammers Peddle Fake DeepSeek Virtual Assets and Shares
In addition to phishing tactics, scammers are also promoting counterfeit virtual assets linked to the DeepSeek platform, including fake “DeepSeek-enabled” currencies and shares.
These fraudulent offerings, often marketed as high-functioning assets with promises of substantial returns, hold no real value and are designed to deceive investors into parting with their money.
Some scammers are even claiming to sell shares in DeepSeek itself, further exacerbating the potential financial damage.
The increasing sophistication of these scams highlights the urgent need for heightened cybersecurity awareness among cryptocurrency investors, who are advised to carefully verify the legitimacy of any site or asset before making any transactions.
Security experts are stressing the importance of caution, as these scams continue to evolve, targeting vulnerable crypto users with elaborate and convincing fraudulent schemes.
Recent DeepSeek-Related Updates Reflect Broader Crypto and AI Trends
Amidst the rise in phishing threats, the DeepSeek platform continues to make headlines with its AI-driven developments.
A recent report showed that DeepSeek AI, a Chinese startup, reached the top of the App Store with a relatively modest $10 million investment.
The event has caused skepticism among retail investors, who are reacting to the contrasting valuations of AI and crypto stocks, while institutional investors are increasingly hoarding Bitcoin.
Additionally, the $SEEK AI memecoin, linked to the DeepSeek AI project, has seen substantial gains, with one trader turning $26K into $370K, reflecting the speculative dynamics and volatility of the crypto market.
However, these developments also underscore the ongoing risks investors face, as they navigate both opportunities and scams within the ever-evolving crypto and AI landscapes.
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