Malwarebytes uncovers fake Google Coin crypto scam using AI chatbot

You might think you can spot a crypto scam a mile away. But what if the pitch came from what looks like an official Google AI assistant, answering your questions in real time and displaying projected profits? This is exactly what scammers are doing now. Security researchers at Malwarebytes, a cybersecurity company known for tracking malware and online scams, recently discovered a live “Google Coin” pre-sale site featuring a chatbot pretending to be Google’s Gemini AI.

The bot walked visitors through an investment pitch, gave them detailed return estimates, and guided them in sending cryptocurrency payments. Google does not have cryptocurrency. Still, the site looked polished and professional, convincing enough to appear legitimate at first glance.

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Security researchers at Malwarebytes have discovered a sophisticated crypto scam that falsely claims Google has launched a new digital coin. (Photo by Helena Dolderer/photo alliance via Getty Images)

What you need to know about the “Google Coin” crypto scam

Researchers have discovered a fraudulent website promoting a fake cryptocurrency called “Google Coin”. The site was made to look like it was owned by Google and claimed the project was connected to its AI assistant, Gemini.

At the center of the scam was a chatbot that presented itself as “Gemini, your AI assistant for the Google Coin platform.” It used familiar branding and visuals to trick visitors into thinking they were interacting with a legitimate Google product.

When asked simple questions about investing, the chatbot gave specific financial projections. For example, he claimed that purchasing 100 tokens at $3.95 each could turn into over $2,700 once the coin is “listed.” The site displayed fake progress meters, countdown timers, and claims of millions of tokens already sold. Once someone clicked “Buy,” they were asked to send Bitcoin to a specific wallet address. The payment was final and irreversible.

There is no official Google Coin. The entire operation was designed to collect cryptocurrencies from unsuspecting investors.

How the “Google Coin” crypto scam works

This scam combines two powerful tricks: brand impersonation and artificial intelligence. First, the scammers created a website that imitated the look and feel of Google, including logos, design and technical language. Then, they integrated a chatbot that acts like a real AI assistant. Because many people are now accustomed to chatting with AI tools, this interaction seemed normal and legitimate.

The chatbot is programmed with a tight script. He answers questions with confidence, avoids admitting risk, and refuses to acknowledge the possibility of a scam. Asking about business registration or regulation distracts you from vague promises of safety and transparency.

This means you don’t argue with a clumsy scammer over email. You interact with software designed to convince you 24 hours a day. The chatbot can talk to hundreds of people at once, give each person personalized responses and push them to send cryptocurrencies. Once you send it, your money is gone.

This type of scam is dangerous because it is interactive and appears credible. When a chatbot answers your questions in real time, it can let your guard down. You might think, “If it were fake, it wouldn’t look so professional.” » But that’s exactly the point. AI allows fraudsters to increase their confidence and refinement.

If you fall into the trap, the financial loss can be immediate and permanent. Cryptocurrency payments cannot be reversed like credit card fees. There is no customer support line to call. There is no refund process.

Worse yet, once you interact with a scam site, your contact details, email address, or wallet address may be added to lists circulating among scam groups. This can make you a target for future investment scams, phishing emails, or identity theft attempts.

We reached out to Google for comment, but did not receive a response before our deadline.

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Fraudsters are using a fake “Google Coin” pre-sale site with a chatbot posing as Google’s Gemini AI to trick investors into sending cryptocurrency. (Photo by Thomas Truutschel/Photothek via Getty Images)

7 Ways to Protect Yourself from a Crypto Scam

Crypto scams are becoming more sophisticated, especially with AI tools that make fake investments look polished and legitimate. The good news is that you can significantly reduce your risk by taking a few smart precautions before investing or sending digital currency.

1) Be skeptical of “new” pieces linked to famous brands

If you see a cryptocurrency claiming to have been launched by a well-known company, check it directly on the company’s official website. Large companies publicly announce their main financial products. If you can’t find confirmation of the company’s real domain, assume it’s fake and walk away.

2) Never rely on guaranteed or specific return projections

No legitimate investment can promise that your $395 will turn into $2,700. When a chatbot gives accurate future prices or guaranteed multipliers, it’s a red flag. Actual investments involve risks and uncertainties. Promises of quick, predictable profits are classic scam tactics.

3) Use a password manager

A password manager creates strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts and stores them securely. If scammers trick you into entering your credentials on a fake site, unique passwords prevent them from accessing your other accounts. Many password managers also alert you if your information appears in known data breaches. Discover the Best Expert-Rated Password Managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.

4) Install antivirus software

Powerful antivirus software helps detect malicious websites, phishing attempts, and suspicious downloads before they can harm your device. It adds another layer of protection if you accidentally click on a dangerous link. This can prevent hidden malware from being installed while you are distracted by a convincing scam pitch. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

5) Consider identity theft protection

An identity theft protection service monitors your personal information, such as your Social Security number or email address, and alerts you if it is misused. If fraudsters collect your information through a fake investing site, early warnings can help you act quickly before financial damage spreads. Check out my tips and top picks on the best identity theft protection at Cyberguy.com.

6) Use a personal data deletion service

Data removal services aim to remove your personal information from public data broker sites. The less personal information available about you online, the harder it is for scammers to target you with personalized pitches. Reducing your digital footprint reduces your overall exposure to fraud. Check out my top picks for data deletion services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already available on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com. Get a free analysis to find out if your personal information is already available on the web: Cyberguy.com.

7) Slow down before sending cryptocurrency

Crypto payments are fast and irreversible. Before sending digital currency, pause and verify the recipient independently. Look for notices, warnings and official announcements. If the investment requires urgency, such as a countdown timer or a “final step” message, treat that pressure as a warning sign.

300,000 CHROME USERS AFFECTED BY FAKE AI EXTENSIONS

The AI-powered scam imitates the Google brand and uses real-time chat to build trust before requesting irreversible encrypted payments. Google does not have a cryptocurrency, despite the claims of a convincing investment site “Google Coin”. (Photo by Thomas Truutschel/Photothek via Getty Images)

Kurt’s key point

Scammers no longer rely solely on clumsy emails or obvious red flags. They use artificial intelligence to create refined and compelling conversations that are real and responsive. When this fake AI wears the face of a trusted brand, it becomes even more convincing. The good news is that awareness is powerful. If you take the time to verify claims, question guaranteed returns, and use protection tools, you will significantly reduce your risk.

Do you think AI is making online scams harder to recognize than a few years ago? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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