NEWNow you can listen to Fox News articles!
You might think you can spot a crypto scam from a mile away. But what if the pitch comes from what looks like an official Google AI assistant, answering your questions in real time and showing the proposed benefit? That’s exactly what scammers are doing now. Security researchers at Malwarebytes, a cybersecurity firm known for tracking malware and online scams, recently discovered a live “Google Coin” site with a chatbot they say is Google’s Gemini AI.
The bot walked visitors through the investment process, provided detailed return estimates and directed them to send cryptocurrency payments. Google does not own a cryptocurrency. Yet the site looked polished and professional, convincing enough to appear legitimate at first.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy report
Get my best tech tips, emergency security alerts, and special deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join CYBERGUY.COM newspaper
Security researchers at Malwarebytes have discovered a sophisticated crypto scam falsely claiming that Google has launched a new digital coin. (Photo by Helena Dolderer/photo alliance via Getty Images)
What you need to know about the crypto scam “Google Coin”.
Researchers discovered a fake website promoting a fake cryptocurrency called “Google Coin.” The site was designed to look like it belonged to Google and said the project was linked to its AI assistant, Gemini.
At the center of the scam was a chatbot that introduced itself as “Gemini, your AI assistant for the Google Coin platform.” It used standard branding and visuals to make visitors believe they were dealing with an official Google product.
When asked simple investment questions, the chatbot provided accurate financial predictions. For example, he said that buying 100 tokens at $3.95 each could turn into more than $2,700 if the coin is “listed.” The site displayed fake progress counts, countdowns, and claims of millions of tokens already sold. When someone clicks “Buy,” they are instructed to send Bitcoin to a specific wallet address. Payment was final and irrevocable.
There is no official Google Coin. The entire operation is designed to collect crypto money from unsuspecting investors.
How the “Google Coin” crypto scam works.
This scam combines two powerful tactics, impersonation and artificial intelligence. First, the fraudsters created a website that mimics the look and feel of Google, including logos, design, and technical language. Then they can be layered into a chatbot that acts as a real AI assistant. Because many people are now used to conversing with AI tools, these interactions seem normal and legitimate.
The chatbot is programmed with strong text. Answers questions with confidence, avoids admitting risk, and refuses to acknowledge the possibility of fraud. When you ask about company registration or regulation, you deflect vague promises about security and transparency.
This means you are not dealing with an email scam. You are dealing with software designed to seduce you day and night. A chatbot can talk to hundreds of people at once, give each one personalized answers, and push them to send crypto money. Once you send it, your money is gone.
This type of scam is dangerous because it is cooperative and appears to be trustworthy. When a chatbot answers your questions in real time, it can reduce your awareness. You might be thinking, “If this was fake, it wouldn’t sound professional.” But that’s exactly the point. AI allows cheaters to increase their confidence and polish.
If you fall for it, the financial loss can be immediate and permanent. Cryptocurrency payments cannot be reversed like credit card charges. There is no customer support line to call. There is no refund process.
Even worse, once you engage with a scam site, your contact information, email, or wallet address can be added to a list that is circulated among fraud groups. That can make you vulnerable to future investment scams, phishing emails, or phishing attempts.
We reached out to Google for comment, but did not hear back before our deadline.
VOTING INDICATOR CREATED
Fraudsters are using a fake “Google Coin” site with a chat impersonating Google’s Gemini AI to lure investors into sending cryptocurrency. (Photo by Thomas Trutschel/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 reduce your risk by taking a few precautions before you invest or send any digital currency.
1) Be skeptical of “new” coins tied to popular brands
If you see a cryptocurrency that claims to be launched by a reputable company, verify it directly on the company’s official website. Large companies publicly announce large financial products. If you can’t find a guarantee on the company’s real domain, assume it’s fake and walk away.
2) Never rely on guaranteed or exact returns
No legitimate investment can promise that your $395 will turn into $2,700. If the chatbot is giving exact future prices or guaranteed multiples, that’s a red flag. Real investment carries risk and uncertainty. 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 information on a fake site, unique passwords prevent them from accessing your other accounts. Many password managers also alert you if your information comes from a known data breach. Check out the best password managers reviewed in 2026 at Cyberguy.com
4) Install antivirus software
Strong antivirus software helps detect malicious websites, phishing attempts, and suspicious downloads before they harm your device. It adds another layer of protection if you accidentally click on a malicious link. This can stop hidden malware from being installed while you’re distracted by a satisfying scam. Find my picks for the best antivirus 2026 winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & 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, and alerts you if it’s being misused. If fraudsters collect your information through a fake investment site, early warnings can help you act quickly before the financial damage spreads. See my tips and top picks for Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com
6) Use a personal data deletion service
Data removal services work to remove your personal information from public data vendor sites. The less personal information that is available about you online, the harder it is for fraudsters to identify your personal characteristics. Reducing your digital footprint lowers your exposure to fraud. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out there on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com. Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out there on the web: Cyberguy.com
7) Slow down before sending cryptocurrency
Crypto payments are fast and irreversible. Before sending any digital currency, pause and independently verify the recipient. Search for updates, alerts, and official announcements. If the investment requires urgency, such as a countdown or a “last stage” message, treat that pressure as a warning sign.
300,000 CHROME USERS CONNECTED WITH AI EXPANSIONS
The AI-powered scam mimics Google marketing and uses real-time chat to build trust before asking for irreversible crypto payments. Google does not own a cryptocurrency, despite claims on a convincing “Google Coin” investment website. (Photo by Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images)
The key to take Kurt
Scammers no longer rely solely on mysterious emails or obvious red flags. They use artificial intelligence to create polished, engaging conversations that feel real and responsive. The more that fake AI wears the face of a trusted brand, the more confident it becomes. The good news is that awareness is powerful. If you take the time to verify claims, ask for guaranteed returns, and use protection tools, you greatly reduce your risk.
Do you think AI is making online scams harder to spot than a few years ago? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy report
Get my best tech tips, emergency security alerts, and special deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join CYBERGUY.COM newspaper
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Related Article
