Streamer Kitboga Uses Fake Bitcoin ATM Receipts to Potentially Waste Scammers’ Time and Gather Intelligence

• Kitboga’s team has trapped around 500 scammers using a fake Bitcoin ATM receipt that leads them into a complex, time-consuming maze.

• The maze includes tedious CAPTCHAs and an automated hotline designed to frustrate scammers and prevent them from targeting real victims.

• Intelligence gathered through this method has helped freeze funds and assist law enforcement in cracking down on crypto scammers.

Kitboga’s fake Bitcoin ATM maze wastes scammers’ time and gathers critical intel to fight crypto fraud. Discover how this innovative tool protects victims and disrupts scams.

How Does Kitboga’s Fake Bitcoin ATM Maze Trap Scammers?

Kitboga’s fake Bitcoin ATM maze is designed to waste scammers’ time by leading them through a series of frustrating tasks and dead ends. The scam starts with a doctored Bitcoin ATM receipt containing a QR code linking to a fake exchange and a 1-800 number that connects to an automated, confusing hotline. This setup tricks scammers into believing they can redeem stolen Bitcoin, but instead, they enter an infinite loop of tedious challenges.

What Are the Key Features of the Infinite Maze?

The maze includes CAPTCHAs that require unusual tasks, such as estimating the number of nuts in a bucket or playing the song “Sandstorm” by Darude on a keyboard. Scammers must also navigate an automated phone menu that repeatedly mishears their Bitcoin wallet digits, forcing them to stay on hold for hours. During hold times, scammers must recite absurd phrases like “super smelly ghost” to prove their presence, further wasting their efforts.

Why Is This Maze Effective Against Crypto Scammers?

The maze not only wastes scammers’ time but also collects valuable information that can be used to stop them. Kitboga’s team uses the maze to gather details such as Bitcoin wallet addresses and even access to scammers’ cameras, which helps identify and report malicious actors. This intelligence has led to freezing stolen funds on reputable exchanges like Kraken, which partners with Kitboga to share data and support anti-scam efforts.

How Much Time Has Been Wasted by Scammers in This Scheme?

Over a year, approximately 500 scammers have been trapped for a combined total of 3,953 hours. On average, each scammer spends nearly three hours in the maze, with the longest single session lasting 156 hours (six and a half days). This extensive time-wasting reduces scammers’ ability to target real victims.

What Motivated Kitboga to Create This Scam-Baiting Tool?

Kitboga began scambaiting eight years ago to protect vulnerable people, inspired by concerns for his own grandparents. After witnessing tech support scams, he started wasting scammers’ time to prevent them from targeting elderly victims. His efforts grew from a weekend hobby into a full-time mission with millions of followers on Twitch and YouTube.

How Has Kitboga’s Work Impacted the Crypto Community?

Kitboga’s innovative approach has raised awareness about crypto scams and contributed to disrupting scam operations. His partnership with exchanges and law enforcement has led to freezing stolen assets and sharing intelligence. The fake Bitcoin ATM maze is now expanding to target scammers demanding gift cards and mailed cash, broadening its protective reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Kitboga’s fake Bitcoin ATM receipt trick scammers?

The receipt contains a doctored QR code linking to a fake exchange and a 1-800 number that connects scammers to an automated maze designed to frustrate and trap them indefinitely.

What happens when scammers call the hotline?

Scammers navigate a confusing phone menu, repeatedly mishear wallet digits, and are placed on hold for hours with no human assistance, forcing them to waste time and effort.

Key Takeaways

• Innovative Scam-Baiting: Kitboga’s fake Bitcoin ATM maze wastes scammers’ time while gathering critical intel.
• Significant Impact: Nearly 4,000 hours wasted and around 500 scammers trapped in one year.
• Community Protection: Partnerships with exchanges help freeze stolen funds and support law enforcement.

Conclusion

Kitboga’s fake Bitcoin ATM maze is a pioneering tool in the fight against crypto scams, effectively wasting scammers’ time and collecting valuable data. This innovative approach not only protects potential victims but also strengthens the broader crypto community’s defenses against fraud. As Kitboga expands his methods, the future looks promising for continued disruption of malicious actors in the crypto space.