Scammers Use Fake Gemini AI Chatbot for Crypto Scam
If a chatbot claiming to be Gemini AI begins to promote a new Google cryptocurrency, it’s best to ignore it.
Security researchers have uncovered a fake “Google Coin” presale site powered by a counterfeit Gemini AI chatbot. The bot delivers detailed profit projections, answers investment questions in real time, and pressures users to send irreversible cryptocurrency payments.
Experts say the scam reflects a growing trend in online fraud, where criminals use AI tools to persuade, mimic trusted brands, and engage hundreds of potential victims at once with convincing sales scripts.
Fake Gemini AI chatbot fronts bogus presale
Cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes reported that it uncovered a live “Google Coin” presale site featuring a chatbot that introduced itself as “Gemini — your AI assistant for the Google Coin platform.”
The bot used Gemini-style branding, including a sparkle icon and green “Online” status indicator, to appear official. When asked about potential returns, it claimed that a $395 investment at $3.95 per token would be worth $2,755 at listing, representing “approximately 7x” growth.
Malwarebytes emphasized that “Google does not have a cryptocurrency.” Still, the chatbot described itself as “the official helper for the Google Coin platform” and encouraged visitors to proceed with purchases.
According to the publication, the bot refused to provide verifiable company information such as registered entity, regulator, or license number. The bot also redirected tougher questions to an unnamed “manager,” suggesting a human operator might step in to close larger payments.
ConsumerAffairs noted that the chatbot functioned as a “full-fledged sales representative,” delivering specific financial projections and even inviting users to ask how to participate.
This type of personalized and back-and-forth communication was once facilitated by human scammers operating through Telegram or WhatsApp chats, ConsumerAffairs explained.
The fake Gemini AI chatbot even reinforces urgency through final presale stages, imminent listings, or limited-time bonuses. Digital Watch similarly explained that the scam site used staged milestones and token sales figures to pressure users into fast decisions.
AI impersonation drives rising crypto fraud
Malwarebytes highlighted that the chatbot doesn’t get confused or break character even when pressed with questions. It loops back to the same scripted claims, such as “detailed 2026 roadmap,” “military-grade encryption,” “AI integration,” and a “growing community of investors.”
Malwarebytes wrote that the system was locked into a sales conversion script with a single goal of getting victims to send cryptocurrency.
However, the recent campaign isn’t an isolated case. It reflects a new playbook for crypto scammers.
For instance, MEXC noted that Chainalysis’ 2026 Crypto Crime Report found that $17 billion in cryptocurrency was lost to scams and fraud in 2025. The report found impersonation scams surged 1,400% year over year, and that AI-enabled scams were 4.5 times more profitable than traditional tactics.
Chainalysis warned that impersonation fraud “is increasing and becoming more sophisticated,” with criminals relying heavily on urgency, secrecy, and emotional pressure, rather than technical force.
The Google Coin site featured professional design elements, fake dashboards, and logos from major companies to suggest credibility. Clicking “Buy” generated a Bitcoin payment request linked to a wallet address, despite there being no legitimate token or exchange listing.
Red flags security leaders should watch
Malwarebytes warned that AI chatbots on scam sites are likely to become more common.
The firm advised users to be wary of chatbots impersonating popular AI brands on third-party crypto sites, especially when they promise specific or guaranteed returns tied to future listing prices. High-pressure tactics such as countdown timers and claims about final presale stages are designed to force quick decisions.
ConsumerAffairs cited Federal Trade Commission data showing that US consumers lost $5.7 billion to investment scams in 2024, a 24% increase from the previous year. “Cryptocurrency remains the second-most common payment method used in scams, largely because transactions are fast and irreversible,” ConsumerAffairs reported.
Google has not launched a cryptocurrency, and security teams should expect more AI-driven impersonation scams as these tools become easier to deploy.
See the full Chainalysis findings on how AI-powered impersonation scams surged 1,400% year over year.
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