The official website for the PEPE meme coin has been compromised, redirecting visitors to malicious links that can drain cryptocurrency wallets. Cybersecurity firm Blockaid detected the attack on Thursday, identifying Inferno Drainer code embedded in the front-end.
“Blockaid detected Inferno drainer code on the Pepe front-end, matching a known drainer family we regularly identify,” the company’s Threat Intelligence Team told Cointelegraph. The attack sends users to a fake site that injects malicious code, putting wallets and private keys at serious risk.
What Is Inferno Drainer?
Inferno Drainer is a suite of scam tools used by cybercriminals, including phishing website templates, wallet drainers, and social engineering tactics. Despite claims that the service would shut down in 2023, usage tripled in 2024, with Blockaid reporting 2,400 new malicious DApps per week, up from 800 at the start of the year.
The tool has been linked to multiple social engineering scams, malware attacks, and crypto thefts, targeting high-profile accounts and platforms to distribute malicious links.
The PEPE Impact
Interestingly, the PEPE token price did not immediately react to the hack. The memecoin is up about 4% in the last 24 hours, but has declined more than 77% over the past year.
What Users Should Do
Crypto users are strongly advised to avoid the PEPE website until the issue is fully resolved. This incident highlights the persistent vulnerabilities in the memecoin sector and underscores the importance of vigilance against phishing scams and other cybersecurity threats.
Blockaid continues to monitor Inferno Drainer activity across decentralized apps and websites, detecting new variations as attackers constantly adapt their tactics.
Key Takeaway
If you’re holding crypto, never assume any site is completely safe—even official token websites can be compromised. Always verify URLs, use hardware wallets where possible, and stay informed about emerging threats like Inferno Drainer. In the fast-moving crypto world, caution is your best defense.
