Fake Gemini Chatbot Promotes Non-Existent 'Google Coin' Presale

A recent discovery has highlighted the growing trend of AI-powered impersonation scams in the cryptocurrency space. A fake 'Google Coin' presale site was found to be using a counterfeit Gemini AI chatbot to convince users into investing. The bot used convincing sales scripts and high-pressure tactics, such as countdown timers and claims about final presale stages, to persuade users into sending irreversible cryptocurrency payments.

According to Malwarebytes, the security firm that uncovered the scam, the fake Gemini AI chatbot refused to provide verifiable company information and redirected tougher questions to an unnamed 'manager.' The bot even functioned as a 'full-fledged sales representative,' delivering specific financial projections and inviting users to ask how to participate.

Experts warn that this type of AI-driven impersonation scam is becoming increasingly common, with Chainalysis' 2026 Crypto Crime Report finding that impersonation scams surged 1,400% year over year. The report also found that AI-enabled scams were 4.5 times more profitable than traditional tactics.