What Is the Polymarket Google Ads Phishing Scam?
If you’ve been searching for Polymarket on Google lately, you might have encountered a sophisticated phishing attack that’s draining crypto wallets worldwide. The Polymarket Google Ads phishing scam is a textbook example of how cybercriminals exploit trusted brands and search engine advertising to steal millions from unsuspecting users.
Polymarket, the popular prediction market platform, has become a prime target for scammers who create convincing fake websites and use Google’s advertising platform to push them to the top of search results. Users clicking these ads believe they’re on the legitimate Polymarket site—only to have their wallets drained within minutes of connecting.
How the Polymarket Phishing Attack Works
This scam follows a well-established pattern that has proven devastatingly effective. Here’s exactly how attackers execute it:
Step 1: Creating Convincing Clone Sites
Scammers create websites that are virtually identical to the real Polymarket. They copy:
- The exact logo, color scheme, and branding
- Similar domain names (polymarkett.io, polymarkets.co, polymarket-xyz.com)
- Functional-looking interfaces with fake market data
- Counterfeit “Connect Wallet” buttons
At first glance, these sites look legitimate. Even experienced crypto users can be fooled, especially when the site appears at the top of Google search results.
Step 2: Buying Google Ads for High-Ranking Keywords
Attackers purchase Google Ads for search terms like:
- “Polymarket”
- “Polymarket login”
- “Polymarket prediction market”
- “Trade on Polymarket”
These ads appear above the organic search results, often with a small “Sponsored” label that many users overlook. The ad copy typically promises bonuses, exclusive markets, or urgent trading opportunities to increase click-through rates.
Step 3: Wallet Draining Mechanics
When a user clicks “Connect Wallet” on the fake site, they’re prompted to approve a malicious transaction. Depending on the attack variant, this could be:
- Signature phishing: Users sign a seemingly innocuous message that actually grants the attacker spending permissions
- Permit signing: EIP-2612 permits that allow attackers to drain tokens without gas fees
- Blind signing: Users approve a contract interaction they can’t fully decipher
Within seconds of approval, automated bots sweep the victim’s wallet of all valuable assets—often before they realize anything is wrong.
Real Victims and Losses
The Polymarket Google Ads phishing campaign has claimed numerous victims. Reports from affected users describe losses ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $50,000 in a single incident. The scammers specifically target:
- Users new to prediction markets who don’t know the official URL
- Experienced traders who let their guard down during quick searches
- Mobile users where the “Sponsored” label is even harder to spot
One victim reported losing 12 ETH (approximately $28,000 at the time) after clicking what they thought was a legitimate Polymarket ad. They connected their wallet to place a bet on election markets—and watched helplessly as their entire balance disappeared.
How to Identify Fake Polymarket Ads
Protecting yourself starts with knowing what to look for. Here are the key red flags:
Check the Domain Carefully
The only legitimate Polymarket domain is polymarket.com. Any variation—even slight ones—is almost certainly a scam:
- ❌ polymarkett.com (double ‘t’)
- ❌ polymarkets.co (plural + different TLD)
- ❌ polymarket-app.io (hyphenated with .io)
- ❌ polymarket.xyz (correct name, wrong TLD)
- ✅ polymarket.com (the real one)
Look for the “Sponsored” Label
Google Ads are marked with a small “Sponsored” label above the result. While not all ads are scams, the real Polymarket rarely needs to advertise—they’re already the top organic result. If you see a “Sponsored” link for Polymarket, treat it with extreme suspicion.
Verify on Social Media
Before connecting your wallet, check Polymarket’s official Twitter (@Polymarket) and Discord. They often warn users about active phishing campaigns. Legitimate platforms actively combat impersonation.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you’ve connected your wallet to a suspected fake Polymarket site, act immediately:
- Revoke permissions: Go to Revoke.cash or similar tools and revoke any recent approvals from your wallet
- Transfer remaining assets: If you have assets left, move them to a fresh wallet immediately
- Document everything: Take screenshots of the phishing site, your wallet transactions, and the Google ad that led you there
- Report to Google: Submit a phishing report through Google’s Safe Browsing system
- File a report: Report to IC3 (FBI), your local authorities, and crypto scam tracking sites
Unfortunately, once funds are stolen, recovery is extremely unlikely. Prevention is your only real protection.
Best Practices to Avoid Phishing Scams
Protect yourself from the Polymarket Google Ads phishing scam and similar attacks:
- Bookmark official sites: Never search for platforms you use regularly—bookmark them instead
- Check URLs manually: Always verify you’re on the correct domain before connecting any wallet
- Use hardware wallets: Hardware wallets require physical confirmation, adding a critical security layer
- Install wallet security extensions: Tools like Pocket Universe and Wallet Guard can warn you about suspicious approvals
- Never blind-sign: If you don’t understand what you’re signing, don’t sign it
The Bigger Picture: Why This Keeps Happening
The Polymarket phishing campaign is part of a larger trend of search engine phishing targeting crypto users. Similar attacks have hit:
- MetaMask users via fake extension download ads
- Uniswap traders through counterfeit swap interfaces
- OpenSea NFT buyers with fake marketplace listings
- DeFi protocol users through imitation governance sites
Google’s advertising system, while powerful, struggles to keep pace with these rapidly evolving threats. By the time a phishing ad is reported and removed, scammers have often launched a new campaign with a slightly different domain.
Stay Safe on Polymarket
Polymarket remains a legitimate and valuable platform for prediction markets. The key is accessing it safely:
- Go directly to polymarket.com—never click ads
- Bookmark the official site and use that bookmark every time
- Verify the URL shows exactly “polymarket.com” before connecting
- Use a dedicated trading wallet with limited funds, not your main holdings
The Polymarket Google Ads phishing scam is a stark reminder that in crypto, your security is entirely in your own hands. A single click can cost you everything—but a few seconds of verification can save it.
When in doubt, don’t click. Bookmark instead.
