Edited By
Emily Harper

A significant scam is gaining traction across user boards, spreading malicious software disguised as cracked TradingView Premium links. Individuals are warned to exercise caution after reports of compromised accounts and stolen credentials emerged, with sites reportedly filled with deceptive content.
People are encountering posts promising free access to TradingView's premium features through cracked software links. After initial downloads, victims face malware that poses as an error message. Despite alarming warnings from their systems, many users still proceed, only to have their accounts hijacked.
"I ran the exe even as Windows screamed at me that it couldnβt be trusted," one user shared.
The scam's effectiveness lies in its usage of real accounts. Reportedly, hijacked profiles engage in discussions, reassuring others that the downloads are safe. This nervous pattern was noted by several commenters:
"I kinda figured there was something up whenever all the comments were erased"
"This has been around for a long time, and screamed so many red flags."
Scammers appear to have infiltrated not only individual accounts but also moderator statuses, allowing them to control discussions and delete warnings. This tactic raises a crucial question: How far does this network extend?
Several comments detail a strategy that highlights the volume of compromised accounts:
"They hijack legitimate accounts to spread the virus further."
"I was able to recover before they took it over completely."
β³ Compromised Accounts: Scammers exploiting real profiles for credibility.
β½ User Awareness: Posts noted as suspicious often delete warning comments.
β» "Iβll pay TradingView annually instead" - A userβs response indicates the frustrating impact of scams.
Others recommended reporting these scams to dedicated forums. Users are advised to change their passwords and practice caution when dealing with unfamiliar downloads.
Interestingly, the level of concern has risen, sparking discussions on how to regain control over accounts and prevent further scams. Trust appears increasingly hard to find as this situation unfolds.
Thereβs a strong chance that as this TradingView scam continues to evolve, we'll see an uptick in cybersecurity measures from both the platform and law enforcement. Experts estimate that, with growing public awareness, about 60% of people may begin to use two-factor authentication, making it harder for scammers to hijack accounts successfully. Additionally, there's potential for platforms to block or watermark suspicious links, enhancing protection against malware. As these tactics take root, scammers may shift their strategies, possibly creating more sophisticated schemes that impersonate legitimate platforms even further, which could keep people on high alert for some time.
Interestingly, this situation mirrors the early days of email scams in the late 1990s, where fraudulent promises often lured victims with fake security software. Just as people were misled by emails claiming they could enhance their computer's speed or security, today's individuals fall prey to software that masquerades as a perk but serves only to compromise their accounts. In both cases, the underlying tactic of exploiting trust and familiarity spins a web of deception, reminding us that while technology evolves, the nature of scams often stays strikingly similar. The parallels run deep, echoing the idea that vigilance is key, no matter how advanced our tools become.