Got Scammed Through a Fake Upland Site — Here’s What You Can Learn
It all started with a simple task—and it quickly became a harsh crypto scam warning that I’ll never forget.
As a software engineer and intern in the cybersecurity space, I never imagined I would fall for an elaborate scam — especially one that preyed on my technical know-how and trust in leadership. But I did. And I’m sharing my story so that you don’t have to make the same painful mistake.
The Setup: A Crypto Transfer to My “Boss”
I was given an assignment to transfer cryptocurrency on behalf of someone I believed to be a boss or superior. The site looked legitimate — it was branded like Upland, a known blockchain-based real estate platform. I was told this was part of a business transaction. Everything seemed urgent, but normal.
I was cautious, but I trusted the source. After all, I was just following instructions.
What Happened: Fake Site, Real Loss
I entered my credentials. I transferred the money. Then I transferred more — hundreds of dollars of my own funds — expecting reimbursement or validation.
But that money never came.
Instead, I was met with manipulation and threats:
- “Don’t tell anyone.”
- “You’ll lose everything.”
- “You have to keep going or else.”
I felt trapped, scared to walk away, anxious that stopping would make things worse.
Eventually, I was left with nothing — financially and emotionally drained.
The Reality: Yes, Even Tech Professionals Can Be Scammed
As someone training in cybersecurity, I thought I’d never fall for something like this. But social engineering is powerful. Scammers don’t just target the uninformed — they weaponize urgency, authority, and trust against anyone.
Now I’m using this experience not just as a warning, but as a lesson.
5 Cybersecurity Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
- Always Verify the URL
No matter how legitimate a site looks, check the URL. The fake Upland site was a convincing clone — but the domain name had subtle inconsistencies. Use tools like VirusTotal to verify suspicious links before engaging.
- Never Transfer Funds Without Full Context and Independent Confirmation
If someone asks you to transfer money or crypto, always verify independently via a different channel (call, in person, official email). Especially if they claim to be your superior.
- Don’t Let Fear Be a Cyber Weapon
Scammers use threats and intimidation to trap victims. If you’re being pressured, threatened, or told to keep something secret — that’s a red flag. You always have the right to pause and reassess.
- Technical Skill Doesn’t Equal Immunity
Being tech-savvy doesn’t make you scam-proof. Social engineering bypasses your knowledge and hits your psychological vulnerabilities. Stay humble and alert.
- Report, Recover, and Reflect
If you get scammed, don’t suffer in silence. Report the incident to platforms like IC3.gov (FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center), your bank or crypto wallet provider, and local authorities. Then reflect on what went wrong — and share your story.
Final Thoughts
Getting scammed hurt. But pretending it didn’t happen would help no one.
By sharing this, I hope to help others — developers, interns, students, professionals — learn from my mistake. Cyber threats are evolving every day. Let’s keep learning, sharing, and staying one step ahead together.
Stay safe out there.
This article was written by Nathan (Nate) Owusu. Nate is a Summer Intern at Cyber News Live.
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