A Latvian content creator raising money for cancer care has lost over $31,000 in crypto after unknowingly installing malware disguised as a game from Steam.
Raivo Plavnieks, who streams under the name “Rastaland”, had launched Help Me Beat Cancer (CANCER) through Pump.fun.
Plavnieks, who has stage 4 sarcoma, planned to use those funds to help pay for his medical needs. As part of the fundraiser, he engaged viewers by playing games live.
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During one of these sessions, a viewer encouraged him to try a game called Block Blasters, available through Steam. Though the game appeared to be verified, it turned out to be malicious.
Following the incident, he posted on X that he did not know what would come next and worried about being left without basic necessities.
Online communities from the crypto industry and cybersecurity fields offered help. The token he created surged in value, with its market cap climbing to roughly $2.5 million.
According to ZachXBT, the malicious game has caused over $150,000 in thefts so far. He also criticized Steam’s parent company, Valve, for letting the game appear on its platform.
One suspected individual linked to the group responsible was identified but denied any role.
In a separate post on X, Plavnieks said that he has changed the wallet receiving creator payments, reported the theft to law enforcement, and replaced his computer’s SSD to remove any lingering threats.
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