Thought Leadership
Security firm BforeAI is warning about a scam campaign targeting the new browser from Perplexity. Attackers are using fake domains and manipulated apps to capitalize on attention for the new product.
Perplexity, primarily known for its AI-powered search engine, launched the Comet browser in July of this year. The Chromium-based application integrates the company’s AI assistant and offers features for task automation, email organization, and web research. However, the attention surrounding the new product has also attracted unwanted interest.
Fraud wave since August
Just one month after launch, threat intelligence firm BforeAI observed an increase in suspicious activities. Attackers registered numerous domains offering purported download versions of the browser. Security researchers identified over 40 suspicious websites employing typical fraud tactics: domains with intentional typos, imitation of the Perplexity brand, and misleading advertisements.
The attackers combined terms like “comet,” “AI,” “browser,” “perplexity,” and “download” in various combinations within their domains. Eight domains were demonstrably created only after Comet’s official launch, including cometai.site, cometaibrowser.com, and perplexitycomet-ai.com. BforeAI rates these as particularly dangerous. Another domain, cometai.net, is currently listed for sale on GoDaddy for nearly $10,000.
Danger for smartphone users too
Beyond fraudulent websites, researchers also discovered fake mobile applications. Two apps imitating the browser appeared in the Google Play Store, such as “Comet AI Atlas App Info.” Apple’s App Store was not spared either: CEO Aravind Srinivas personally warned about a fake iOS application in early October, clarifying that it did not originate from Perplexity.
Additionally, BforeAI documented paid advertising on Google and social media platforms directing users to the fake websites. According to security experts’ assessment, this represents a coordinated campaign.
Users are advised to obtain software exclusively through Perplexity’s official channels and exercise particular caution with third-party downloads.
