Cryptocurrency scams are rising, and they’re only getting more sophisticated.
In 2021, we saw an increase in scams targeting retail and institutional investors. And as the price of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies continues to rise, we expect to see even more scams in the coming year.
There are many different types of cryptocurrency scams, but they all have one thing in common: they’re designed to steal your money.
Here’s what you need to know about the most common types of scams and how to protect yourself from them.
Ponzi schemes: According to Guard.io, a Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investment scheme that promises high returns with little or no risk. These schemes typically involve promising investors that they will receive an inevitable return on their investment but instead use new investor funds to pay off old investors.
Pump and dump schemes: Pump and dump schemes are a type of market manipulation where a group of investors artificially inflates the price of a cryptocurrency through coordinated buying and then sells their coins at a profit when the price reaches its peak. These schemes often involve using social media to spread false or misleading information about a cryptocurrency in order to pump up its price.
Exit scams: An exit scam is when a fraudulent cryptocurrency project suddenly shuts down and disappears, taking all the invested funds with it. This typically happens when the project’s organizers realize they can’t meet their promised goals or when they simply run off with the money.
Fake ICOs: An ICO, or initial coin offering, is a way for a company to raise funds by selling cryptocurrency tokens. However, there have been many cases of fake ICOs, where the companies behind them have no intention of actually developing a product or service.
Bogus websites: Bogus websites are another common scam, where fake versions of popular cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets are created to trick users into entering their login credentials. These sites are often identical to the real thing, except for a slight change in the URL.
Before investing in any cryptocurrency, investors should be aware of these and other common scams. Doing your own research is the best way to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. You can also check out our list of reputable exchanges to buy and trade cryptocurrencies.
What you'll learn 👉
Warning Signs
There are several warning signs that can help you spot a cryptocurrency scam. These include:
- Guaranteed returns: Any investment comes with risk, so be wary of anyone promising guaranteed returns.
- High-pressure tactics: Scammers may try to rush you into an investment decision.
- Celebrity endorsements: Be careful of anyone claiming that a celebrity has endorsed a particular cryptocurrency.
- Unsolicited offers: Be wary of unsolicited emails, calls, or social media messages that promote a cryptocurrency investment.
Paying With Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency is often used as payment in various types of scams, including:
Investment and business opportunity scams: You may be promised a share of the profits if you invest in a new cryptocurrency or business venture. However, these investments may be fake, and you will never see your money again.
Ransomware scams: You may be infected with ransomware, which is a type of malware that locks up your computer and demands that you pay a ransom in cryptocurrency to unlock it.
Phishing scams: You may receive an email or text message that looks like it’s from a legitimate cryptocurrency exchange or wallet. However, the link in the message will actually take you to a fake website, where scammers will steal your login information.
Social media scams: You may see a post on social media that claims to be from a legitimate cryptocurrency exchange or wallet. However, the post is actually from a scammer, and if you click on the link, you will be taken to a fake website.
Charity scams: You may be asked to donate cryptocurrency to a charity. However, the charity may not be real, and your donation will go to the scammer instead.
How to Avoid Cryptocurrency Scams
There are several things you can do to avoid cryptocurrency scams, including:
- Do your research: Be sure to research any cryptocurrency before you invest. Check for red flags, such as guaranteed returns or celebrity endorsements.
- Don’t rush into an investment: It may be a scam – if someone is pressuring you to invest in a cryptocurrency, it may be a scam.
- Verify the website: Make sure you are on a legitimate website before entering any personal information or making a payment. You can do this by checking for an SSL certificate, which should be displayed in the address bar.
- Don’t click on links in emails or text messages: If you receive an email or text message that looks like it’s from a legitimate cryptocurrency exchange or wallet, don’t click on any links. Instead, go to the website directly and enter your login information.
- Don’t donate to charity: If you’re asked to donate cryptocurrency to a charity, do your research to make sure the charity is legitimate before you donate.
How To Report Cryptocurrency Scams
If you’ve been the victim of a cryptocurrency scam, you can report it to the authorities. In the United States, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You may also contact your local consumer protection office.
Featured image source: https://www.vecteezy.com/vector-art/2179134-flat-design-concept-blockchain-and-cryptocurrency-technology-composition-for-layout-design-website-banner-isometric-vector-illustration
