Cryptocurrency scams have been growing earlier, and the explosive growth of cryptocurrencies in recent years has offered numerous opportunities for crypto. According to a report by blockchain data firm Chainalysis, thieves stole $14 billion in cryptocurrency in 2021, setting a new record. If you’re interested in cryptocurrency, you should be aware of the risks. Continue reading to learn more about frequent cryptocurrency scams, how to detect them, and how to avoid them.
Cryptocurrency investment scams
There are many types of crypto scams. Some of the most common include:
Fake websites
To deceive unwary customers, scammers will occasionally construct bogus cryptocurrency trading sites or false versions of official crypto wallets. These bogus websites frequently have domain names that are similar but somewhat different from the sites they are attempting to imitate. They appear remarkably similar to authentic sites, making differentiation difficult. cryptocurrency scam sites frequently function in one of two ways:
- As phishing pages: Any information you provide, such as your crypto wallet’s password and recovery phrase, as well as other financial information, ends up in the hands of criminals.
- As simple theft: At first, the site may allow you to withdraw a little sum of money. If your investments appear to be performing well, you may decide to invest more money in the site. However, when you want to withdraw your money, the site either closes down or denies your request.
Phishing scams
Crypto phishing attacks frequently target information about online wallets. Scammers target private keys for crypto wallets, which are essential to access funds within the wallet. Their operation is comparable to other phishing attempts and is related to the bogus websites discussed above. They send an email to entice readers to visit a specially designed website where they must submit private key information. After obtaining this information, the hackers take the cryptocurrency stored in those wallets.
Fake apps
Scammers also frequently use bogus apps available for download on Google Play and the Apple App Store to dupe cryptocurrency investors. Although these fraudulent apps are rapidly discovered and removed, it doesn’t mean they aren’t having an impact on numerous businesses. Thousands of people have installed fraudulent cryptocurrency apps.
Fake celebrity endorsements
To attract potential victims’ attention, cryptocurrency scammers may pose as or claim endorsements from celebrities, businesses, or influencers. This can include selling phantom cryptocurrency to inexperienced investors. These scams can be sophisticated, with gleaming websites and booklets purporting to demonstrate celebrity endorsements from big names like Elon Musk.
Giveaway scams
In what is known as a giveaway scam, scammers offer to equal or multiply the cryptocurrency transferred to them. Clever messaging from what appears to be a legitimate social media account can establish a sense of legitimacy and urgency. This ostensibly “once-in-a-lifetime” chance may entice people to send assets immediately in the hope of a speedy return.
How to spot cryptocurrency scams
So, how to spot a cryptocurrency scam? Warning signs to look out for include:
- Guaranteed returns: Because investments can go down as well as up, no financial investment can guarantee future returns. Any crypto deal that guarantees you will make money is a red sign.
- Unidentified team members: It should be possible to find out who the key persons are behind most investing businesses.
- Free money: Any investment opportunity that promises free money, whether in cash or cryptocurrencies, is most certainly a scam.
- Excessive marketing: Every firm promotes itself. Crypto scammers, on the other hand, entice people by investing heavily in marketing — internet advertising, paid influencers, offline promotion, and so on.
- A bad or non-existent whitepaper: Every cryptocurrency should have a whitepaper because it is one of the most important parts of an ICO.
How to protect yourself from cryptocurrency scams
- Protect your wallet: Keep your wallet keys safe and private.
- Keep an eye on your wallet app: Send only a little amount the first time you transfer money to confirm the integrity of a crypto wallet software.
- Invest only in what you understand: If you’re not sure how a certain cryptocurrency works, it’s advisable to take a break and do more study before deciding whether to invest.
- Allow yourself plenty of time: Scammers frequently employ high-pressure techniques to persuade you to invest your money right away.
- Is it too good to be true: Companies that claim assured profits or the ability to make you wealthy overnight are most certainly scams. If anything appears to be too good to be true, proceed with caution.
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