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10 Common Crypto Scams and How to Avoid Them

2023.05.07

Cryptocurrency scams are becoming more sophisticated, and scammers are always on the lookout for new ways to steal money. The rise of cryptocurrencies has presented numerous opportunities for scammers, making it important for those interested in crypto to be aware of common scams and how to avoid them. Read on to learn about the most common types of crypto scams.

 

1. Bitcoin Investment Schemes

Fraudsters approach investors with promises of huge profits from bitcoin investments, claiming to have made millions themselves. They may request upfront payments or personal information and then disappear with the money. Scammers may also use fake celebrity endorsements to lend credibility to their claims.

2. Rug Pull Scams

A rug pull is a deceptive scheme in which a cryptocurrency or NFT developer promotes a project to lure investors, but abruptly shuts down or vanishes, absconding with the investors’ assets. The term “rug pull” originates from the metaphorical act of pulling the rug out from under someone, leaving them disoriented and in disarray.

 

These scams entail promoting a fresh project, non-fungible token (NFT), or coin and subsequently absconding with investors’ funds. As a result, investors are often left with a worthless investment that they are unable to liquidate.

3. Phishing Scams

Scammers send emails with links to fake websites designed to collect personal information. Always avoid entering secure information via an email link and go directly to the website.

4. Investment Scams

Scammers offer high returns with no risk and often begin on social media or online dating sites. They can also use unexpected calls, texts, or emails to lure victims.

5. Fake Apps

Scammers create fake apps to trick investors into giving them money. Although these apps are quickly removed, they can still cause significant damage.

6. Giveaway Scams

Scammers offer to match or multiply the cryptocurrency transferred to them in exchange for a quick return. Urgent and legitimate-sounding messages can convince people to send assets immediately.

7. Man-in-the-middle (MITM) Attack

Hackers intercept information transmitted over public networks, and to avoid these assaults, a virtual private network (VPN) must be used to encrypt all data transmitted.

8. Fake Crypto Exchanges

Scammers promise spectacular returns and possibly even more bitcoin, but there is no exchange, and investors lose their deposit. Stick to well-known crypto exchanges and conduct research to verify their legitimacy.

9. Employment Offers And Fraudulent Employees

Scammers pose as recruiters or job seekers to gain access to bitcoin accounts. Be wary of any payment requests for work training and research the legitimacy of remote job opportunities.

10. Blackmail Scams

Scammers threaten to expose users’ visits to sexual websites unless they reveal private keys or send cryptocurrency. Always ignore these demands and report the scam to the authorities.