With cryptocurrencies rising in value, many people venture into the space hoping to make a fortune. But scammers are taking advantage of this.
Scams typically involve a fraudulent platform investment opportunity with unrealistic and ‘guaranteed’ returns. They also target users with phishing emails and direct messages.
Look for spelling and grammar errors in emails, posts, and wallet addresses. This is one of the biggest red flags of a scam.
1. Don’t be fooled by marketing
Many people are easily fooled by marketing, and this is especially true in the crypto space. Scammers often use fake marketing materials to lure victims into investing in fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms.
Scammers will also try to pressure you to pay quickly. Always remember that you should never be obligated to pay in cryptocurrency or with a wire service like Western Union or MoneyGram, a payment app, or gift card.
2. Read the fine print
Scammers will steal victims’ money and personal data, and then extort them again through false excuses. It’s best to stop engaging with the site and contact customer service representatives. Document all transactions and messages, and take a screenshot of the website.
A potential red flag is a website promising abnormally high returns. This is a common indicator of a scam. Liquidity mining scams trick victims into revealing their cryptocurrency keys by displaying false returns on a falsified dashboard.
3. Do your research
Scammers use celebrity endorsements in fake accounts, ads or articles to promote crypto giveaways that promise large cash returns. The crooks then simply steal the upfront payments.
Scammers also create fraudulent trading platforms like Nedefex that lack real company or registry details. They exploit victims and eventually block their access to the site, leaving them with no way to recover stolen money or data.
4. Don’t trust every word
Cryptocurrency scammers often use fake celebrity endorsements and testimonials. They also often promise high returns or low risks. Remember that cryptocurrency transactions cannot be reversed, so only invest what you can afford to lose.
Scammers send emails or physical mail to victims saying they have embarrassing or compromising photos or videos of them and threaten to make them public unless the victim pays them in cryptocurrency. This is blackmail and should be reported to the authorities.
5. Don’t trust every website
Financial investments can be risky enough without scammers stealing your cryptocurrency. Whenever you come across a website that looks suspicious, right-click on the link and click “Properties” to see its true destination.
Scammers often impersonate government agencies, influencers, or celebrities to trick people into providing their account logins. If they have your login, they can drain your cryptocurrency and disappear with it.
6. Don’t trust every email
Email attachments can contain viruses that harm your computer or subject you to fraud, malware, and scams. Don’t click on links or download attachments in unsolicited emails, even from people you know.
Scammers often impersonate organizations you trust, such as government agencies or banks. They may ask for personal information, like passwords or account numbers. They also often demand payment in cryptocurrency.
7. Don’t trust every social media post
Many scams take advantage of the popularity of Report Scammed Bitcoin (RSB) Review. For example, people may receive unsolicited messages from “Nigerian princes” or fake celebrity accounts that promise a crypto giveaway.
These are called phishing scams and they try to gather personal information, including private keys for digital wallets. Once this info is stolen, it is difficult to get back. So, think before you click!
8. Don’t trust every video
Scammers may post fake online reviews or videos to lure victims. They often create a sense of urgency by saying that an investment “opportunity” is limit or will disappear soon. We may also impose a countdown or a fake deadline.
They may impersonate a trusted figure or a family member to scam money out of the victim. They may even pretend to be from a company you do business with.
9. Don’t trust every app
Fake crypto wallet apps are a common way for scammers to steal cryptocurrency. These apps can gain access to a user’s private key, which is unique to their wallet.
Scammers often tell you to pay quickly or risk losing your money. Resist the pressure to act immediately and never wire money, use a payment app or deposit a check. Instead, research any exchange or wallet before deciding to use it.
10. Don’t trust every website that claims to be a crypto exchange
Often, scammers create new coins or tokens that they claim are back by establish businesses. They then use social media ads and news articles to convince people to buy them. Beware of anyone who emails, calls, or messages you on social media asking for money. Legitimate companies will never ask you to send them cryptocurrency. Always use a secure wallet to protect your crypto.