10 Crypto Scams to Watch Out For

The cryptocurrency market is a revolutionary frontier, but with novelty comes uncertainties and potential manipulation. Unlike the well-established traditional financial system, cryptocurrencies are still relatively new, both to users and regulatory bodies. Unfortunately, this lack of a clear rulebook leaves them susceptible to various forms of fraud. The staggering popularity of digital assets also makes them a prime target for scammers. Astonishingly, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received reports from over 46,000 individuals who lost more than $1 billion to crypto scams between January 2021 and June 2022—mind you, this figure only represents those who voluntarily disclosed their experiences to authorities.

Pump and Dump Schemes

In pump and dump schemes, scammers employ tactics to manipulate the price of a cryptocurrency by creating hype primarily through social media channels. These fraudsters typically disseminate false or deceptive information to generate a buying frenzy, causing the price of the cryptocurrency to be artificially “pumped” up. Once the scammers have successfully inflated the price, they proceed to sell their own shares at the inflated price, a maneuver known as “dumping” shares. Unfortunately, when the fraudsters cease their efforts to hype the stock, the price usually plummets, resulting in financial losses for investors.

The dissemination of false or misleading information regarding a company’s stock price can occur through various sources, including social media platforms, investment research websites, investment newsletters, online advertisements, emails, internet chat rooms, direct mail, newspapers, magazines, and radio broadcasts. Notably, scammers continue to devise new methods, as seen in a recent example where a pump-and-dump scheme was initiated through a “wrong number” scam. Victims received a message on their answering machines that provided a supposed hot stock tip, intentionally designed to make the recipient believe the message was sent by mistake.

Rug Pull Scams

In a similar vein to “pump and dump” schemes, rug pull scams involve deceptive tactics employed by crypto developers who attract early investors and then abandon the project. This can be done either by absconding with the project funds or selling off their pre-mined holdings, with the explicit intention of draining all investor funds. To put it plainly, scammers artificially inflate the value of a new project, NFT, or coin in order to entice investments. These scams are especially prevalent within the realm of non-traditional assets like NFTs.

A notable instance of a rug pull scam occurred last year when Frosties founders, Ethan Nguyen (also known as “Frostie”) and Andre Llacuna (also known as “heyandre”), were charged by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for their involvement in a conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering. This case marked the DOJ’s first successful crackdown on an NFT rug pull.

Giveaway Scam

Giveaway scams have seen an alarming rise, particularly on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. In these scams, scammers impersonate celebrities or influencers to entice unsuspecting individuals with promises of free money or valuable prizes. The fraudsters often masquerade as well-known figures such as Elon Musk. It is essential to exercise caution when encountering schemes that require you to send crypto or provide personal information in exchange for a prize, as they are highly likely to be fraudulent.

Here’s a typical scenario of how these scams unfold: The fraudster creates a social media account that appears legitimate, either representing a renowned cryptocurrency exchange or a prominent individual in the crypto industry. They then make a post announcing a giveaway of cryptocurrency, luxury goods, or other high-value prizes. The post usually includes instructions on how to participate, such as engaging with the post or filling out a form with personal details.

Once people start participating in the giveaway, the fraudster may reach out to them directly, requesting private keys, wallet addresses, or other sensitive information. Alternatively, they may ask for a small payment under the guise of covering transaction fees or other associated costs of receiving the prize. As soon as the fraudster obtains the victim’s private information or payment, they vanish, leaving the victim empty-handed and deceived. To put it simply, it is crucial to remember never to pay for a giveaway.

Blackmail and Extortion Scams

Crypto blackmail presents a significant threat by demanding payment and exploiting the fear of reputational harm. These scams operate similarly to other forms of blackmail, where compliance with the demand is expected to prevent the disclosure of damaging information. However, what sets crypto blackmail apart is that the payment is specifically demanded in cryptocurrency. Various tactics are employed, such as emails from alleged assassins, claims of malware compromising personal data, warnings of leaked passwords, or even physical mail containing secretive information. It is crucial to remember that most of these scammers lack the means to carry out their threats, and ignoring their messages is the best course of action. By refusing to engage, negotiate, or make payments, individuals can thwart these criminals and force them to seek easier targets elsewhere.

Fake Crypto Jobs

Beware of crypto job scams designed to trick unsuspecting individuals seeking employment in the crypto industry. Fraudsters employ deceptive tactics, such as creating fake job listings or sending unsolicited job offers, all with the aim of deceiving their victims. These scammers go to great lengths, even impersonating recruiters, in order to steal cryptocurrency and personal information from job hunters. They specifically target individuals who have shared their resumes online, reaching out and demanding payment under the guise of initiating job training. Their “job offers” often appear convincing, complete with offer letters and requests for confidential personal information.

Impersonation Scams

In impersonation scams, fraudsters assume the identities of authoritative figures such as government officials, law enforcement personnel, or representatives of reputable companies to gain credibility. Exploiting victims’ trust, they manipulate individuals into sending crypto to supposedly resolve fabricated issues. When receiving unsolicited communication, it is crucial to exercise skepticism and verify the authenticity of the sender through official channels.

Investment Scams

Beware of unfamiliar investment managers who present seemingly incredible opportunities to invest in cryptocurrencies, often pressuring victims to make hasty decisions. These scams prompt victims to send crypto to the scammers’ accounts or download apps that restrict access to funds. Before investing, prioritize thorough research and remain cautious of investments that demand immediate action or impose exorbitant withdrawal fees. Fraudsters entice investors with enticing promises of significant Bitcoin profits, but these scams typically involve upfront payments that are simply stolen by the scammers. They may also request personal identity information under the guise of payment processing, putting victims at risk of identity theft.

Phishing Scams

Phishing scams involve the impersonation of reputable entities through emails or messages, aiming to obtain sensitive information, including crypto wallet keys. Scammers employ authentic-looking communication to deceive victims into sharing private data. To avoid falling victim to phishing scams, maintain vigilance by verifying the authenticity of emails and refraining from clicking on suspicious links.

Pyramid or Ponzi Schemes

Crypto Ponzi schemes attract unsuspecting investors by enticing them with unusually high returns on their investments. These dishonest individuals promote various investment strategies like staking, automated crypto trading, or crypto arbitrage trading. However, their underlying strategy involves using funds from new investors to pay earlier investors, creating a false facade of profitability. One notable real-life example of a crypto Ponzi scheme is the case of BitConnect, which operated between 2016 and 2018. BitConnect enticed investors with promises of high-yield investment opportunities through a lending program and its own cryptocurrency, the BitConnect Coin (BCC). The scheme’s organizers made grand claims of significant returns, sometimes as high as 1% per day, leading many individuals to invest. However, the true nature of the scheme became apparent when it collapsed, resulting in substantial financial losses for investors involved with BitConnect. 

Fake Apps & Fake Crypto Exchanges

According to the latest FBI fraud report, fraudsters have been employing fake crypto apps to swindle unsuspecting crypto investors, resulting in significant financial losses. For instance, American investors have reported losses of approximately $42.7 million due to these fraudulent apps. These scams involve scammers enticing investors with the promise of extraordinary cryptocurrency returns through non-existent exchanges. Regrettably, victims unknowingly deposit their funds into these deceptive platforms and only realize their loss when it is too late. It is important to be aware that fraudsters create fake apps that closely mimic legitimate crypto-related applications, deceiving investors into believing they are using trusted platforms. Although authorities eventually identify and remove these fake apps, they can still inflict significant harm on unsuspecting users.

The cryptocurrency market presents great opportunities, but it also attracts scammers looking to exploit unsuspecting investors. By being aware of these common crypto scams, you can protect yourself and make informed decisions. Remember to conduct thorough research, exercise caution when dealing with unknown individuals or investment opportunities, and always verify the authenticity of communication and platforms. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and safeguard your hard-earned crypto assets from fraudulent schemes.

In conclusion, understanding the risks associated with the cryptocurrency market is essential to protect oneself from various scams. While fundamental and technical analysis such as chart patterns and news trading can help you gain an edge in the markets and make significant income, it’s very important to be aware of the prevalent scams and fraudulent activities in the industry. From pump and dump schemes to giveaway scams, the range of crypto scams is vast and ever-evolving. By staying informed, conducting thorough research, and verifying the authenticity of offers and communications, individuals can mitigate the risk of falling victim to these scams. Additionally, regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders should work together to establish clear guidelines and regulations that protect investors and foster a safer crypto ecosystem. As the cryptocurrency market continues to grow and mature, it is crucial for everyone involved to prioritize education, awareness, and vigilance to ensure a secure and trustworthy environment for all participants.