Cryptocurrency Scams to Avoid
Currently, there is a lot of hype surrounding the topic of cryptocurrencies scams. And for a good reason—the price of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Tether, and others has been rising for a while. Like anything well-known, many frauds surround it, especially regarding financial transactions. This post will highlight bitcoin fraud techniques that companies should steer clear of. We will also discuss what they are, how to recognize them, and what to do if you become a victim.
What is a Cryptocurrency Scam?
An attempt to get bitcoin transactions, which frequently take money or personal information, and also by deceiving individuals using the popularity of cryptocurrencies is known as a cryptocurrency scam.
They might accomplish this by promising to double your investment, providing sign-up bonuses in the form of free coins, or even just requesting donations. Additionally, some con artists may create phoney social media pages or websites that appear to be connected to a trustworthy cryptocurrency!
The following article may be helpful if you are unfamiliar with cryptocurrencies and their transactions and wish to learn more.
Common Cryptocurrency Scams
Every day, cryptocurrency scams cost victims millions of dollars. The majority of them, or about 30%, are frauds. Fortunately, recognizing them can save you from losing your hard-earned money to fraud.
Here are typical scams to be aware of to prevent you from falling victim to this shady sector of the bitcoin industry.
1. Phishing Scams
A typical sort of bitcoin scam is phishing. This involves someone trying to deceive you into disclosing your personal information, such as your credit card number or login information. These con artists frequently accomplish this by sending emails that appear to be coming from a reliable source or by creating a phoney website that mimics the real thing.
2. Fake Cryptocurrency Apps Download
This fraud takes the shape of phoney apps that claim to be associated with a certain kind of cryptocurrency. They are con artists attempting to steal your cash or personal data. They accomplish this by promising to quadruple your investment or providing free coins in exchange for signing up.
3. Digital Games & Collectibles
Giving out fake prizes is a type of social engineering technique designed to get you to transfer money to fraudsters. A special kind of giveaway fraud involves digital games and artifacts. These scams are frequently on well-known social media platforms like Youtube and Instagram.
In this giveaway scam, a con artist claims to be able to provide you with a digital game or collectible, such as a skin for your preferred game or a rare Pokemon card, in exchange for your money or personal information.
The squid game fraud is one specific instance of this taking place. A harmful scheme where cryptocurrency engineers abandon projects and flee with investors’ money. It’s common to witness rug pulls with new cryptographic algorithms.
Binance, a cryptocurrency exchange business, started an investigation into the Squid token when it occurred. It froze the token creators’ wallet addresses. Before it was through, the scheme’s masterminds are thought to have made off with $3.3 million.
Does that imply that everything related to that has been completed? Not even close. Skilled programmers can create virtual worlds and games on the blockchain and begin the next social engineering attack as soon as the newest Netflix hit is available.
4. Romance Scams
According to the Federal Trade Commission, dating apps are also rife with cryptocurrency fraud. 20% of the money lost in romance scams between 2020 and 2021 was transferred by bitcoin to fictional accounts (FTC). Suppose you are in a digital relationship with someone who asks you for money or presents at the beginning of the relationship. In that case, you will often realize you are involved in this deception.
5. Ponzi Schemes
Madoff ran a Ponzi scheme, a fraudulent investment plan where the operator pays new investors’ fees in exchange for returns for older investors.
The promoters who profit from the vast base of investors at the bottom are represented by the little tip at the pyramid’s summit in this so-called pyramid scheme.
How to Avoid Crypto Scams
Using a digital wallet to protect your cryptocurrency
Digital wallets come in wide different varieties. Several related schemes are also created to allow criminals to take cryptocurrency from them.
In the same way, a genuine wallet protects your physical cash; a digital wallet will safeguard your digital funds. Your private key is kept in a crypto wallet so others can access and use their virtual currency.
The top cryptocurrency wallets include functions including strong security, backup options, and simplicity of use. Also, could you confirm that the one you select supports several currencies?
A popular exchange like Coinbase is likely adequate if you are a modest investor with only a few hundred dollars in cryptocurrency.
You should keep most of your cryptocurrency in a digital wallet if you have a lot of it to keep it safe.
Also Read: https://cryptorelm.com/2022/10/30/types-of-cryptocurrencies/