Common Crypto Scam Types

Learn to recognize and avoid the most prevalent cryptocurrency scams. Knowledge is your best defense.

⚠️ Remember the Golden Rule:

If someone promises guaranteed returns, asks for your seed phrase, or pressures you to act quickly - it's a scam. No exceptions.

🎣

Phishing Attacks

Risk: High

Fake websites or emails impersonating legitimate crypto services to steal login credentials.

Known Examples:

  • β€’ Fake MetaMask sites
  • β€’ Spoofed exchange emails
  • β€’ Malicious browser extensions

How to Spot It:

  • βœ“ Check URL carefully
  • βœ“ Verify SSL certificate
  • βœ“ Never enter seed phrase on websites
Read detailed analysis β†’
πŸ’¨

Rug Pulls

Risk: Critical

Developers drain liquidity pool and abandon project, leaving investors with worthless tokens.

Known Examples:

  • β€’ Squid Game Token
  • β€’ AnubisDAO
  • β€’ Thodex Exchange

How to Spot It:

  • βœ“ Check liquidity lock
  • βœ“ Verify team identity
  • βœ“ Audit smart contract
Read detailed analysis β†’
🍯

Honeypot Scams

Risk: High

Smart contracts that allow buying but block selling, trapping investor funds.

Known Examples:

  • β€’ Fake meme coins
  • β€’ Unverified DeFi tokens

How to Spot It:

  • βœ“ Test sell before buying large amounts
  • βœ“ Check contract code
  • βœ“ Use honeypot detectors
Read detailed analysis β†’
🎭

Fake ICOs/IDOs

Risk: High

Fraudulent token sales that collect funds but never deliver promised project.

Known Examples:

  • β€’ Pincoin/iFan
  • β€’ Centra Tech
  • β€’ BitConnect

How to Spot It:

  • βœ“ Verify team credentials
  • βœ“ Read whitepaper critically
  • βœ“ Check registration/licenses
Read detailed analysis β†’
πŸŽͺ

Ponzi Schemes

Risk: Critical

Returns paid to earlier investors using funds from new investors, not real profits.

Known Examples:

  • β€’ BitConnect
  • β€’ PlusToken
  • β€’ OneCoin

How to Spot It:

  • βœ“ Guaranteed returns
  • βœ“ Pyramid recruitment structure
  • βœ“ Withdrawal difficulties
Read detailed analysis β†’
πŸ’Έ

Giveaway Scams

Risk: Medium

Fake celebrity accounts promising to multiply sent crypto. Always a scam.

Known Examples:

  • β€’ Elon Musk impersonators
  • β€’ Vitalik Buterin fakes
  • β€’ YouTube livestream scams

How to Spot It:

  • βœ“ No legitimate figure gives away crypto
  • βœ“ Check verification badges
  • βœ“ Ignore 'send 1, get 2' offers
Read detailed analysis β†’

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