Cryptocurrency Scams Are Everywhere: Here’s How to Spot & Dodge Them
In this article, we’ll walk you through the key information you need to know about cryptocurrency scams and how to avoid them
It doesn’t take long to understand the danger involved in digital transactions when you get involved in the emerging digital monetary structures known as cryptocurrencies. And we’re not talking about the market’s uncertainty. Online scams are everywhere, and cryptocurrency exchanges are no different. Be mindful of the possibility of losing your cryptocurrency investments when you consider investing in various start-ups or trading platforms.
Experts suggest that you should confirm that they are blockchain-powered when you look at digital cryptocurrency businesses and start-ups, which means that they monitor comprehensive transaction details. Often, verify that they have good business strategies that address real issues. Companies should determine the liquidity of their digital currencies and follow ICO rules. Behind the firm, there should be real people. If any of these features are absent from the start-up you’re researching, think about your decision even more carefully.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the key information you need to know about cryptocurrency scams and how to avoid them👇
1. Fake Websites
By accidentally visiting a fake website as a result of following a solid tip from someone with a lot of expertise, you can still become a victim. There are a surprising number of websites set up to resemble original start-up companies that are invalid. If there is not a tiny security lock icon near the URL bar and there is no “https” in the site address, think twice.
Even if the website looks the same as the one you think you are visiting, you might find yourself being guided to another payment portal. For instance, you click on a link that looks like a legitimate site, but instead of a letter ‘o’, attackers have created a fake URL with a zero in it. Of course, the platform does not take you to the investment in cryptocurrencies that you have already studied. Type the exact URL into your browser carefully to prevent this. Often, double-check it.
2. Fake Apps
Fake apps available for download via Google Play or Apple App Store are another popular way scammers trick cryptocurrency investors. Although stakeholders can sometimes find these fake apps easily and get them removed, it doesn’t mean that the apps cannot affect your bottom line. Bitcoin News estimates that thousands of people have already downloaded fake crypto-currency applications.
Although this is a higher risk for Android users, the probability should be known to any investor. In the copy, or even the name of the app, are there obvious misspellings? With odd coloring or an erroneous logo, does the branding look inauthentic? Take note of downloading and reconsider it.
3. Fake Giveaways
This scamming method is usually used on platforms such as Twitter or even Telegram. Scammers comment with the help of bots on a Twitter post from someone famous or with cryptocurrency authority. The message includes a website where you can claim your cryptocurrency free of charge.
When you visit the website for authentication, you can see that you first have to convert a one-time sum to Bitcoin or Ethereum. Your cryptocurrency would (supposedly) be doubled or boosted tenfold until the balance has been transferred. But the reality is that you will earn nothing after you have transferred your cryptocurrency and you usually you end up losing everything.
With this scam, criminals are becoming more and more ingenious. They hack official accounts, for instance, and rename a username to build more trust. They also post false reactions from bots that have acquired cryptocurrency successfully. These posts are at the top because under the message, the perpetrators create a lot of false likes and a lot of comments.
Photo by Chris Liverani on Unsplash
4. Fake Emails
Even if it looks just like an email you got from a reputable cryptocurrency firm, don’t rush to invest. Is the email the exact same and is it similar in terms of logo and branding? Can you verify that the company is legitimately connected to the email address? The ability to verify this is one reason why choosing a business that has real people working for it is vital. Ask someone who works there if you have questions about the email. Also, avoid clicking any links you find in emails that feel even a tiny bit sketchy.
As a way to steal significant funds, scammers sometimes reveal fake ICOs or initial coin offerings. Don’t fall for these bogus deals from emails and websites. Take the time to take in all the information to read over.
Unfortunately, some internet users misuse unsafe computer systems to mine or steal cryptocurrencies in several ways. Learn more about staying safe and protecting yourself before you start investing in cryptocurrencies in this emerging market.
5. Fake Pools And OTC Scams
There is a distribution of off-exchange transactions in the appropriate cryptocurrency. You haven’t got an intermediary. There is a fixed price for the transaction. By offering incredible rates to buy or sell a cryptocurrency, fraudsters would usually scam trustworthy users.
Typically, with the aid of a “Discord” telegram or group chats, fake pools are coordinated. These groups provide allocations for upcoming ICOs and ask you to send funds, usually Ethereum, to contribute to the pool and later receive ICO tokens. And although some of these organizations are legal and normally difficult to get into as they may even require a steep monthly fee, KYC, and even a certain skill set, most often than not they are just scams. Also, if you send money to a bogus pool, there is no way of getting a “refund” because of the anonymous existence of cryptography.
Unless you know who the person is, do not exchange OTC messages by telegram or anywhere else. There are some exchanges of peers to peers, some without KYC, so trade there. When anyone offers a premium rate, don’t be greedy and opt for over-the-counter transactions.
Bottom Line
After all, the best approach is a fair degree of cynicism and caution, considering the various scams, schemes, and performers of different fraudulent activities in the cryptographic room.
There are countlessly reputable and well-managed organizations and groups that make investments in cryptographic currency at cost, despite the number of fraudulent projects.
Here, at Safe Trade, we are dedicated to ensuring security and privacy at sky-high levels. Feel free to contact us anytime. We’d love to hear from you.
