4 Common Cryptocurrency Scams

 

Cryptocurrency Scams: How To Avoid Bitcoin Investment Fraud

It is time to talk about cryptocurrency scams in this article. Why? The promise of an immediate return can make people eager to embark on cryptocurrency investment. Unfortunately, there are many bitcoin scams online that can could result in a person losing a substantial sum.

We also expose some scammers below (bogus bitcoin wallets). Please contribute with names of scammers in the comments section, if you had bad experiences. Now let's dive in.

If you're entering the world of bitcoin, Ethereum, or XRP, you must familiarize yourself with various trading risks. To protect your investment, read about four common cryptocurrency scams and how to avoid them. Alternatively, if you have been a victim of crypto fraud, we may be able to help recover your money – click HERE.

cryptocurrency scams

Related article: Top 4 Crypto Mining Scams

1. Phishing Scams

You've likely heard of a phishing scam. It is when a cybercriminal uses deceptive emails to gain access to a person's private information. For example, they might send an unsolicited email that could appear to be from your bank, PayPal, or a retailer. 

It's also a rather common cryptocurrency scam, as a cybercriminal will send an email from an address and site that looks identical to your crypto exchange or wallet provider. Once you enter your information into an identical scam site, a cybercriminal could access your account using your details and then steal your funds.

To ensure you never fall victim to a cryptocurrency phishing scam, you must:

  • Never click on a suspicious URL
  • Check the URL is from a genuine exchange or wallet provider's site
  • Don't submit your private key.

Report any phishing scams to a new anti-scam hotline to prevent others from falling victim to the online con.

2. Fake Exchanges

It's also vital to be aware of fake Bitcoin exchanges, as they could be a front to encourage a consumer to part with their funds. For example, they might provide various promotions that could seem too good to be true. Once they have your critical details, they could attempt to steal your cryptocurrency.

It is, of course, important not to overlook questionable promotions altogether. If you click here, you'll find that gambling promotions and bonuses can top up your funds. However, it would be best if you did your homework to avoid fake exchanges.

For example, you should: 

  • Research an exchange before creating an account – learn where a company is registered, read reviews, and find out more about its team.
  • Don't pick a random wallet from an app store.
  • Never feel pressured into providing personal information or depositing funds.

3. Unsolicited Phone Calls

While Bitcoin and XRP are new financial technologies, many scammers often undertake traditional cons to steal a person's funds. For example, you could receive an unsolicited phone call from a person claiming to be from the IRS. They may then attempt to convince you that you have unpaid tax and could face legal action if you fail to deposit an amount using the cryptocurrency immediately.

To ensure you don't fall victim to the scam, you must:

  • Never trust an unsolicited call
  • If in doubt, call back the IRS on a trusted number
  • Report their phone call.

Here is how to protect your Bitcoin from getting stolen.

4. Malware Attacks

While you might know a malware program can steal your bank details and credit card information, you could be unaware that a cybercriminal can use similar tactics to access your web wallet and take funds from your account. A scammer could even infect your laptop, desktop computer, or tablet with a cryptocurrency miner.

Ensure you don't fall victim to a malware scam by:

  • Never opening suspicious email attachments
  • Installing and regularly updating antivirus software
  • Avoiding downloading programs unless they're from a reputable provider

If you follow the above tips, you could avoid various cryptocurrency scams and quickly grow your funds throughout the years.

Fake Bitcoin Wallet: bitWallet in AppStore

We received an email from a victim of the bitcoin wallet scam. Here is what we received from David S.:

“Recently I invested in something called bitWallet. However, soon after that, I noticed my bitWallet account was completely liquidated. I am positive no other person has access to my private key and believe the software developer has fraudulently liquidated my account. Their website is www.sollico.com/bitwallet/.”

“On the Apple app store, you can find the app as bitWallet tm – Bitcoin Wallet. I contacted their support email address and received a quick, condescending response that the breach came from somewhere else. I've sent follow up questions and no response.”

bitwallet

“Then, I reviewed the app reviews and saw several similar complaints of fraud. People mentioning they could not transfer their coins. Others complaining they were locked out of their account and were positive they had the correct passcode.”

“There is effectively no company information on their website or the mobile app. All signs are pointing to this being a scam wallet. I am now out thousands of dollars”.

Beware!

Cryptocurrency Fraud: How To Report a Scammer

Warn your family and friends about these cryptocurrency scams by sharing this article on social media using the buttons provided. You can also officially report the scammers or any other suspicious activity in the industry to the Federal Trade Commission using the link below:

Report To The FTC Here

How To Protect Yourself More

If you want to be the first to find out the most notorious scams every week, feel free to subscribe to the Scam Detector newsletter here. You'll receive periodic emails – we promise not to spam. Meanwhile, educate yourself with some other fraud-related articles right under this paragraph, so that you can protect yourself in many other aspects and niches. Last but not least, use the Comments section below to expose other scammers.

Here are some must-reads for the end:

Buying Cryptocurrency Scam

The Best Cryptocurrency Hardware Wallets

Your First Steps To Buying Bitcoin

Cheating Spouse Scam


Verify a website below

Are you just about to make a purchase online? See if the website is legit with our validator:

vldtr®

loding img
Searching: Domain age, Alexa rank, HTTPS valid, Blacklisting, SSL certificates, Source code, Location, IP address, WOT Trustworthiness, Spam reports, Advanced technology, Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, Contact options
identity theft protection

TOP 4 MUST-WATCH FRAUD PREVENTION VIDEOS

1. Top 5 Amazon Scams in 2024
 
2. Top 5 PayPal Scams in 2024
 
3. How To Spot a Scam Email in 2024
selma hrynchuk
Selma HrynchukSelma is a fraud prevention specialist renowned for her expertise in private eye investigations and a remarkable partnership with law enforcement agencies. Beyond her investigative triumphs, her public speaking engagements and written works have empowered countless individuals to protect themselves and stay ahead of deceptive schemes. Selma's legacy shines as a tenacious agent of change, unyielding in her commitment to battling fraud and ensuring a safer world for all.

10 thoughts on “4 Common Cryptocurrency Scams”

  1. Be careful of the new platform globalsafe.in the keep your money and require you to deposit further large sums of bitcoins before ‘releasing’ your funds … but who knows what will happen after that.

  2. watch out for livedirectexchange and exchangecity, both of these are keeping your money for hours and hours until finally making the exchange.

  3. Beware of a group using Bill Morneau, ex finance Minster of Canada in their promotion with salespersons named Scott and another calling himself Nick they pretend they are in Ireland and use the telephone numbers 011 44 203 150 4597 and 011 33 679 271 8357 they are real sweet talkers

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *