How it works
Common patterns include fake exchanges, giveaway scams, romance-investment schemes, cloned support accounts, phishing sites and tokens designed to trap buyers.
What to check
Verify domains and provider registration using official sources. Never rely on unsolicited messages, guaranteed-return claims or screenshots of supposed profits.
- Verify identities independently
- Reject guaranteed returns
- Use official support channels
Limits and risks
Once crypto is sent to a scam address, recovery can be difficult. Fraudsters can also impersonate legitimate firms and regulators, so identity verification matters as much as the offer itself.
Primary sources
Bitcoin Developer Reference↗Ethereum developer documentation↗FATF: Virtual Assets↗General information only. Investment products can lose value, and terms, fees and regulation can change.