top of page
  • Raymond Hantho

5 Common Scams and How to Avoid Them: A Comprehensive Guide.

Cryptocurrency has become increasingly popular over the past few years, and with its rise in popularity, there has been a rise in cryptocurrency scams. Scammers are taking advantage of the newness and complexity of cryptocurrency to trick people out of their money. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the most common cryptocurrency scams and provide advice on how to avoid them.



1. Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are one of the most common types of cryptocurrency scams. Scammers will send you an email or message that appears to be from a legitimate cryptocurrency exchange or wallet. The email or message will typically contain a link that takes you to a fake website where you're asked to enter your login credentials or other sensitive information. Once you enter your information, the scammers will use it to steal your cryptocurrency.

To avoid phishing scams, always double-check the URL of any website you visit. Make sure it matches the URL of the legitimate website you're trying to visit. Never click on links in unsolicited emails or messages.


2. Ponzi Schemes

Ponzi schemes are another common type of cryptocurrency scam. In a Ponzi scheme, scammers promise high returns on investments in cryptocurrency. They use new investors' money to pay off earlier investors, creating the illusion of profitability. Eventually, the scheme will collapse, and the scammers will disappear with all the money.

To avoid Ponzi schemes, be wary of any investment opportunities that promise high returns with little to no risk. Always do your research before investing in anything, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.


3. Fake ICOs

Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) are a way for cryptocurrency startups to raise money by selling their own cryptocurrency tokens. Unfortunately, scammers have started to use fake ICOs to steal money from unsuspecting investors. They'll create a fake website, promote their fake cryptocurrency, and then disappear once they've collected enough money.

To avoid fake ICOs, always do your research before investing in any new cryptocurrency. Make sure the company behind the ICO is legitimate and has a solid business plan. If an ICO seems too good to be true, it probably is.


4. Fake Wallets

Fake wallets are another common type of cryptocurrency scam. Scammers will create a fake wallet and promote it online as a safe place to store your cryptocurrency. Once you transfer your cryptocurrency to the wallet, the scammers will steal it.

To avoid fake wallets, only use wallets that are recommended by trusted sources. Do your research before choosing a wallet, and make sure it has a good reputation in the cryptocurrency community.


5. Social Media Scams

Social media scams are becoming more common in the world of cryptocurrency. Scammers will create fake social media profiles and pretend to be a cryptocurrency expert. They'll offer to give you advice or help you invest in cryptocurrency. Once you send them your money, they'll disappear. To avoid social media scams, be wary of anyone who contacts you out of the blue with investment advice. Only take advice from reputable sources, and always do your research before investing in anything. In conclusion, cryptocurrency scams are becoming increasingly common, and it's important to be aware of the risks. By following the tips in this blog post, you can avoid many of the most common cryptocurrency scams. Remember to always do your research, be wary of unsolicited advice, and only invest what you can afford to lose.


What do you do if you already fell victim to a scam?

The stolen funds has to be traced. Cryptocurrency tracing is the process of investigating and tracking the movement of digital assets, such as Bitcoin, in order to identify and recover lost or stolen funds, or to assist law enforcement agencies in their investigations of criminal activity. Chainbrium offer exactly these kind of services and you can reach out to us if you need our assistance. In recent years, there has been an increasing need for comprehensive cryptocurrency tracing, as the popularity and value of digital assets have skyrocketed, making them a target for cybercriminals.


One company that is making strides in the field of cryptocurrency tracing is Chainbrium. By delivering the most comprehensive cryptocurrency intelligence, this company is helping to create a safer multi-trillion-dollar global crypto economy. The company's CEO, Raymond Hantho, has noted that their success is the result of intense work and deep in-house knowledge in blockchain technology in addition to collaboration with other companies in the crypto space.


There are several steps involved in the process of cryptocurrency tracing:

  1. Investigating the Movement of Crypto Assets - This involves the collection of data from various sources, such as blockchain explorers and exchanges, to track the movement of digital assets from one address to another.

  2. KYC Information Gathering and Identification of the Perpetrators for Cryptocurrency Tracing - KYC stands for "Know Your Customer," and involves gathering information about the individuals or entities involved in a transaction, in order to identify them and track their activities.

  3. Legal action and the Initiation of Recovery Efforts - Once the perpetrators have been identified, legal action can be taken to recover lost or stolen funds, or to hold the criminals accountable for their actions.

  4. Navigating the Cryptocurrency Legal Labyrinth - This step involves understanding the legal and regulatory frameworks that apply to cryptocurrency transactions, which can vary from country to country.

  5. Pseudo-anonymity - Cryptocurrencies are often associated with anonymity, but in reality, they are only pseudonymous, meaning that transactions can be traced back to specific addresses, even if the identity of the owner is unknown.

  6. Numerus Clausus - This refers to the limited supply of certain cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, which makes them a valuable commodity that can be traded on exchanges.

  7. Multi-Signatures - Multi-signature technology is used to add an extra layer of security to cryptocurrency transactions, by requiring multiple parties to authorize a transaction before it can be executed.


The importance of cryptocurrency tracing was highlighted in a recent article from securityweek, which described a successful operation by the FBI and UK's Metropolitan Police to seize $2.3 million in cryptocurrency from the DarkSide ransomware gang, following the Colonial Pipeline attack. This operation demonstrates the importance of effective cryptocurrency tracing and recovery efforts in combating cybercrime.

In conclusion, cryptocurrency tracing is an essential process for identifying and recovering lost or stolen funds, as well as assisting law enforcement agencies in their investigations of criminal activity. It involves a complex set of steps, from investigating the movement of crypto assets to navigating the legal and regulatory frameworks that apply to cryptocurrency transactions. With the increasing popularity and value of digital assets, the need for comprehensive cryptocurrency tracing has never been greater, and companies like Chainbrium among others are striving to lead the way in this important field.


댓글


bottom of page