6 Types of Cryptocurrency Scams and Countermeasure Guide 🛡️

The cryptocurrency market is hot in 2025. Fraud is also on the rise. Approximately 2 billion Dollars worth of cryptocurrency was stolen in just the first half of the year. It might be a hard number to believe. It seems that fraudsters are taking advantage of the general public's lack of knowledge. 🔍

Main Cryptocurrency Scam Tactics 🚨

1. Fake virtual currency exchange 🏦

An unnamed small exchange. Suspicious. There are many cases where you can deposit but not withdraw. When trying to withdraw, you are inexplicably asked for additional money in the form of fees or deposits. Always conduct research before trading. Fraud groups often copy the URLs and designs of well-known exchanges. It's misleading. Such fake sites often do not appear on Google. It seems that many are led there from social media or dating sites.

2. Ponzi scheme and ICO fraud 💰

An ICO that is said to be "incredibly profitable." Highly suspicious. Fraud groups become close in SNS groups, initially assuring trust with high returns. They try to involve friends and family as well. It is predicted that by 2025, this type of fraud will reach a scale of $430 to $450 million. Too big.

3. Exchange Staff Fraud 👨‍💼

"They say, 'There is a problem with your account.' It's a lie. They try to make you send cryptocurrency under the pretense of identity verification. It's the same trick as bank fraud. Remember that. You will not receive contact from exchange staff."

4. OTC Fraud 🤝

The trap of over-the-counter trading. Posting buying and selling information on social media and proposing unmonitored personal transactions. You send the money, but the other party suddenly disappears. A common story. Trading in monitored places is important. It's obvious, but still.

5. Fake Promotion 📢

Investing in cryptocurrency comes with risks. One should be wary of overly attractive promises. It's like saying "mochi doesn't fall from the sky." Especially in this world.

How to Protect Yourself? 🛡️

1. Only reliable services

You should choose a large and reputable exchange. Being too new is risky.

2. Let's avoid OTC trading.

Opening an account from a link on SNS? Suspicious. It's also strange that support is asking for personal information.

3. Only famous coins

Let's avoid cryptocurrencies we haven't heard of. Apparently, 80% of ICOs are scams. That's a pretty scary number. If you can't even read the white paper, it might be safer not to get involved.

4. Be skeptical of SNS information

Fraud lurks even in large communities. Just because there are active discussions doesn't mean it's safe. In fact, it might be dangerous.

5. Beginners start with learning

You should learn the basics before investing. Such as the types of coins and the characteristics of trading.

What to do if you fall victim to fraud? 🚑

If you have been affected, the key point is whether the funds have not yet been withdrawn:

Emergency Fund Freeze

If you notice something, immediately contact the fraud prevention hotline. Request an "emergency fund freeze." Then, contact the police right away. Your funds may be frozen.

legal means

If it has already been withdrawn, report it to the police and take legal action. It's difficult, though.

Necessary Information 📋

Conversation records, URLs, address information, and transaction records. Everything should be saved.

Will the lost funds come back? 💸

To be honest, it's quite tough. Recovery from cryptocurrency scams is difficult. Because of blockchain technology, it's an arduous task to retrieve it.

However, immediately after the transfer, it might be possible to freeze the funds with the quick response of the fraud prevention hotline and the police. Still, being cautious before investing is the best defense. There is no doubt about that. 🔥