Crypto scams & staying safe
How to spot hacks, scams and rug-pulls — and protect your money.
Because crypto transactions are fast, irreversible and often anonymous, the industry attracts a lot of fraud. Knowing the common tricks is the best defence. If something promises guaranteed profits or pressures you to act fast, treat it as a warning sign.
Common scams
- Rug-pulls — developers launch a new coin, attract money, then vanish with the funds.
- Phishing — fake websites or messages that trick you into entering your wallet password or 'seed phrase'.
- Fake giveaways — 'send 1 coin and get 2 back', often impersonating celebrities.
- Pump-and-dumps — groups hype a small coin to inflate its price, then sell at your expense.
- Romance and investment scams — a stranger builds trust, then steers you to a fake trading platform.
How to protect yourself
- Never share your seed phrase or private keys — no legitimate service will ask for them.
- Double-check website addresses and only use official app links.
- Be sceptical of any promise of guaranteed or unusually high returns.
- Consider a 'hardware wallet' for storing larger amounts offline.
- Take your time — scammers rely on urgency and fear of missing out.
Nothing on this site is financial advice. When in doubt, step away and research independently.