The 9 Best Strategies for Avoiding Crypto Scams

When it comes to cryptocurrency, scams are unfortunately all too common. A recent report found that nearly 10% of all Bitcoin transactions are crime-related. So, how do you protect yourself from becoming a victim and avoid scams so you don't lose your crypto? Here are the nine strategies to set you on the path of crypto security:

1. Don't send money to anyone you don't know or trust, no matter what they say.

It's essential to be careful about who you send crypto to, especially regarding online transactions. Bad actors set up fake accounts or investment scams to scam people out of their money. Crypto scams are prevalent, often luring people in with promises of high investment returns. Another popular one is 'giveaway scams.' Some scammers will try to "catfish" you by impersonating a popular crypto influencer.

All of these crypto scams can be challenging to spot, as scammers often use fake websites and social media accounts to make their offers seem legitimate while creating a perfect hook to reel you in.

Suppose you are ever unsure about a cryptocurrency transaction. In that case, it's important to err on the side caution and avoid sending any funds until you're confident it's not a crypto scam.

The relationship between you and the person or organization you're dealing with is best if based on several factors, including trust. Watch for signs of life in the project, such as:

Recent updates
An informative website
Active social media accounts.
Finally, working technology that has gone through several iterations and is available in the marketplace is a also good sign.

However, there are some red flags to watch out for, such as:

Unrealistic promises of return on investment
Requests for cryptocurrency transactions rather than payment in fiat currency.
Requests to send crypto in order to receive crypto (major red flag!)

2. Be wary of any offer that seems too good to be true.

We've all heard the saying, "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is." And yet, many of us still fall prey to scams every day. Whether it's an email promoting fake giveaways or a phone call from a "representative" offering free cash, there are plenty of ways to buy these scams and lose money to scam posts and scammers.

Crypto scams are becoming increasingly common, so be extra cautious if you're thinking about investing in Bitcoin or another digital currency. Some scammers will promise unrealistic returns, while others will try to extort money from you directly. Either way, it's best to avoid cryptocurrency scams altogether. Do your own research (DYOR) before investing in anything, including cryptocurrencies.

Pyramid schemes are easy to build and always produce an ever shrinking probability of payout for the participant. Participation comes to an end when inputs to achieve a payout become larger than the payout. Greed decreases the trajectory and probability of payout becomes certain assuming rational participation.

It's no secret that crypto has taken the world by storm. With the early promises of anonymity and decentralization dating back to the mid-nineteen-eighties, it's no wonder that more and more people are looking for investment opportunities in the blossoming technology of the early two-thousand-twenties.

Unfortunately, the popularity of crypto has also made the industry a honeypot for bad actors. Scammers who make many different sorts of fraudulent schemes congregate in Web3 cyberspace and interact. From Ponzi schemes to extortion scams, there are a variety of ways that scammers can take advantage of inexperienced investors who participate at a sort of 'retail' level. The overarching guidance here is that before finding an investment opportunity in crypto, you must do your research.

You can learn how to spot these scams and protect yourself from cryptocurrency scammers by doing your research and incorporating daily reading on crypto-related industry news. In addition, keep an eye on emerging technologies and trends, as these can provide clues about which crypto coins may succeed in the future. By educating yourself about crypto, you can make wiser investment decisions and avoid becoming the victim of a scam.

3. Be careful with your personal information.

Identity theft is a significant problem in today's society. With so much personal information available online, it's easy for identity thieves to get their hands on your sensitive information. If you're not careful, you could easily fall victim to one of these scams, with no possibility of spotting cryptocurrency. That's why it's essential to be cautious with your personal information and cryptocurrency payments.

Only give your private keys to trusted sources if you would like them to have full access to your funds, and never enter your personal information into a public computer. Contact your local authorities immediately if you think you may have been a victim of identity theft. Be as proactive as possible when protecting your information and avoid falling victim to identity theft, which is a costly and stressful experience.

4. Be careful of phishing that leads to cryptocurrency scams.

Phishing scams and phishing attempts are becoming increasingly common, and social media is one of the most popular platforms for scammers to target. These phishing scams typically involve social media ads or posts promising free money or giveaways, often for popular products or services. The scammers then create fake apps or websites that look identical to the real thing but will steal people's personal information, and that's why these are common cryptocurrency scams.

Another popular way scammers scam people is with videos on YouTube, where they overlay their scam on top of a legitimate video. The text they have overlaid displays a destination bitcoin address and one or more options for an amount to send. The text implies that the sender will receive more in return, but this is not true; they will receive nothing.

If you click on one of these, especially in the form of a 'giveaway scam,' be sure to do your research first. Check to see if the offer is from legitimate sites, and be especially wary of any site that asks for your personal information or login credentials before you can claim your prize.

5. Be aware of a potential fake crypto wallet or entire exchange.

With the popularity of crypto on the rise, a fake crypto wallet or exchange could impact you since they are becoming more popular. Fake wallets are digital wallets created to take control of a wallet or blockchain address and send cryptocurrency out of it to an address they control, stealing the unsuspecting victims' cryptocurrencies. The fake cryptocurrency wallet or exchange involved will often look identical to legitimate sites or wallets, making it difficult to spot the difference.

Fake exchanges are websites that pretend to be honest cryptocurrency exchanges. These fake exchanges often list artificial prices for coins, or they may not allow users to withdraw their coins after depositing them. Fake wallets and exchanges can be highly costly for victims, so it's essential to be aware of these scams and take steps to avoid them.

6. Keep your cryptocurrencies in a secure wallet.

There are many different types of wallets, but the most important thing is to choose one that is secure and easy for you to use. Some wallets allow you to store multiple types of cryptocurrency, while others are a specific type and offer different features. When selecting a wallet, consider your needs and security preferences.

Once you've selected a wallet, be sure to take steps to keep it secure, such as enabling two-factor authentication and choosing a solid password. You should also ensure that the wallet you choose is compatible with the exchange you plan to use. Taking these precautions can help safeguard your investment and enjoy peace of mind in the crypto space.

7. Monitor carefully to avoid investment scams.

Cryptocurrencies can go up and down without warning, and it can be challenging to predict how the market will turn. That's why it's so important to monitor your investments carefully. By tracking your crypto regularly, you can quickly identify any red flags and take action to protect your investment.

In addition, monitoring your investments can help you stay up-to-date on market trends and make informed decisions about when to buy or sell. So whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting, remember to keep a close eye on your crypto.

8. Don't panic if the value of your investment goes down.

When investing in cryptocurrency, staying calm is essential when the market isn't doing well. Like any other type of investment, the value of cryptocurrency can go up and down. A bad day in the crypto world doesn't mean that your investment is gone forever. However, you can do a few things to help weather the storm.

First, don't sell your cryptos just because the value has dropped. Selling while the market is down will only lock in your losses.
Second, try to stay diversified by investing in different types of cryptocurrency. If one coin goes down, your eggs are not all in one basket.
Third, it's OK to take profits in this bourgeoning industry!
Finally, remember that crypto has generally performed exceptionally well as a long-term investment since valuations were lower in the industry's beginnings.

Remember: don't panic if the value goes down today - it could be back up tomorrow. And likewise, don't rush to judgment if the value jumps up.

9. Seek professional advice before investing in cryptocurrencies.

Cryptocurrencies have been gaining popularity in recent years as more and more people invest money in these digital assets. However, it is essential to seek professional advice before investing in cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies are a highly volatile asset class, and prices can fluctuate wildly.

In addition, investing in cryptocurrencies also carries several risks. For instance, there is the risk of hacking and theft and the possibility that a particular cryptocurrency could become worthless. Speaking to a financial advisor before investing money in cryptocurrencies is essential.

Also, be aware that investing in cryptocurrencies sometimes involves sharing sensitive data, such as bank account information. Choose a reputable and trustworthy platform before investing in any particular cryptocurrency.

Gridlock: A better way to stay safe from scams

If you have been the victim of a scam, what can you do to protect yourself better? If you're thinking about security, have you looked into Gridlock?

Check out Gridlock.Network to download the most secure crypto wallet for storing your NFTs and cryptocurrency.

Gridlock cryptocurrency wallet utilizes threshold signatures and social verification to offer the best security in the Web3 wallet industry.

Download Gridlock for Android or iOS today.

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Written by Mason Winsed

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Mason Winsed simplifies blockchain for the people. With a comp-sci background and a passion for crypto safety, he's your go-to for straight-forward crypto wisdom. In his off time, he's coding or gaming. Join Mason for a no-nonsense crypto talk.