#StaySAFU

Crypto scams are fraudulent schemes that use cryptocurrency or the crypto industry as a vehicle to deceive and steal from people. They’ve become increasingly common due to the rapid growth of digital assets and the often-anonymous nature of transactions. Here are the main types of crypto scams:

1. Phishing Scams

Scammers trick users into revealing private keys, wallet passwords, or seed phrases via fake emails, websites, or messages. Once they get access, they can drain your wallet.

2. Ponzi or Pyramid Schemes

These involve promising high returns for early investors using the money from newer investors. Examples include "investment platforms" that pay out only if you bring in more people.

3. Fake ICOs / Tokens

Scammers create fake initial coin offerings (ICOs) or worthless tokens, promoting them heavily before disappearing with investors' funds.

4. Rug Pulls

Often seen in decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFT projects, where developers hype a new token or project, get people to invest, then vanish with the funds.

5. Impersonation Scams

Scammers pretend to be celebrities, influencers, or known figures (like Elon Musk) offering giveaways. “Send me 1 BTC, I’ll send you back 2 BTC” — and people fall for it.

6. Pump and Dump Schemes

Organized groups artificially inflate a coin’s price through misleading promotion, then sell off their holdings for profit, leaving others with worthless coins.

7. Malware and Fake Apps

Fake wallets or exchanges that steal your funds once you transfer crypto into them. Sometimes distributed through app stores or sketchy download links.

8. Romance or Social Engineering Scams

Scammers build trust over weeks or months (often on dating sites or social media) and then convince people to "invest" in fake crypto schemes.

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How to Stay Safe:

Never share your private keys or seed phrases.

Double-check URLs and never click on suspicious links.

Use reputable wallets and exchanges.

Be skeptical of guaranteed returns.

Do your own research (DYOR) before investing.