š Crypto Scam Surge: Stay Vigilant in a Rising Threat Landscape
2024 and 2025 have seen a dramatic escalation in crypto-related scamsāwith billions lost globally. Chainalysis reports nearly $9.9āÆbillion stolen in scams during 2024, and estimates suggest this figure could reach $12.4āÆbillion soon ļæ¼. In the first half of 2025 alone, losses have already topped $2.1āÆbillion, according to Rippleās Brad Garlinghouse ļæ¼.
Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics:
ā¢ Pig-butchering scams: where fraudsters build fake relationships over time, bilking victims of large sums ļæ¼ ļæ¼.
ā¢ AI-driven deepfakes: impersonating influencers or executives to promote fake giveaways and investment schemes ļæ¼.
ā¢ Broader attacks: phishing, malware, fake dApps, Ponzi schemes, and ATM scams targeting unsuspecting users ļæ¼.
How You Can Protect Yourself:
1. Double-check sourcesāuse trusted aggregators like CoinGecko or CoinMarketCap, not random links or DMs.
2. Treat āguaranteedā returns as red flagsāif it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
3. Enable 2FA and use cold wallets for storing significant assets.
4. Be especially wary of unsolicited requests on platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, or X ļæ¼.
In a landscape rife with digital deception, vigilance is your best defense. Educate yourself, stay skeptical, and protect your crypto journey.
