📈 In 2024, the crypto world lost $9.9 billion due to scams. And that's only officially. The real figure is even higher. Chainalysis, SlowMist, and Elliptic are sounding the alarm: the number of scams in the industry has reached an all-time high.
🧠 Where did such a jump come from?
There are several reasons, but the main one is AI. Scammers are now disguising themselves better than ever:
• 🎭 Deepfake videos with 'celebrities' who 'recommend' projects.
• 💬 Fake HRs or investors in Zoom negotiating at Netflix-script levels.
• 💌 'Pig butchering' — romantic encounters that end with a 'life investment' in a fake token or platform.
🧨 What was stolen just in 2025?
• $2.17 billion — only for the first half of the year
• $1.05 billion — due to phishing
• tens of thousands of cases — from CoinDCX, Bybit, KuCoin, etc.
😳 And what will happen next?
Schemes are becoming more complex, AI is evolving, and there are more newcomers. That is why your best weapon is critical thinking.
✅ How to protect yourself?
🔒 1. 2FA — only through an app, not SMS
🧊 2. Keep tokens in a cold wallet, especially if the amount is significant
🕵️ 3. Check the website/contacts from multiple sources
🙅 4. Never 'pay extra to withdraw' — this is a scam
🚨 5. If you've already fallen for it — act quickly: contact support, CEX, investigators, and law enforcement.
📌 Conclusion
Crypto Scam Surge is not a temporary wave, but a new reality of the crypto market. Even experienced users are not immune. But if you keep your eyes open, do not get carried away by emotions — you will stay in the game, preserve your assets, and help others avoid falling into traps.
💬 Share this article — let more people in Web3 be informed and protected.
