2025 has seen an alarming uptick in crypto fraud, with investment scams alone accounting for roughly $5 billion last year—think fake yield farms, Ponzi schemes, and phony token launches—while romance “pig-butchering” scams jumped by 40%. Meanwhile, sophisticated deepfake and social‑engineering attacks have eroded trust and siphoned funds across every chain. North Korean state–linked hackers remain the largest single threat, but everyday users are targeted through compromised wallets and phishing sites that mirror legitimate protocols.
What can you do? First, always verify URLs and double‑check smart‑contract addresses before approving transactions. Next, enable hardware wallets or multisig setups to guard against private‑key theft. Third, stay informed: follow security bulletins from reputable firms and never chase astronomical APYs promoted via unsolicited DMs. Finally, report any suspicious activity immediately to your exchange’s support team and community channels. In a landscape where billions are at stake, vigilance isn’t optional—it’s your strongest defense.