#CryptoScamSurge

The "#CryptoScamSurge" hashtag is trending as cryptocurrency scams dramatically increase, coinciding with new market highs. In the first half of 2025 alone, investors lost nearly $2.5 billion, with projections for the average victim loss to double since 2021 to $38,000. Last year saw global crypto scams climb 23% to $14.5 billion. Common tactics include fake giveaway schemes, address poisoning, romance scams (often "pig butchering"), pump-and-dumps, and phishing. Scammers increasingly leverage AI, deepfakes, and social media to ensnare victims with promises of unrealistic returns or urgent threats. Vigilance, verification of official sources, and skepticism towards unsolicited offers are crucial to avoid falling prey.