Avoid scams to help protect yourself and your finances
Blackmail
In most cases, this method works by sending an email with a message claiming that their computer has been hacked and that they are being blackmailed by using Bitcoin as a means of extortion.
The scammers can either suppress the material or spread it across their various social media platforms. This is a phishing scheme that uses stolen email lists to infect thousands of people.
Fake Exchanges
Bitcoin has become more popular, and many people are taking advantage of this by setting up fake exchanges. These are typically designed to trick users into thinking they’re getting something for a steal. Be sure to use a reputable exchange when buying or selling bitcoin.
Free Giveaways/Prize Giveaways
Due to the nature of the internet, scammers can easily spread information about fraudulent websites and offer free digital currencies in exchange for personal information. This is why it’s important to report suspicious content.
Impersonation
Creating a fake social media account is very easy for con artists to do. Once they’re able to impersonate an author or a person, they often wait in wait for their intended target to publish content. After following up with a follow-up message, the impersonator would then try to trick others into thinking they’re responding to their message.
impersonators can also try to trick others into clicking on links or sending personal messages in order to commit fraud.
Never participate in free giveaways. If you receive an odd request from someone in your network, double-verify the authenticity of the message.
Meet in Person
When buying or selling bitcoin, it is very important to avoid meeting in person with a trusted party. Doing so could result in getting robbed or injured.
Con artists are also known to use counterfeit fiat currency in an attempt to convert Bitcoin. If you are a musician and are thinking of doing this, consider using a peer-to-peer platform.
Money transfer fraud
It is a type of scam where thieves will contact victims, posing as relatives or friends in need – and ask for help in transferring money. They will typically send the victim emails or phone them with a story about an emergency requiring them to send money quickly, but warn not to tell anybody else.
The victim ends up sending funds to the thief who then disappears with the cash.
Phishing Emails/ Phishing Websites
Phishing is a method of fraud that uses email to trick people into disclosing their personal information. Phishing emails are purported to be from services you use soliciting you for action, such as resetting your password, or clicking on a link in the email with the promise of something good, but instead it takes you to a website where they steal your information.
You might have received an email from a service provider asking you for additional verification so that they can clarify whether the email was actually sent by them. This is a possible indication of a phishing scam.
The most common types of phishing scams request money from the victim or tell the victim that someone has been trying to access their account and asks them to change their password immediately. To avoid these sames, it’s better to call them on the phone or reaching out to them via their official social media accounts.
When visiting a website, be aware if it’s a fake website and don’t download any software or click any links in this website if you don’t know them.
Ponzi Schemes
A Ponzi Scheme is a fraudulent investment operation that pays returns to investors from their own money or money paid by subsequent investors, rather than from profits generated by the individual or organization running the operation.
This is a warning against participating in offerings where one of more people offer you a guaranteed return in exchange for an upfront deposit.
Pump and dump schemes
It may work because people don’t know how to invest in the cryptocurrency market.
But you can protect yourself from these schemes by following these guidelines:
1. Be wary of claims like “I’ve found the next bitcoin” or “This will be huge!” keep your eyes peeled for red flags that often signal scams
2. Take a close look at the team behind the coins you’re considering investing in, if they seem unqualified, there’s a good chance it’s too good to be true
3. Don’t believe anyone who claims to “know what the bitcoin price is going to be” – they’re just trying to lure you into a pump and dump scheme
4. Beware of bounties or contests that offer rewards based on who buys.
Ransomware
It is a type of malware that partially or completely blocks access to the device unless you pay a ransom in bitcoin.
There are several ways to prevent ransomware from infecting your device, including:
– Installing anti-virus software on your devices.
– Keeping your operating system and programs up to date.
– Using strong passwords for all of your accounts.
– Installing updates automatically whenever they are available.
Scam Coins
Scam coins can easily fool people looking to make a quick buck with the promise of sky-high returns. They may be flashy or boast a large community to create a fear of missing out effect on people.
Be careful when investing in alternative coins (altcoins) like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).
