Typical red flags
Crypto scams change names quickly, but the pressure tactics repeat.
- Guaranteed profits, fixed weekly returns, or claims that there is no downside.
- Requests to connect a wallet, sign an unfamiliar transaction, or approve unlimited token spending.
- Any request for seed phrases, private keys, recovery words, or screen sharing.
- Anonymous teams, copied whitepapers, fake audits, or vague exchange listings.
- Urgent presale, airdrop, bonus, or withdrawal deadline.
- Extra tax, gas, unlock, or verification fees before you can withdraw.
- Celebrity screenshots, fake testimonials, or Telegram groups that silence questions.
Exchange impersonation and CoinSpot-style scams
Scammers also impersonate real exchanges such as CoinSpot, Coinbase, Binance, or Kraken with fake security alerts, support chats, and lookalike login pages. Check the message before you log in or move funds.
- A text, email, or call claims your exchange account is locked, compromised, or under review.
- A fake support agent reaches out first and asks you to verify, connect a wallet, or move funds to a safe address.
- A login link uses a lookalike domain instead of the exchange's official address.
- You are asked for your password, two-factor code, seed phrase, or remote access to your device.
- A fake withdrawal, deposit-match, or giveaway promises bonus coins for acting now.
- Always reach the exchange through its official app or the address you type yourself, never a link from the message.
What to do if you already fell for it
Act quickly, preserve evidence, and avoid recovery scams.
- Disconnect the wallet from the suspicious site and revoke token approvals from a trusted wallet safety tool.
- Move remaining funds to a new wallet created from a clean device if your seed phrase may be exposed.
- Save transaction hashes, wallet addresses, screenshots, usernames, and URLs.
- Report the wallet, exchange account, group, or ad to the platform where you found it.
- Contact your exchange or bank immediately if fiat, cards, or linked accounts were involved.
- Report the incident to your national fraud authority or cybercrime unit.
- Do not pay anyone who promises guaranteed crypto recovery.
Example: fake presale allocation
Input
Guaranteed 18% weekly returns. Connect your wallet now to claim your private presale allocation before midnight.
What to notice
- The message promises fixed returns and creates a deadline.
- It asks for wallet connection before trust is established.
- Wallet approvals can drain tokens even without sharing a password.
Crypto scam FAQ
How do I check if a crypto message or website is a scam?
Paste the offer, exchange message, wallet link, or support chat into the crypto scam detector above and it flags the scam signals for you. Treat guaranteed returns, urgent deadlines, wallet connection prompts, and requests for your seed phrase or login code as serious warning signs.
Is a CoinSpot security alert or support message a scam?
Be very cautious. Scammers impersonate CoinSpot and other exchanges with fake account-locked alerts, support chats, and lookalike login pages. A real exchange will not ask for your password, two-factor code, or seed phrase. Log in only through the official app or an address you type yourself, and check the message in the detector first.
Is every crypto presale a scam?
No, but presales are high risk. Treat guaranteed returns, anonymous teams, rushed wallet connections, and withdrawal fees as serious warning signs.
Can a wallet drainer steal funds without my seed phrase?
Yes. A malicious site can trick you into signing approvals or transactions that let an attacker move tokens.
Should I pay a recovery expert after a crypto scam?
Be very cautious. Many recovery offers are follow-up scams. Preserve evidence, contact exchanges or law enforcement, and avoid anyone promising guaranteed recovery.
What should I paste into ScamSpot?
Paste the investment pitch, chat message, wallet link, withdrawal request, or support message. Remove private keys, seed phrases, passwords, and codes.