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.
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
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.