Cryptocurrency scams continue to be a persistent problem, with new variants and methods constantly emerging. By mid-2025, there has been a significant increase in funds stolen from cryptocurrency services, surpassing even the total from 2024.
Here are some of the most recent and common scams, as well as specific reported cases:
Recent and common types of cryptocurrency scams:
* "Pig Butchering" scams: These scams combine romantic fraud with investment fraud. Scammers establish relationships, often through dating apps or social media, to gain the victim's trust. Once they have their trust, they persuade them to invest in a fraudulent cryptocurrency platform, where they may initially show fake profits to entice further investments before disappearing with the funds.
* Recent examples: Global cases have been reported involving victims in the U.S., defrauded of nearly $37 million, with money laundering networks operating from Cambodia. Platforms such as dimensionvip.com, dimensionalaccount.com, dimesioal.com, cryptomo.net, Conxio.com, and taimhex.cc have been identified in this type of scam.
* Fake exchanges or investment platforms: Scammers create websites and apps that mimic legitimate cryptocurrency exchanges or investment platforms, promising high returns. Victims deposit money but cannot withdraw it or are forced to pay exorbitant fees to supposedly release their funds.
* Recent examples: A fraudulent investment platform called "Triangular" was reported disrupted in July 2025, with the seizure of over $325,000 in cryptocurrencies.
* Phishing: Sending emails or messages with malicious links that lead to fake websites that look like legitimate cryptocurrency platforms. The goal is to steal login credentials, private keys, or personal information.
* "Pump and Dump" scams: Scammers artificially inflate the price of a low-value cryptocurrency by spreading false or exaggerated information, then sell their own holdings at an inflated price, leaving other investors with worthless tokens.
* Fake ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings): Non-existent or fraudulent cryptocurrency projects are promoted to attract investors, and once enough money is raised, the scammers disappear.
* Fund thefts from services and exchanges: Direct attacks on exchanges and cryptocurrency services have resulted in massive losses.
* Notable example in 2025: The hack of ByBit by the DPRK (North Korea) for $1.5 billion, representing approximately 69% of all funds stolen from services this year and the largest crypto theft in history.
Recent cases and figures (mid-2025):
* More than $2.17 billion has been stolen from cryptocurrency services so far in 2025, exceeding the total for 2024.
* Personal wallet compromises represent a growing share of total thefts, constituting 23.35% of stolen fund activity so far in 2025.
* In July 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice has initiated actions to confiscate $7.1 million in cryptocurrencies linked to an oil and gas storage fraud scheme, and has seized $225 million in crypto stolen from over 400 people worldwide in another case.
* A couple in Denver was charged with a multimillion-dollar cryptocurrency scam, soliciting nearly $3.4 million from investors for a cryptocurrency that had no value.
* The UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has frozen cryptocurrency assets of a CEO linked to a fraud investigation, marking the first time they have used new powers to freeze crypto.
How to protect yourself:
* Do thorough research: Before investing in any cryptocurrency or platform, research its reputation, the team behind the project, and check reviews from other users.
* Beware of promises of guaranteed high returns: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Investments in cryptocurrencies carry risks, and no one can guarantee profits.
* Verify identity: Be wary of people you know online (especially on dating apps) who quickly ask you for money or offer cryptocurrency investment advice.
* Use reputable exchanges: Only trade on known and regulated cryptocurrency exchange platforms.
* Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): For all your cryptocurrency and email accounts.
* Protect your private keys: Never share your private keys or seed phrases with anyone. Use hardware wallets for greater security if you have large amounts of cryptocurrency.
* Be careful with suspicious links and files: Do not click on links in unexpected emails or text messages, and be cautious when downloading software or apps from unknown sources.
* Stay informed: Follow news about cryptocurrency scams to recognize new tactics used by criminals.
Vigilance and skepticism are key in the world of cryptocurrencies.
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