Common crypto scams: giveaways, impersonation and fake support
How fake giveaways, impersonators, fake support agents, fake apps and fake airdrops steal crypto, and the simple rules that defeat them.
Most crypto scams do not need technical hacking. They rely on trust, greed, fear or urgency. Once you know the common patterns, you will start seeing them everywhere.
Fake giveaways
A video, post or website claims that a famous person or company is "giving back" to the community: "Send 1 ETH and get 2 ETH back." Often it uses a deepfake video or a hacked verified account. Nobody gives away free money this way. Anything you send is gone.
A livestream shows a well-known founder announcing a "double your bitcoin" event with a QR code on screen. Viewers who send 0.1 BTC receive nothing. The video was old footage, and the channel had been hijacked an hour earlier.
Impersonation
Scammers pretend to be someone you trust: a friend whose account was hacked, a project team member, an exchange, a government agency or the police. They usually ask you to "move funds to a safe wallet", "verify" something or pay a fee.
Fake support
You post a question publicly, such as "My withdrawal is stuck." Within minutes, a "support agent" sends you a direct message. They seem helpful and then ask for your seed phrase, a 2FA code, or ask you to install remote-access software. Real support teams do not contact you first through private messages and never need your seed phrase.
Fake apps and websites
Copies of real wallet apps appear in app stores or via search adverts. The design looks perfect. When you enter your seed phrase or deposit funds, they go straight to the scammer. Download apps only through links on the official website, and check the developer name.
Fake airdrops
An airdrop is when a project gives free tokens to wallet holders. Scammers send worthless tokens to your wallet with a message like "Claim your reward at this site." The site asks you to connect your wallet and sign a transaction that actually gives it permission to drain your tokens.
If unknown tokens appear in your wallet, do not try to sell or "claim" them. Ignore them. Interacting with them is often how the trap works.
Simple rules
- No one sends free money in return for your money.
- Never share your seed phrase or 2FA codes with anyone.
- Ignore unsolicited direct messages about your account or investments.
- Reach companies only through their official website, typed or bookmarked yourself.
- When something feels urgent, slow down. Urgency is the scammer's best tool.
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