How to spot crypto scams: 7 warning signs
As of Oct 22, 2026
Most crypto scams follow the same pattern: a big promise, little time to think and a source you can't verify. If you know the warning signs, you're much less likely to fall for them.
1. Guaranteed returns
“10% a week, guaranteed” – that doesn't exist with crypto assets. Prices swing hard, even for the largest coins. Anyone promising a fixed return is hiding the risk or paying old investors with new investors' money.
2. Time pressure
“Today only”, “last spots”, “before everyone notices”: time pressure is meant to stop you from checking. A real opportunity doesn't vanish in five minutes.
3. The “secret” tip
If a tip is supposedly for a small circle but shows up in thousands of Telegram chats at once, it's advertising. Often the senders buy first and sell to those who follow the tip.
4. Unrealistic price targets
“This coin is going to $1” sounds harmless. Do the maths: price times circulating supply gives the market cap needed. Often the coin would then be bigger than Bitcoin – you can check that in seconds.
5. Strangers contact you
Real providers don't message you on WhatsApp, Instagram or dating apps to recommend a platform. A common pattern: weeks of friendly contact, then the “investment tip”.
6. Withdrawals only for a fee
The platform shows big gains, but to withdraw you first have to pay “taxes” or “fees”. That's a classic sign of a fake platform.
7. Celebrities and fake proof
Famous faces in ads, screenshots of balances, “testimonials”: all of this is easy to fake or generate with AI. Proof only counts if you can check it yourself.
How to check a tip yourself
- Do the price-target maths: what market cap would be needed?
- Look at the past: how much has the coin swung so far?
- Check the source: who profits if you buy?
- When in doubt: don't buy – test it without real money first.
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General information, not investment advice. Crypto assets are very volatile; you can lose everything.