Bitcoin Scams and How to Spot Them

Bitcoin scams are quite common and as technology continues to advance, the number of internet fraudsters also increases. Cryptocurrency is generally not well understood by many people and it often takes a while for most beginners to get a hang of it. From otherwise well-known scams applied to cryptocurrencies and Bitcoin such as Ponzi schemes to others involving the likes of bitqs, it is important to always be aware of the potential for scams involving cryptocurrencies and investments.  This makes them an easy target to scammers, as these fraudsters are likely to take advantage. However, the reverse would be the case if you’re familiar with these scams and know how to avoid them.

Phishing Scam

This kind of scam is quite popular and is used in several industries beyond crypto. It involves receiving an email or text from someone claiming to be from your bank, or in this case, affiliated with your bitcoin. They might use familiar addresses or give little personal details to convince you that they are legit. To avoid this, ensure you check every email you get and be careful of the links you click. Check the URL to be sure it is the correct one; look for typos and ensure it has HTTPS and not just HTTP. In most cases, a fraudulent email would be obvious from the typos to ridiculous discounts and offers to entice you, and insecure websites.

If you’re a beginner looking to choose a bitcoin software, you should check for reviews on the software such as the Bitcoin System Review on learnbonds. This helps you understand the app better and also helps you see how credible it is. You must however be careful of where you read these reviews, as scammers could also make up theirs. Preferably, always stick to popular options rather than an unknown or new name.

Ponzi Schemes

Ponzi schemes are quite common and most people looking for a get-rich-quick scheme are likely to fall into the trap. This involves getting money from new investors to pay old investors and the cycle continues until it one-day crashes and is nowhere to be found. The newest investors often tend to be the culprits, as they are unable to get new investors to pay them.

A recent example is of three men who were arrested in 2019 for defrauding investors of $722 million. To avoid this, stay away from any form of Ponzi scheme, regardless of how juicy the offer may be. Getting good returns on your investment requires good knowledge of how investing in crypto works, following the trends, a proper entry and exit trade time, and giving it some time. If you’re looking for an easier way out, you might fall into a scam trap.

 

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Malware

You might just be one click away from giving away all your private details, including the private key to your wallet. Bitcoin can be used as a bait to get you to download or install software, which will make your computer vulnerable to scammers. To avoid this, ensure you don’t click on links you aren’t sure of or download any software that you don’t know of. Always do your research and stay informed, to avoid getting scammed.