📚 EDUCATIONAL CONTENT ONLY: This site provides general information about cryptocurrency security. We are NOT affiliated with Ledger, Trezor, or any wallet manufacturer. NOT financial advice.
Common Crypto Scams

Learn to recognize and avoid cryptocurrency scams that target wallet users.

⚠️ Stay Vigilant

Crypto scams are sophisticated and constantly evolving. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. When in doubt, don't act.

1. Seed Phrase Phishing

The most dangerous scam. Scammers create fake websites or apps that ask you to enter your seed phrase.

How It Works

  • Fake website mimics Ledger/Trezor/etc
  • Claims you need to "verify" or "sync" your wallet
  • Asks you to enter your 24 words
  • Scammer immediately drains your wallet

Protection

🛡️ Golden Rule

NEVER enter your seed phrase on any website or app. Legitimate wallet software NEVER asks for your full seed online. Your seed should only be entered on the hardware device itself during recovery.

2. Fake Support Scams

Scammers pose as customer support on social media, especially Twitter and Telegram.

Warning Signs

  • Unsolicited DMs from "support"
  • Accounts with slight name variations
  • Asking to "validate" or "sync" your wallet
  • Sending links to fake support sites

Protection

  • Official support NEVER DMs first
  • Use only official support channels from manufacturer website
  • Ledger, Trezor, etc. will NEVER ask for your seed

3. Fake Hardware Wallets

Counterfeit or tampered devices sold through unauthorized channels.

Dangers

  • Device may come with pre-set seed (scammer has it)
  • Modified firmware that leaks your keys
  • Looks identical to genuine device

Protection

  • Only buy from official websites
  • Never buy "used" or from Amazon/eBay
  • Device should generate NEW seed on setup
  • Check tamper-evident packaging

4. Fake Wallet Apps

Malicious apps in app stores that mimic legitimate wallet software.

How They Work

  • Look identical to Ledger Live, Trezor Suite, etc.
  • May have fake positive reviews
  • Steal seed phrases or private keys

Protection

  • Download only from official manufacturer website
  • Verify the developer name carefully
  • Check official social media for app links

5. Clipboard Hijacking

Malware that changes cryptocurrency addresses when you copy/paste.

How It Works

  • You copy a receiving address
  • Malware detects it's a crypto address
  • Replaces with scammer's address
  • You send crypto to wrong address

Protection

  • Always verify on hardware wallet screen
  • Double-check first and last characters
  • Use QR codes when possible
  • Keep computer malware-free

6. Recovery Service Scams

Fake services claiming to recover lost crypto or forgotten seeds.

The Truth

  • If you lost your seed, funds are gone forever
  • No one can "crack" or "recover" your wallet
  • Anyone claiming they can is a scammer

7. Airdrop Scams

Fake free tokens that require "connecting" your wallet to claim.

How They Work

  • Promise free tokens or NFTs
  • Require connecting wallet to malicious site
  • Steal your assets through approvals

Protection

  • If you didn't expect it, it's probably a scam
  • Don't connect wallet to unknown sites
  • Be skeptical of "free" anything

Red Flags Summary

  • 🚩 Anyone asking for your seed phrase
  • 🚩 Unsolicited DMs from "support"
  • 🚩 Urgent security warnings requiring action
  • 🚩 Too good to be true offers
  • 🚩 Links in emails or social media
  • 🚩 Pressure to act quickly
  • 🚩 Hardware wallet with seed already included

⚠️ When In Doubt

Stop and verify through official channels. Never rush. Scammers create urgency to prevent you from thinking clearly. This is educational content - we are NOT affiliated with any manufacturer.