How-to guide
How to spot a crypto or investment scam
If it guarantees profit, it's a scam. Investment and crypto scams promise returns that are impossible, then make it hard to withdraw once you've deposited.
The red flags
These signals show up in nearly every investment scam:
- Guaranteed or unusually high returns with "no risk".
- A "mentor", celebrity endorsement, or stranger in your DMs.
- An unknown platform and pressure to deposit fast.
- Fees or taxes demanded before you can withdraw your "profits".
Before you deposit
Verify the platform is registered, never let anyone trade on your behalf, and start from the assumption that guaranteed returns don't exist. Check the pitch with Scam Doctor first.
Frequently asked questions
What is a "pig butchering" scam?
A long-game scam where someone builds a relationship, then lures you into a fake crypto investment, lets you "win" small at first, and disappears once you deposit big.
Can I get my crypto back after a scam?
It's very difficult — crypto transfers are irreversible. Report it to the FTC and your exchange immediately, and never pay a "recovery service" promising to retrieve it (that's a second scam).