Scam library

Crypto scam library

Open the hack and scam tracker (WhatsApp and Telegram scams)

By Joshua Baskin, founder · Reviewed October 23, 2026 · Sources

The most common crypto scams, how each one works, the red flags, and exactly what to do. Free, plain English, updated with official sources.

• Key takeaway 1

  Crypto payments generally cannot be reversed. Stopping before you send is the only reliable protection.

  Source: FTC: What to know about cryptocurrency and scams

• Key takeaway 2

  Scammers often start with a text, a dating app, a job offer or a fake support account.

  Source: FTC: What to know about cryptocurrency and scams

The library

• Fake crypto exchange and trading apps
• Pig-butchering (relationship investment) scams
• Fake crypto support and impersonation scams
• Fake airdrops and approval drainers
• Crypto ATM (Bitcoin ATM) scams
• Crypto recovery scams
• Crypto job and “task” scams
• Address poisoning
• Clipboard clippers
• Giveaway scams
• Pump and dump
• Honeypot tokens

Five rules that stop most scams

1. Never share your seed phrase or private key. With anyone. Ever.
2. Never pay to withdraw, to get a job, or to recover money.
3. Nobody official takes payment at a crypto ATM.
4. Investing advice from someone you met online is a red flag.
5. Slow down. Urgency is the scammer’s main tool.

Train like a game

Scam Spotter: swipe real-world style messages as safe or scam. Escape Room: get out of five rooms without leaking your keys.

Keep learning

• Scam check tool
• How to spot a scam

Common questions

What is the most common crypto scam?

Investment scams, often starting from an online relationship, are among the most reported to the FBI and FTC.

What should I do first if I was scammed?

Stop sending money, secure your accounts, keep records and report it.

Sources

1. FTC: What to know about cryptocurrency and scams
2. FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
3. FinCEN Alert FIN-2023-Alert005: pig butchering scams (Sept 8, 2023)

Sources checked October 23, 2026. Rules change; check the official source before acting.

Education only. Not investment, tax or legal advice. We do not pick coins.