Baskin Logic Crypto Academy

Scam library

Fake crypto support and impersonation scams

By Joshua Baskin, founder · Reviewed · Sources

How it works

You post a question about a stuck transfer. Minutes later, an “agent” messages you. Or you search for a support number and call one in a paid ad. They ask you to “validate” your wallet on a site, read out your 12 words, or install a remote-desktop app. Then they empty the wallet.

Red flags

  • They message you first after you post publicly.
  • They ask for your seed phrase, private key or a 2FA code.
  • They want you to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer or similar.
  • They create urgency: “your account will be frozen in 30 minutes”.

What to do

Contact support only from inside the official app or by typing the company’s address yourself. If you shared your seed phrase, move remaining funds to a brand-new wallet now.

In the US, report to the FBI at ic3.gov and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Elsewhere, report to your national police cyber unit and the platform involved. Keep screenshots, wallet addresses and transaction IDs.

Practise it

Train your eye in the Scam Spotter swipe game and the Wallet Security Escape Room.

Lesson game · earn XP

Check yourself: 3 quick questions

Perfect score = combo bonus. Each question returns in your spaced-repetition review.

Keep learning

Common questions

Will a real exchange ever ask for my seed phrase?

No. Nobody legitimate needs it.

Is a support number from search results safe?

Not always. Scammers buy ads. Use the official app’s help menu.

Sources

  1. FTC: What to know about cryptocurrency and scams
  2. CISA: Recognize and report phishing
  3. FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

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.