Free tool

Crypto scam red-flag check

Last reviewed: October 8, 2026

Got a message, an offer or a call about crypto? Answer these 10 questions. Your answers stay on this page. They are not saved or sent.

1 Has anyone asked for your seed phrase, recovery words or private key?

Yes No Not sure

2 Do you have to pay a fee, tax or “unlock” charge before you can withdraw your own money?

Yes No Not sure

3 Has someone asked you to share your screen or install a remote-access app?

Yes No Not sure

4 Is a “bank”, “government agency” or “support team” telling you to move money into crypto or to a crypto ATM to keep it safe?

Yes No Not sure

5 Did a stranger bring up crypto first, by text, social media, a dating app or a “wrong number” message?

Yes No Not sure

6 Are you promised guaranteed, risk-free or very high returns?

Yes No Not sure

7 Are you being rushed, or told the chance ends today?

Yes No Not sure

8 Are you asked to keep this secret from family, friends or your bank?

Yes No Not sure

9 Were you sent a link, website or app to use, instead of finding the official one yourself?

Yes No Not sure

10 Is someone offering to recover crypto you already lost, for a fee?

Yes No Not sure

If something feels wrong

Stop and do not send anything. Crypto payments usually cannot be reversed.
Talk to someone you trust before you act, away from the person contacting you.
Contact the real company yourself using a phone number or website you look up, not one they gave you.
Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the FBI at IC3.gov.

This check teaches common warning signs. It cannot prove that something is safe. When in doubt, do not send.

Education only. Not investment advice. We do not pick coins.

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