Phishing and fraud in crypto exchange

Crypto exchange is a tempting target for scammers: transfers are irreversible, and the victim is often in a hurry. Let's go over common scams and simple protection rules.

Typical scams

• Fake look-alike site. A copy of a known exchanger/monitor on a similar domain. Check the address bar character by character.
• Address swapping. A virus replaces the copied address in the clipboard with the scammer's. Always verify the first and last characters of the address before sending.
• A «too good» rate. An unrealistically good rate is bait. An honest exchanger has a reserve, rating and history.
• Seed-phrase phishing. A site «for recovery/verification» asks for your seed phrase. Never enter it anywhere for anyone — it's access to all funds.
• P2P fraud bypassing the guarantor. A request to transfer «directly, without escrow». Work only through the platform's escrow.

Protection rules

1. Open an exchanger from a monitor with a rating, not from ads/links in private messages.
2. Check the domain and HTTPS; don't follow links from emails/chats «from support».
3. Verify the recipient's address before and after pasting.
4. Never share your seed phrase, private key or codes.
5. For incoming large crypto — an AML check.

Signs of a scam

• Pressure with urgency and a «rate that's about to go».
• A request for prepayment/«unlock» before payout.
• Luring you out of the guarantor platform into private chat.
• A request for wallet access or the seed.

In short

• Transfers are irreversible — check the address, domain and reputation in advance.
• Don't enter your seed phrase and keys anywhere for anyone.
• Work through rated exchangers and escrow.

How to choose safely — 7 signs of a reliable exchanger. Terms — in the glossary.