Today, consumers have to be on the lookout for an almost limitless amount of financial frauds, but after digital currency, or crypto, gained popularity, that number skyrocketed. According to an old Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report, over 46,000 people stated that they lost over $1 billion in crypto to different scams between January 2021 and June 2022, and this number has only gone up over time.

When it comes to enticing innocent people into a trap, stealing their money, or compelling them into disclosing personal information, scammers are highly innovative. Because of this, many crypto scams incorporate impersonation in addition to various skillfully crafted lies that are frequently customized depending on the victim they are trying to deceive.

With the recent surge in Bitcoin’s price and the crypto market experiencing an upswing, scammers are on the lookout for innocent people. Everybody can feel the bullish trend, which will ultimately result in the launch of many new crypto projects. Various investment opportunities will knock on the door of investors, along with some of them being in bad faith. One common scam is fake Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs).

In this blog, let’s have a brief overview of this common scam, which is on the rise with an incoming bull market. We’ll shed light on the dangers of fake ICOs and offer notable insights on how to protect your investments from fraudulent schemes.

Understanding Fake ICOs

A fake Initial Coin Offering (ICO) scam is a deceptive scheme where fraudsters create a fictitious crypto project, market it as a legitimate investment opportunity, and then disappear with the funds they collect from unsuspecting investors. To guard against these scams, it’s essential to comprehend their modus operandi.

Working of Fake ICOs

Step 1: Creation of a Fake Project

Scammers start by establishing a fake crypto project with a professional-looking website, a well-crafted whitepaper, and a strong social media presence. They might even employ convincing branding and logos to deceive potential investors into thinking the project is legitimate.

Step 2: Promotion

These fraudulent actors aggressively market their fake ICOs through multiple channels, including social media, email marketing, online forums, and sometimes even paid advertisements. To instill trust, they may use phony endorsements from celebrities or industry experts.

Step 3: False Promises

To lure investors, scammers make enticing promises, such as guaranteed high returns on investment (ROI), revolutionary technology, or exclusive early access to the crypto. They might also claim that the ICO is backed by a reputable team or company, further blurring the lines between real and fake projects.

Step 4: Token Sale

During the ICO period, scammers encourage investors to purchase fake tokens using popular crypto like Bitcoin or Ethereum. They create a sense of urgency by claiming that the ICO has a limited-time offer or a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity, pressuring investors to act quickly.

Step 5: Disappearance

Once the scammers have collected a substantial amount of crypto from unsuspecting investors, they disappear. They shut down the website, delete social media accounts, and vanish from the internet, leaving investors with worthless tokens and significant losses.

Step 6: Losses for Investors

Unfortunately, investors who participated in fake ICOs lose their hard-earned cryptos, as their purchased tokens hold no real value. Recovering lost funds in such scams is often incredibly challenging, if not impossible.

So, this was about understanding how scammers work on fake ICOs and dupe people with their money. Let’s see how you can protect yourself from such a scam.

Protecting Yourself from Fake ICO Scams

Now that we’ve uncovered the tactics used by scammers let’s explore how you can protect yourself from falling victim to fake ICOs.

• Exercise Caution and Due Diligence: Before investing in any crypto project, always conduct thorough due diligence. Scrutinize the credentials of the project team, evaluate the practical use of the blockchain project, and assess its overall credibility.

• Beware of Unrealistic Promises: Be cautious of projects that promise guaranteed high returns with minimal risk. If an ICO’s claims seem too good to be true, they probably are. Avoid any investment that promises quick riches. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

• Don’t Rely Solely on Endorsements: Celebrity endorsements or recommendations from online influencers can be deceiving. Even well-known individuals can fall victim to scams or be incentivized to promote a fraudulent project. Always verify the legitimacy of the project independently.

• Use Reputable Exchanges: When participating in an ICO, use well-known and reputable crypto exchanges. Avoid unfamiliar or unregulated platforms, as they may not provide adequate security or investor protection.

• Stay Informed: Staying informed about the latest crypto developments is crucial, as scammers often exploit rapidly changing trends. Keep up with industry news, join reputable forums, and engage with the crypto community to remain vigilant against potential threats.

• Report Suspected Scams: If you encounter a suspected fake ICO or crypto scam, report it to the relevant authorities or regulatory bodies. Your vigilance can help protect others from falling into the same trap.

Conclusion

The crypto world is rife with opportunities, but it’s also a breeding ground for scams and fraud. Fake ICOs represent a significant threat to investors. But, by exercising caution, conducting due diligence, and staying well-informed, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these schemes. Remember, protecting your investments and assets in the crypto space is paramount, and it starts with being well-informed and vigilant.

Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency is not a legal tender and is currently unregulated. Kindly ensure that you undertake sufficient risk assessment when trading cryptocurrencies as they are often subject to high price volatility. The information provided in this section doesn't represent any investment advice or WazirX's official position. WazirX reserves the right in its sole discretion to amend or change this blog post at any time and for any reasons without prior notice.