Cryptocurrency Scams Are on the Rise: Here’s How to Stay Safe

Over the past few years, cryptocurrency scams have skyrocketed, costing consumers billions. These scams often promise quick profits and play on emotions, making them hard to spot. Whether you’re new to crypto or just curious, understanding how these scams work, and how to protect yourself, is essential.

How Cryptocurrency Scams Work

• The Pitch: Scammers often reach out through social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook, offering an investment opportunity that sounds too good to be true — because it is. Some have become so sophisticated, they can pose as government agencies or even spoof a loved one’s phone number and mimic their voice.
• The Hook: They may promise fast, high returns if you deposit money into a cryptocurrency ATM or send a wire transfer. Others use fear tactics, claiming you or someone you love could be in trouble if you don’t comply.
• The Pressure: They create urgency and play on emotions, making you feel like you’ll miss out, or that something bad will happen if you don’t act immediately.
• The Reality: Once you send the money, it’s gone. Cryptocurrency transactions are nearly impossible to reverse.

Who They Target

Everyone. These scams don’t discriminate — they target all age groups and income levels. Whether you’re looking for a quick financial boost or have extra funds to invest, scammers know how to make their pitch sound convincing.

How To Protect Yourself

Keep these tips in mind:

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Never send money to someone you haven’t done business with before.
• Educate yourself on cryptocurrency before investing.
• Be caution – even with people you trust. Someone acting in good faith could unknowingly be part of a scam.
• Watch for urgency. Scammers thrive on pressure tactics.
• Cryptocurrency ATMs are red flag alerts. Requests involving these should raise immediate suspicion.
• Verify unusual calls. If a call from someone you know seems off, hang up and call them back directly.
• Confirm government communications. If you receive unexpected contact from a government agency, verify it by calling the number on an official “.gov” website or visiting a local office.
• Remember: Once the money is gone, it’s almost impossible to recover.

BCU Can Help

Know the basics: Explore free fraud prevention resources to ensure you’re up to date on the latest scams or listen to the Life. Money. You.^® Podcast episode about cybersecurity and financial wellness.

Before you invest: Get a second opinion. Our free, Certified Financial Coaches are here to help you navigate these tricky situations and protect your financial well-being.

If you’ve been a victim: You’re not alone. Schedule a free, one-on-one session with a Certified Financial Coach for guidance on taking the steps to regain financial confidence.

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About BCU: BCU is a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union that is fiercely dedicated to Empowering People To Discover Financial Freedom. With over $6B in assets, BCU is committed to providing a fast, easy, and secure banking experience along with extraordinary service to more than 360,000 members. The BCU field of membership includes employees and their families from Fortune 100 companies across the US and Puerto Rico. Membership is also open to individuals who live or work in Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico, as well as subscribers of BCU’s wholly owned Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO), Life. Money. You.^®. All BCU members enjoy lifetime access to financial services and well-being programs that inspire confidence through the brand promise “Here Today For Your Tomorrow.”

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