What it looks like

Most crypto fraud relies on the same few pressures: urgency, secrecy, returns that seem too good, and a request to pay in a way that's hard to reverse. The checklist below covers the ones our investigators see most.

Red flags

  • You're asked for your seed phrase or private key. Never share it, with anyone.
  • You have to act now. Legitimate opportunities don't disappear in minutes.
  • The returns are promised or unusually steady. Real markets go up and down.
  • You were contacted first, by a stranger, an "agent" or a "support" account.
  • You must pay a fee to withdraw your own funds.
  • You're asked to keep it secret from family, friends or your bank.
  • The platform can't be verified: no company details, a new domain, or a name close to a known brand.
  • Payment must be in crypto, gift cards or wire transfer only.

What to do next

  1. Pause. Talk to someone you trust before sending anything.
  2. Check the wallet address with our wallet checker and the site with our website checker.
  3. If you've already sent funds, keep your records and start a free assessment.