Why crypto suits scammers
A transfer cannot be reversed. With a bank card there is a chargeback; here there is nobody to complain to. Once the money is gone, it is gone.
On top of that, many people are new to this and do not know what is normal, so they find it hard to tell the unusual from the impossible.
The signs worth knowing
A request for your seed phrase or private key. No exchange, support desk, wallet or website ever asks for it. The moment someone does, the conversation is over.
A promise of a guaranteed return. Crypto swings from day to day and nobody can guarantee a profit. “A safe ten per cent a month” does not exist.
A demand that you send first. The classic version is “send one and I will return two”, often under the name of a well-known person or company. It is always a scam.
Time pressure. “The offer is valid for two more hours” exists so that you do not have time to check.
An account that contacts you out of nowhere. On Telegram, Instagram or by message — someone who does not know you and offers you earnings is not offering earnings.
Fake websites
A common scam is a copy of a well-known exchange’s site at an address that resembles the real one. So type the address yourself or keep it in your bookmarks, instead of clicking links from messages and adverts.
Before you enter any details, read the address in the browser letter by letter.
If you have already sent
Break off all further contact and send nothing more, however firmly they promise that the first amount will “unlock” the refund. That is where the second half of the money is lost.
Report the case to the authorities. The chances of recovery are small, but a report helps stop the scam reaching the next person.
If you gave someone your seed phrase, move whatever is left to a new wallet with a new phrase immediately.