Cryptocurrency has transformed how we save, spend, and invest money. But with this wave of innovation comes a new breed of scams—slick, high-tech, and harder to spot than ever. 

Scammers have leveled up, using polished websites, fake influencer videos, and deep knowledge of human behavior to pull off million-dollar schemes. One of the most notorious examples? A group called CryptoCore, which pulled in an estimated $3.8 million in early 2025 alone, according to the Q1 Gen Threat Report. 

Let’s unpack how crypto is being used to commit fraud—and most importantly, how you can protect yourself. 

 Crypto + crime: why it’s the perfect storm 

Crypto offers exciting benefits: speed, accessibility, and independence from banks. But the same things that make it attractive – like anonymous transactions and decentralized networks – also make it a perfect tool for scammers. 

Groups like CryptoCore are exploiting these features on a global scale. Think less “basement hacker” and more criminal enterprise – highly organized, data-driven, and disturbingly sophisticated. 

Scam tactics: the new playbook 

Here are just a few ways today’s crypto scams are tricking people: 

• Hijacking big news moments: Scammers love attention, and they know when the world is watching. During major events like political inaugurations or celebrity appearances, they launch fake “crypto giveaways,” pretending to be endorsed by public figures like Elon Musk. Victims are directed to sleek websites via QR codes or YouTube links and tricked into sending crypto with the promise of doubled returns. Spoiler: there’s no return. 
• Creating ultra-convincing fake sites: Forget the sketchy pop-ups and broken links of scams past. Today’s fraudulent websites are clean, fast, and professional – right down to the logos, language, and layout. They even use realistic domain names and fake endorsements from recognizable names to build trust fast.
• Laundering through anonymous wallets: Once money is stolen, it’s often moved through countless anonymous wallets in a process called "mixing" – making it nearly impossible to trace. In Q1 2025 alone, CryptoCore received received more than 2,200 transactions from victims, helping investigators estimate the amount stolen. But that only shows part of the picture, the laundering process that follows remain largely hidden. 
• Using AI and data to target you: These groups aren’t guessing. They use real-time data, behavioral insights, and even deepfake videos to make their scams more believable and more personal. 

5 Simple ways to stay safe from crypto scams 

Want to protect your money? Start with these five actions: 

1. Be skeptical of big promises: If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Real crypto investing involves risk and research – not guaranteed double-your-money deals.  
2. Watch out for impersonators: Scammers often impersonate real companies, influencers, or support staff. Double-check usernames, domain names, and communication styles — small differences can reveal big red flags.
3. Use secure wallets: Enable two-factor authentication, diversify your wallets, and avoid storing large amounts of crypto in one place.
4. Avoid direct messages offering investments: If someone randomly contacts you with a crypto opportunity, it's almost always a scam — even if the profile looks legit.
5. Learn before you trade: The best defense is knowledge. Understand how crypto works and stay up to date on common scams. Education is your strongest currency. 

Who’s responsible for stopping this? Everyone. 

Crypto is still evolving – and so is the responsibility for keeping it safe. It’s not just up to governments or developers. From casual users to industry leaders, we all have a role to play in building a more secure ecosystem. 

That means better threat detection, smarter design, and a culture of caution and curiosity. 

Crypto isn’t the problem – complacency is  

Crypto has the power to transform lives, expand financial access, and drive innovation. But we can’t ignore the risks. By staying informed, asking questions, and taking security seriously, we can protect ourselves – and help crypto reach its full potential. 

 Want to stay ahead of crypto scams? 

Follow trusted sources, share tips with your community, and stay curious. Fraud thrives in silence. Let’s make sure it doesn’t stand a chance.