Crypto Scams Unmasked: How to Stay One Step Ahead of Fraudsters
Scammers and fraudsters have existed for as long as anyone can remember, but as technology evolves, so do their tactics and methods. It’s even worse in the crypto space because they can prey on people’s unresolved issues or lack of knowledge to scam them of their cryptocurrencies.
With crypto becoming more widely accepted and the present bull market making many people millionaires, it’s crucial that you know how to protect yourself from lurking scammers. The current $TON airdrop on Roqqu is a hotbed for these bad actors, who pretend to be Roqqu’s support staff.
These fraudsters message customers on WhatsApp claiming they’ve won a certain amount of $TON and tell the unsuspecting user to click a dubious link to claim the airdrop. Conversations like these raise many red flags, but we’ll discuss further details in this guide. Let’s explore some common scams and how to stay safe — because staying one step ahead of fraudsters is key.
Common Types of Crypto Scams
1. Phishing Scams
I’ve seen phishing scams in many forms — fake emails, websites, and messages designed to steal login details or private keys (2FA). These scams are sneaky and often pretend to be from trusted platforms like Roqqu.
For example, I once got a message from someone claiming to be a customer support staff member from Roqqu (they usually pick the name of a real CS staff member, past or present, and use their DP). This scammer asked if I was having issues with my Roqqu account and told me to click on a weird link that looked nothing like Roqqu’s website to “secure my account.”
There were so many things wrong with that message, the number one being that Roqqu would never send you a link to “secure” your account, let alone message you on WhatsApp.
I knew something was off, so I ignored the message, reported it, and blocked the user.
Some people with real issues might not pay attention to these red flags or might be in a hurry to resolve their problems, so they’d engage and click the link. When they do, they’d find a cloned Roqqu website, input their login details (which the scammers would record on their backend), and compromise their accounts.
Rule of Thumb:
- You should never click on links in unsolicited messages.
- Always double-check URLs and ignore anything that looks suspicious.
- Confirm the URL before inputting your login details into any website
And this brings us to the next type of scam, which is an extension of this first one.
2. Clone Phishing
Clone phishing is a more advanced scam I’ve encountered. Scammers create fake websites or emails that look nearly identical to the real thing.
Imagine this: A fraudster creates a fake version of the Roqqu website, adding something like “-wallet” to the domain name — so instead of Roqqupay.com, they use Roqqu-wallet.com.
Some scammers don’t even take the time to correct the spelling, so instead of “Roqqu,” you’d see variations like “Roqque” or “Roqu.”
You might receive a message saying something like:
“We noticed suspicious activity on your account. Please log in immediately at Roqque-wallet.com to secure your account, or click the link to claim a reward.”
Although everything on this fake page may look like the real Roqqu, entering your details here means giving them to scammers, when these scammers get your login information from the backend, they first change your password and lock you out of your account.
How to Stay Safe:
- You should always type Roqqupay.com directly into your browser instead of clicking on links.
- Always look for HTTPS (the padlock icon) to confirm the site is secure.
- If something feels rushed or overly urgent, take a step back. The Roqqu support team will never rush or pressure you to provide sensitive information.
3. Investment Scams
Early on, I learned to spot investment scams that promise huge, guaranteed returns. Scammers often pressure you to send crypto to their wallets, claiming they’ll “invest” it for you. Spoiler alert: They just take your money and disappear.
One time, I saw a “crypto guru” advertising a scheme that promised to double my Bitcoin in 24 hours. It sounded amazing — too amazing, actually. A quick search revealed the whole operation was a scam.
How to Spot:
- Unrealistic profit claims (like doubling your money in a day).
- Vague or nonexistent details about the investment plan.
- Pressure to send funds quickly without time for proper research.
4. Giveaway Scams
Giveaway scams are everywhere, especially on social media. Scammers have impersonated public figures or companies, including Roqqu, to promote fake giveaways. They claim you’ll get free crypto if you send some first, or they offer the free crypto and tell you to click a phishing link to claim it.
Whenever I see these, I know to stay far away — legit companies never ask you to send money to receive money. And if you genuinely participated in a giveaway, Roqqu will announce it on its verified social media pages.
How to Protect Yourself
The good news is that you can avoid falling victim to scams by staying vigilant:
- Always verify website URLs and email addresses before entering sensitive information. Double-check for spelling errors.
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
- Never share private keys, passwords, or 2FA codes with anyone.
- Research any project or platform before investing.
The Importance of 2 Factor Authentication (2FA)
One of the best lessons I’ve learned is how crucial two-factor authentication (2FA) is for keeping my accounts secure. It’s like having a second lock on the door.
Even if someone manages to get my password, they can’t move my funds without the second factor — usually, a code sent to my phone or generated by an authenticator app.
With 2FA, I’ve noticed:
- It’s harder for scammers to break in. Even if they phish for your login details, they can’t proceed without the 2FA code.
Third-party 2FA codes from authenticator apps like Authy, Google Authenticator, and Microsoft Authenticator are some of the most secure options. They generate one-time codes that refresh every 30 seconds, making your account highly secure.
Final Words
Roqqu has become my go-to platform for crypto, and one of the reasons is their dedication to user safety. I know Roqqu would never ask me for my private keys, 2FA codes, or sensitive information. They’d also never message me on WhatsApp or Telegram, claim I’ve won something, or click on a phishing link.
Whenever there’s an announcement or update, or I need to complain about an issue, I either message support on the App’s Live Chat or go to the verified social media channels:
- Twitter: @roqqupay
- Instagram: @roqquhq and @roqqupayofficial
- Facebook: Roqqu
By staying informed and cautious, I’ve been able to enjoy my crypto journey without falling victim to scams. And trust me, it feels great knowing I’m in control.
