Cryptocurrency
and arbitrage

What is a scam in cryptocurrency: main types of fraud

Home » blog » What is a scam in cryptocurrency: main types of fraud

At first, it always seems like blockchain is a bastion of justice, and bitcoin is a digital ark. But crypto scams shatter illusions without warning. It doesn’t make noise like a banking crisis, doesn’t bring down exchange walls like in 2008, but quietly infiltrates through Telegram, Discord, email, and personal wallets.

In 2024, the global volume of funds stolen through cryptocurrency schemes exceeded $9.9 billion. This is more than the GDP of some countries. Cryptocurrency fraud is growing exponentially, outpacing both token demand and supply. The reason lies in anonymity, global reach, and the absence of centralized control.

en_1140x464.gif

What is a cryptocurrency scam

A cryptocurrency scam is a deliberate deception scheme aimed at stealing digital assets or personal data. Fraudsters exploit weaknesses in knowledge, trust, and technologies. Forms vary from fake ICOs to phishing and “gifts” on social networks.

Unlike traditional scams, cryptocurrency scams disguise themselves as innovations. They latch onto hype, use flashy names, manipulate trust in blockchain technologies. The result is lost investments, hacked wallets, stolen tokens, and destroyed data.

Types of Fraud

The scale of cryptocurrency scams is hard to overestimate. Every year, scammers come up with new forms of deception, adapting them to current trends. This article covers specific varieties that have gained wide popularity.

Phishing

Phishing attacks are digital traps aimed at stealing logins, passwords, and private keys. Fraudsters create exact copies of popular exchange or wallet sites, send emails with fake links. Phishing exploits psychology: urgent notifications, bonuses, threats. Clicking on a link without verification is a potential data leak.

Example: In 2023, data of over 75,000 users was stolen through a fake MetaMask page. Losses amounted to around $24 million.

Giveaways and Fake Giveaways

One of the most popular scenarios is the promise of free tokens for a minor “identity verification” or fee payment. In return, there is emptiness. Cryptocurrency fraud in such “giveaways” is particularly popular on Twitter and YouTube. Fake Elon Musk profiles, promises of doubling transfers are classics.

ICO Scams

Fraudulent ICOs actively dominated the market in 2017–2019. Creators offered investments in “revolutionary projects,” collected millions in ETH, and disappeared. Cryptocurrency scams through ICOs are easily recognizable by exaggerated promises, lack of MVP, anonymous teams, and aggressive marketing.

Example: PlexCoin is one of the most famous scam projects. A Canadian startup promised a 1,354% profit. Those who invested $15 million never saw any profit or refunds.

Pyramids

Financial pyramids have transformed into a digital form. Tokens instead of money. “Blockchain gurus” instead of directors. Fake pyramid projects disguised as cryptocurrency investments: risks are hidden, benefits exaggerated.

BitConnect is a typical example. Organizers promised up to 40% monthly profit. The token price rose to $463, then crashed to zero within a day. Damage exceeded $3 billion.

Wallet and Exchange Hacks

Hacking is a direct path to deception in the blockchain environment. In 2022, hackers stole $615 million from the Ronin platform linked to Axie Infinity. The reason was compromised private keys. Exchanges and wallets remain vulnerable. Without two-factor authentication and cold storage, security drops to zero.

Scams here are not only in direct theft but also in selling “secure wallets” that steal data after installation.

Fake Apps and Websites

Cryptocurrency scams often penetrate through fake apps on Google Play and the App Store. These programs masquerade as known wallets, exchanges, or trading platforms.

In 2021, scammers created 168 fake versions of Coinbase, installed over 10,000 times. Damage amounted to around $1 million.

Social Engineering

Fraudsters establish contact, persuade, instill trust. The goal is access to wallets, data, tokens. They often use fake profiles of experts, analysts, traders. Cryptocurrency scams through social engineering target not devices but logical weaknesses.

How to Protect Yourself and Avoid Scammers’ Tricks

To avoid crypto scams, it’s essential not just to know the threats but to act preemptively. Errors in platform selection, carelessness with tokens, and trust in unverified sources often lead to losses. The level of protection directly depends on discipline and digital hygiene.

How to avoid crypto scams:

gizbo_1140_362_en.webp
  1. Verify websites and apps. Use only official sources. Check domains and SSL certificates.
  2. Store tokens in cold wallets. Hardware devices reduce the risk of hacking significantly.
  3. Analyze projects. Study the team, look at GitHub, check the whitepaper and code audits.
  4. Disable automatic transactions. Many hacks occur through invisible permissions in smart contracts.
  5. Use two-factor authentication. Enhances security for exchange and wallet access.
  6. Filter information. Do not trust “experts” on Telegram and Discord. Verify data from multiple sources.
  7. Do not store large sums on exchanges. Any centralized platform remains a potential hacking point.

Information security is the foundation of survival in the digital environment. Security does not arise on its own: it is created by habits and knowledge.

Cryptocurrency Scams: Conclusions

Cryptocurrency scams remain a constant and serious threat to all market participants, especially those seeking quick profits without a deep understanding of risks. To effectively counter this threat, attentiveness and a critical approach to any information and offers are crucial. Only thorough knowledge of protection mechanisms, the ability to recognize signs of fraud, and continuous improvement of digital literacy will help you preserve your assets and avoid significant financial losses in this dynamic yet risky world.

Related posts

Cryptocurrency arbitrage is a process in which a trader buys an asset on one exchange at a lower price and sells it on another platform at a higher price. This method allows you to profit from price differences without having to wait for the growth of the global market or the price of a specific cryptocurrency.

How does cryptocurrency arbitrage work? The basis for this is that currency rates on different exchanges can differ significantly due to different liquidity levels, reaction times, and technical factors. Let’s take a closer look.

gizbo_1140_362_en.webp

How cryptocurrency arbitrage works: useful information for beginners

Suppose the price of BTC on Binance is 3,100,000 rubles and on Kraken it is 3,110,000 rubles. If you buy Bitcoin on the first platform and immediately sell it on the second, you will make a profit of 10,000 rubles per transaction, excluding commissions and transfer fees. Arbitrage performs an important function: it ensures equal interest rates on the market, thereby maintaining its stability and liquidity.

Its simplicity makes the method accessible even to beginners. To be successful in this industry, quick decision-making, in-depth market analysis, and the use of effective price monitoring tools are required.

Types of cryptocurrency arbitrage and how they work

The income-generating system has several variants, each of which differs in complexity and potential profitability:

  1. In exchange arbitrage, you buy cryptocurrencies on one platform and sell them on another. For example, buy ETH on the Huobi exchange for 200,000 rubles and sell it on Binance for 202,000 rubles. The trader earns money from the difference of 2,000 rubles. The speed at which such actions are performed plays a decisive role.
  2. Intra-exchange arbitrage is based on the price difference within an exchange, but between different trading pairs. For example, you can buy BTC for USDT, then exchange BTC for ETH, and finally sell ETH for USDT. You will then make a profit thanks to the changes in the price relationship between these pairs. This method is less risky, but requires careful analysis.
  3. Triple arbitrage involves three different assets and is usually performed automatically by bots. For example, by buying BTC for USD, exchanging BTC for ETH, and selling ETH for USD. If the transaction is executed quickly and skillfully, the trader will make a profit from the price difference.
  4. Spoofing arbitrage involves using algorithms and bots to automatically find arbitrage opportunities.

How to work with exchanges correctly

How cryptocurrency arbitrage works: useful information for beginnersUnderstanding how cryptocurrency arbitrage works is especially important for beginners who are just getting started in the world of cryptocurrency trading.

What everyone should learn:

  1. Select reliable exchanges to trade with. Popular platforms such as Binance, Kraken, and Huobi have high liquidity and user-friendly interfaces. Beginner traders should create accounts on multiple exchanges and go through the verification process to quickly gain access to trading.
  2. Real-time monitoring of cryptocurrency prices. With the help of arbitrage calculators and specialised bots, you can automatically track price differences between exchanges. For example, the services of CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko can help you quickly identify promising opportunities.
  3. Make a trade. Buying an asset on one platform and quickly selling it on another minimises the delay. It is important to consider the fees for depositing and withdrawing funds so that you do not miss out on profits.
  4. Withdrawal of received profits. Beginner traders should learn how to optimise their trading time and costs to maximize their profitability.

Beginners often make the mistake of trading slowly or ignoring fees. By practicing with small amounts, you minimize the risks and gain valuable experience.

Risks of cryptocurrency arbitrage

Although there is potential to make money from exchange rate fluctuations, this method also carries certain risks. A successful trader must consider the following to minimize losses and protect their investments:

  1. High volatility of the crypto market. Prices can change within seconds and by the time the transaction is completed, the price difference can disappear. For example, if you buy BTC on one platform for RUB 3,100,000 and then try to sell it on another platform for RUB 3,110,000, you may not make a profit if the price drops during the transaction.
  2. Withdrawal and deposit fees also reduce the profitability of arbitrage. Exchanges charge fees for each transaction and blockchain networks charge fees to confirm transactions. By carefully calculating all costs, you can avoid losses and determine how profitable the transaction will be.
  3. Another major risk is transaction delays. Transfers between exchanges can take from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the traffic on the network. During this time, the price can change, reducing the potential profit to zero.
  4. Risk of account blocking. Some platforms can freeze funds if they suspect fraudulent activity or if verification requirements are not met.
  5. In addition, there is a risk of technical failures on the venues. Exchanges can temporarily suspend their operations to update their systems or due to DDoS attacks. As a result, the transaction may not be completed and no profit can be made.

Is it possible to make money with cryptocurrency arbitrage in 2024 and how?

Technology is evolving and the coin market is becoming increasingly competitive. However, there are still opportunities for arbitrage in cryptocurrencies, which raises the question of how the system works today.

In 2024, algorithmic arbitrage will gain popularity. By using specialized bots and algorithms, transactions can be executed within a fraction of a second. This minimizes the risks due to volatility. With tools such as Gekko or 3Commas, you can automate the process and achieve a stable profit.

The rise of crypto exchanges and trading platforms creates new arbitrage opportunities. For example, regional platforms often have different rates due to differences in supply and demand in the local market.

Institutional investors are also entering the market, increasing liquidity and stabilizing prices. However, the method remains accessible to private traders who want to react quickly to changes and use effective tools.

starda_1140_362_en.webp

Conclusion

Is it possible to make money with cryptocurrency arbitrage in 2024 and how?How cryptocurrency arbitrage works is a question that concerns both novice and professional traders. The system offers the opportunity to profit from the exchange rate differences between exchanges by using technological solutions and fast action. Successful arbitrage requires in-depth knowledge of the market, as well as the ability to react quickly to changes and the ability to take into account costs and risks.

The cryptocurrency market is reminiscent of the Wild West of the financial world: constant price fluctuations, uncertainty, but at the same time, enormous opportunities. In this context, cryptocurrency arbitrage is an ideal tool for those who want to use market volatility to their advantage. It is important to understand all types to understand how and where to maximize your profits on the Russian market. For people working in this field, knowledge is not just power: it is a way to outperform the competition, minimize risks, and maximize profits.

Cryptocurrency arbitrage basics for beginners

An economic term that originated in traditional markets and reached the world of cryptocurrencies. Its essence is simple: you profit from price differences between different exchanges or assets. For example, on the cryptocurrency market, it can look like this: you buy Bitcoin on one platform for $40,000 and sell it on another for $41,000. After deducting fees, you make a profit. In other words, this is a ticket to the world of trading for those who want to use simple systems with minimal risk.

raken__1140_362_en.webp

For example, in Russia, some exchanges have prices that can differ significantly from those on international platforms. Local users can take advantage of this difference and make money.

Why is arbitrage so relevant in Russia?

The Russian cryptocurrency market has unique challenges, ranging from legal uncertainty to geopolitical instability. But the strange thing is that these factors provide opportunities for those who want to trade quickly and efficiently. Different exchanges, both international and local, have different prices, creating a favorable environment for arbitrage in cryptocurrencies within an exchange. For example, prices on large international platforms can be higher due to high demand, while prices on domestic platforms can be lower due to lower activity.

Types of cryptocurrency arbitrage: a detailed analysis

Cryptocurrency arbitrage between exchanges is a classic option where a trader buys digital currency on one exchange and sells it on another. This type of arbitrage is relevant in Russia because of the different platforms and price fluctuations that exist there. For example, you can buy Bitcoin on a Russian exchange for $45,000 and sell it on a Western exchange for $46,000. The advantages are clear.

How does this work in practice?

  1. Buy Bitcoin on a Russian exchange with a low commission.
  2. Listing of an asset on an international stock exchange.
  3. Sell Bitcoin on a foreign platform and receive profit minus the commission.

Triangular arbitrage: complex schemes for advanced traders

Cryptocurrency arbitrage basics for beginnersA more complex strategy that uses three different cryptocurrency pairs on one or more exchanges. It is important to react quickly to exchange rate changes, because the essence of this arbitrage is to close the trading cycle with a profit by taking advantage of exchange rate differences between currencies.

Example: On an exchange, a trader buys Ethereum for Bitcoin, then sells Ethereum for USDT, and then exchanges USDT for Bitcoin. At the end of the cycle, the trader has more Bitcoin than at the beginning, due to the price volatility at each stage.

Advanced arbitrage techniques

Statistical and spatial. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Statistical arbitrage in cryptocurrencies: trading with mathematics

A strategy that requires a serious approach to data analysis. Traders who use this method rely on mathematical models that allow them to find correlations between the prices of different exchanges and cryptocurrencies. The programs analyze millions of trades and identify profitable arbitrage opportunities in real time. This type of arbitrage is only available to those who have automated trading systems and experience using algorithms.

Example: According to a mathematical analysis, a trader buys one cryptocurrency and sells another at the same time. Super-fast algorithms are used to profit from a small but stable price difference.

Space arbitrage: making money from global differences

The method uses price differences between exchanges in different geographical locations. The price difference between Bitcoin on an exchange in Asia and one in Europe can be up to several percent. This allows traders to profit from this price difference. This method requires knowledge of the global crypto market and the ability to react, as prices can change within minutes.

Example: A trader buys Bitcoins at 3:00 AM (Moscow time) on a Japanese exchange, when the price is at its lowest, and sells them a few hours later on an American exchange, when the price has risen.

Risks and opportunities of cryptocurrency arbitrage in Russia

First, the price can change within a fraction of a second during an ongoing transaction. Second, withdrawal fees can be higher than expected, which reduces profits. Third, we should not forget about tax and legal aspects, which are still a gray area in Russia.

How to minimize risks?

monro_1140_362_en.webp
  1. Use exchanges with minimal fees.
  2. React quickly to exchange rate changes using automated tools.
  3. Work with reliable platforms and avoid fraudulent practices.
  4. Trade on highly liquid exchanges to avoid withdrawal delays.

Opportunities you should not miss

Advanced arbitrage techniquesCryptocurrency arbitrage offers real profit opportunities, especially in the Russian market, where cryptocurrencies are not yet fully integrated into the financial system. Due to the unique situation associated with price differences on local and international exchanges, arbitrage has become an important tool for those who want to make money with cryptocurrencies.