In the 20s, along with the rapid uptake of disruptive, digital cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, our society is also seeing an increasing number of scams. Knowing how to investigate cryptocurrency scams will support you in this turbulent terrain that is full of both opportunity and risk.
As more people invest in cryptocurrencies (or ‘crypto’ as they’re also known), scammers snatch at the opportunity to exploit investors who are earnestly trying to make some money in the brave new economy.
Because cryptocurrencies are complex and the technology to date has developed very quickly, it can be difficult to investigate and recover lost or stolen funds.
However, there is hope. By being informed as well as armed with the best information and knowledge of who can help, people can safeguard themselves against being scammed and potentially recover stolen cryptocurrency.
Understanding the Landscape
The first step in investigating a cryptocurrency scam is understanding how cryptocurrencies work and why they are attractive targets for scams.
Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual currencies secured by cryptography, making them nearly impossible to counterfeit. They operate on a decentralised network using technology called blockchain, a distributed ledger enforced by a disparate network of computers.
Navigating the Landscape
It’s one thing to have almost secure digital currencies in terms of the practice of counterfeiting, but how are they exchanged and transferred? And how are they still vulnerable to being used for scamming?
Cryptocurrencies operate on a virtual set of books or ledgers called blockchain. Because blockchain technology is administered by a network of computers in various locations, this means it is essentially decentralised.
Blockchain technology also enables anyone to view and verify the transactions within it. It holds a visible record of every instance where cryptocurrencies were sent or received.
But scammers get around this by creating fake trading apps to steal your money. They copy images and logos and show you fake growth of your funds. Meanwhile, they have taken your money and are moving it around on the blockchain, attempting to blur and complicate their digital footprints as they go.
This can make knowing how to investigate cryptocurrency scams tricky, but it’s far from impossible.
Decentralisation
For people who are concerned about large entities (government or corporate) having too much power and access to data, decentralisation can be a truly beautiful thing.
From a fraud investigation point of view, the blockchain, a decentralised digital infrastructure, actually makes tracing lost or stolen crypto a lot easier than tracing traditional money transfers.
Because of the transparency and accessibility of the decentralised blockchain ledger, it is relatively simple to obtain the transaction data on what has happened to the scammed assets.
What is more difficult, but crucial to the process of tracing stolen crypto is accessing specific information about the wallets it is being moved to on the blockchain; where geographically it is withdrawn as fiat currency (traditional money); and who the entities are that are moving and withdrawing the funds.
This is done by accessing what is called attribution data.
Attribution data can link transactions to fraudulent entities and disingenuous schemes, as well as to fiat off-ramps where the scammers will either convert the stolen currency into other cryptocurrencies or into fiat money.
Identifying Cryptocurrency Scams
Cryptocurrency scams are a shapeshifting beast, presenting everything from fake Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) to Ponzi schemes masked as mining pools.
It is a vital aspect of knowing how to investigate cryptocurrency scams to look for red flags. These include projects that promise guaranteed returns, new cryptocurrencies, and any pressure to recruit others into a scheme.
Another tactic scammers use is flooding social media with promotions and fake news articles. They often use manipulated images and footage of famous people supposedly endorsing their scheme. Psychologically, this dark practice attempts to exploit the natural fear of missing out (FOMO) that many people have.
And then comes the double dip.
The very same scammers who tricked you into giving them your hard-earned money, will likely contact you again after you’ve realised it’s a scam. This time, under a different company name, they will try to trick you into believing they can recover your loss. If it wasn’t enough that they stole from you in the first instance, now they are trying to squeeze the last of your money from you. Needless to say, it pays to be very vigilant at all times.
Take Precautionary Measures
Before investing in any cryptocurrency project, conduct thorough research. Leave no stone unturned in verifying the project’s legitimacy. This means rigorously checking the credentials of all individuals involved and being highly sceptical of any investment that promises quick and/or large returns.
It is also absolutely vital that you keep your digital assets in a secure wallet.
And if any individual and entity makes you an unsolicited offer, subject them to the same degree of scrutiny you would to someone coming to the front door of your home and asking you to sign over savings to them.
So, You’ve Invested in a Scam
If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a cryptocurrency scam, it’s important to act quickly. Start by collecting all available information related to the scam, including transaction records, communication with the scammers, and any other relevant information. Report the scam to relevant authorities in your country, such as the financial regulator, cybercrime units or national fraud reporting centres.
Recovering funds lost to cryptocurrency scams can be difficult but not impossible, especially if you don’t waste valuable time. You must quickly collect all available information related to the scam, including:
- Transaction records
- Communication with the scammers
- Any other relevant information
Don’t get mad, get organised!
Next, crypto scam victims have the option of approaching a firm that is a specialist in knowing how to investigate cryptocurrency scams.
At Cybertrace, we are known for this expertise. We help cryptocurrency scam victims by using special blockchain analysis tools created by Chainalysis. These help us trace where stolen funds have been moved or converted into different cryptocurrencies or fiat currencies.
In the bigger scheme of things, Chainalysis has identified more than 65,000 unique entities on the blockchain, 1 billion addresses clustered and has helped recovered $11 billion in stolen funds. Indeed, Cybertace has friends in high places!
It’s important to know too, that in some instances, depending on the jurisdiction and the complexity of the same, legal action can be taken to freeze and recover assets.
In any case, having records that are as clear as possible, of all communications and transactions with, and to, the scamming entity will aid in the process of funds recovery and the pursuit of justice.
Cybertrace is Skilled at Knowing How to Investigate Cryptocurrency Scams
Cybertrace is experienced and highly skilled at breaking open crypto currency scams. Engaging us can significantly increase your chances of navigating the situation effectively.
Cybertrace has
- Mastery of advanced technologies for analysing blockchain
- Overall forensic capabilities in addressing cybercrime
- A network of international crime-fighting contacts
Because of this, we stand at the forefront of investigating digital currency fraud.
Contacting Cybertrace is straightforward and will get the process of tracing your stolen funds moving as quickly as possible.
We are contactable via our website, via email, or by phone. Use our contact form which is specifically designed for fast reporting of cryptocurrency scams.
This form guides you through providing all the necessary information we need to start the investigation.
Whether you’re at the initial stages of an investment and you feel suspicious, or have fallen victim to a scam, our approachable team is ready to offer the support and guidance you need to move towards resolution.
Metí dinero en este sitio de inversión de criptomonedas y cuando he retirado no me llega el retiro. Se queda todo el rato under review y el servicio de atención al cliente no funciona.
I have invested money on the magctra (.) com. Now I am trying to withdraw funds but it is over 5 days and it has not arrived to my wallet. I contacted the customer service but they told me my withdrawal is stock on blockchain. Is there a way to check this and maybe recover the funds?
Hi Mark,
Our team has reached out via email.