Types of Cases We Handle
Educational resources on common digital fraud categories, warning signs, prevention strategies, and how we can help.
Cryptocurrency Fraud
Cryptocurrency fraud encompasses a wide range of schemes designed to steal digital assets through deception, manipulation, or technical exploitation. Common methods include fake investment platforms, Ponzi schemes, wallet drainers, and fraudulent token sales.
Warning Signs
- Promises of guaranteed high returns with no risk
- Pressure to invest quickly before an opportunity expires
- Requests to share private keys or seed phrases
- Unverified or anonymous project teams
- Complex investment structures with unclear mechanics
- Difficulty withdrawing funds from platforms
Prevention Tips
- Never share private keys or seed phrases with anyone
- Verify project teams and audit reports independently
- Use hardware wallets for significant holdings
- Research platforms thoroughly before depositing funds
- Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts
- Be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities
Evidence Checklist
- Transaction hashes and wallet addresses
- Screenshots of platform interfaces
- Email and chat communications
- Deposit and withdrawal records
- Project white papers and marketing materials
- Wallet connection logs
Related Services
Investment Fraud
Investment fraud involves schemes that deceive victims into investing money based on false or misleading information. In the digital asset space, this often takes the form of fake trading platforms, Ponzi schemes, and fraudulent yield farming protocols.
Warning Signs
- Guaranteed returns regardless of market conditions
- Referral bonuses that reward recruiting new investors
- Platforms with no verifiable regulatory registration
- Inability to withdraw principal or profits
- Fake performance dashboards showing impossible gains
Prevention Tips
- Verify regulatory registration of investment platforms
- Understand the underlying business model
- Be wary of returns that seem too good to be true
- Diversify investments across verified platforms
- Consult with financial advisors before large investments
Evidence Checklist
- Investment agreements and terms of service
- Deposit and transaction records
- Platform screenshots and marketing materials
- Communication with platform representatives
- Referral and bonus structure documentation
- Withdrawal request records and responses
Related Services
Romance Scams
Romance scams involve fraudsters building fake romantic relationships to manipulate victims into sending money or cryptocurrency. These scams are emotionally devastating and often involve significant financial losses.
Warning Signs
- Relationships that progress unusually quickly
- Requests for money due to fabricated emergencies
- Refusal to video chat or meet in person
- Profiles with stolen or overly perfect photos
- Requests to use specific payment methods or platforms
Prevention Tips
- Never send money to someone you haven't met in person
- Be cautious of relationships that move very quickly
- Reverse image search profile pictures
- Be suspicious of requests for cryptocurrency transfers
- Talk to friends or family about new online relationships
Evidence Checklist
- Chat logs and message histories
- Profile information and photos
- Payment and transfer records
- Platform or app details where contact began
- Email communications
- Social media profiles and connections
Related Services
Phishing
Phishing attacks use deceptive communications to trick victims into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, private keys, or seed phrases. These attacks are increasingly sophisticated and often target cryptocurrency holders specifically.
Warning Signs
- Urgent messages claiming account issues or rewards
- Emails with mismatched sender addresses
- Links to websites with slight URL variations
- Requests to verify wallet credentials
- Unexpected attachments or download requests
Prevention Tips
- Always verify sender email addresses carefully
- Type URLs directly instead of clicking links
- Use hardware wallets and avoid entering seed phrases online
- Enable email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
- Be skeptical of urgent or threatening messages
Evidence Checklist
- Original phishing emails with headers
- Screenshots of fake websites
- Wallet or account access logs
- Any downloaded files or attachments
- Browser history and cache
- Antivirus or security software logs
Related Services
Identity Theft
Identity theft in the digital asset space involves stealing personal information to gain unauthorized access to exchanges, wallets, or accounts. This can lead to direct theft of funds or fraudulent transactions conducted in the victim's name.
Warning Signs
- Unexpected account activity or login notifications
- Inability to access accounts with correct credentials
- Unfamiliar devices or locations in account logs
- Unexpected KYC or verification requests
- Missing funds or unauthorized transactions
Prevention Tips
- Use strong, unique passwords for every account
- Enable two-factor authentication everywhere
- Monitor account activity regularly
- Freeze credit reports if identity is compromised
- Be cautious about sharing personal information online
Evidence Checklist
- Identity documents and proof of identity
- Account access logs and IP addresses
- Unauthorized transaction records
- Communication with platforms about the breach
- Police report or identity theft affidavit
- Credit monitoring alerts
Related Services
Business Email Compromise
Business Email Compromise (BEC) involves attackers gaining access to or impersonating business email accounts to conduct fraudulent wire transfers or cryptocurrency payments. This is one of the most financially damaging forms of cybercrime.
Warning Signs
- Unexpected changes to payment instructions
- Emails with slightly modified domain names
- Urgent payment requests outside normal processes
- Requests for confidentiality or bypassing verification
- Changes in communication tone or style
Prevention Tips
- Verify payment changes through a secondary channel
- Implement multi-person approval for large transfers
- Use email authentication and anti-spoofing measures
- Train staff on BEC recognition and response
- Maintain updated incident response procedures
Evidence Checklist
- Original and modified email communications
- Email headers and routing information
- Payment transaction records
- Internal approval documentation
- IT security logs and access records
- Incident timeline and response actions
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Fake Online Marketplaces
Fake online marketplaces lure victims with attractive prices for goods or services, then disappear after receiving cryptocurrency payments. These scams are common in peer-to-peer trading and NFT marketplaces.
Warning Signs
- Prices significantly below market value
- No verifiable business registration or contact details
- Requests for payment outside platform escrow
- Poor website quality or copied content
- No customer reviews or suspicious review patterns
Prevention Tips
- Use established marketplaces with escrow protection
- Verify seller reputation and history
- Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true
- Use platform payment systems rather than direct transfers
- Research the marketplace before making purchases
Evidence Checklist
- Marketplace website screenshots and URLs
- Product listings and descriptions
- Payment transaction records
- Communication with sellers
- Order confirmation and tracking information
- Platform terms of service and policies
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Social Engineering
Social engineering manipulates individuals into breaking security procedures or divulging confidential information. In digital asset contexts, this often involves impersonating support staff, influencers, or trusted community members.
Warning Signs
- Unsolicited help or support offers
- Requests to share screens or remote access
- Urgency created through artificial deadlines
- Authority claims from unverified sources
- Emotional manipulation or fear tactics
Prevention Tips
- Verify identities through official channels only
- Never grant remote access to unknown parties
- Be skeptical of unsolicited assistance offers
- Use official support channels, not social media DMs
- Report and block suspicious accounts immediately
Evidence Checklist
- Complete communication transcripts
- Profile information and screenshots
- Platform or service details
- Any files or links shared
- Timeline of interactions
- Witness statements if applicable
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NFT-Related Fraud
NFT fraud includes fake collections, counterfeit art, rug pulls, wash trading, and marketplace scams. The unique nature of NFTs creates specific risks around authenticity, ownership, and valuation.
Warning Signs
- Unverified collections on marketplaces
- Artwork identical to known originals
- Developers with no verifiable history
- Promises of future utility with no roadmap
- Suspicious trading volume patterns
Prevention Tips
- Verify collection authenticity on blockchain explorers
- Research creator reputation and history
- Use established, verified marketplaces
- Be cautious of new collections with aggressive marketing
- Understand smart contract risks before minting
Evidence Checklist
- NFT transaction records and token IDs
- Collection smart contract addresses
- Marketplace listings and sales history
- Creator communications and promises
- Screenshots of listings and metadata
- Wallet connection and approval records
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Other Digital Fraud
The digital fraud landscape is constantly evolving. We investigate emerging fraud types including DeFi exploits, cross-chain bridge attacks, yield farming scams, and novel social engineering techniques.
Warning Signs
- Unfamiliar protocols with unaudited contracts
- Complex mechanisms that are difficult to understand
- Unrealistic yield or return promises
- Anonymous or pseudonymous teams
- Rapid protocol changes or governance manipulation
Prevention Tips
- Only use audited and established protocols
- Understand smart contract risks before interacting
- Limit exposure to new or experimental projects
- Follow reputable security researchers and auditors
- Stay informed about emerging threat vectors
Evidence Checklist
- Smart contract interaction records
- Protocol documentation and marketing materials
- Transaction and approval logs
- Communication with protocol teams
- Security audit reports if available
- Community discussions and alerts
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