The cryptocurrency boom has not only attracted genuine investors but also scammers who create fake websites to deceive users into investing or depositing funds. These fake cryptocurrency websites mimic reputable exchanges or offer fake incentives, ultimately trapping unsuspecting investors. Here, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of top fake cryptocurrency websites in 2024 that investors should be cautious of to avoid significant financial losses.
1. Coobe.im (COOBE Blockchain Technology Co Ltd)
Coobe.im presents itself as a blockchain technology company but has been flagged for fraudulent activities. This fake platform lures users with promises of high returns but restricts them from withdrawing funds, demanding additional deposits under the guise of fees or taxes.
2. Genie Pro Xchange (genieproxchange.com)
Genie Pro Xchange attracts users by posing as a legitimate crypto exchange. It entices users to invest with the promise of lucrative returns, but once funds are deposited, users face restrictions on withdrawals and demands for additional payments, making it a high-risk platform.
3. Tnegcoin.com
Operating as a crypto investment platform, Tnegcoin.com has been blacklisted for exploiting users with promises of quick profits. After users deposit their funds, the platform implements tactics like requesting more payments for withdrawals, leading to substantial financial losses.
4. Legionfxtrader.com
Legionfxtrader.com is a fraudulent site posing as a crypto and forex trading platform. It has gained notoriety for freezing users’ funds and denying withdrawals. Users have reported high-pressure tactics to convince them to deposit more money to access supposed profits.
5. Metae5exchange.com
Metae5exchange.com mimics a legitimate exchange to attract investors but eventually restricts users from accessing their funds. It often employs fake customer support teams to manipulate users into making additional payments to ‘unlock’ their assets.
Other Fake Cryptocurrency Websites to Avoid
These scams have affected thousands of users worldwide. Here are additional websites identified by various regulatory bodies and cryptocurrency experts that investors should avoid:
6. WEX Exchange (formerly BTC-e)
Initially operating as BTC-e, WEX Exchange has a history of regulatory issues and has been linked to significant criminal activities. This platform often freezes users’ accounts, preventing withdrawals while demanding additional fees.
7. QuadrigaCX
Once a popular Canadian exchange, QuadrigaCX is now known as a fraudulent scheme. Its CEO’s sudden death left users unable to retrieve their funds. The platform’s questionable management and poor security measures led to significant losses for its users.
8. PlusToken
PlusToken posed as an investment platform promising high returns. However, it was revealed to be a Ponzi scheme, leaving thousands of investors without access to their funds. Authorities seized millions in assets linked to this scam.
9. Thodex (Turkish Crypto Exchange)
Thodex was a Turkish crypto exchange that abruptly stopped trading, with its CEO fleeing the country. It left over 400,000 users unable to withdraw their funds, marking it as one of the most significant exit scams in recent years.
10. Sundell Ltd (sundell-fx.com)
Sundell Ltd posed as a gold and crypto trading platform, encouraging large deposits. However, it imposed withdrawal restrictions, demanding users pay additional taxes, leading to widespread losses among its users.
11. FX Alliance Traders
Operating under URLs like fxalliance-trader.com, this platform promised high returns but locked users’ accounts upon trying to withdraw funds, with customer service requesting additional payments. It’s a classic example of a “pig butchering” scam.
12. Spotalertweb.com
Spotalertweb.com gains access to users’ crypto wallets through phishing techniques, draining funds once victims unknowingly provide their credentials. It’s essential to avoid any communication with this website.
13. FPMOTC (fpmotc.vip)
Associated with romance scams, FPMOTC coerces users into investing by exploiting their emotional connections. Once invested, the platform freezes accounts, demanding further deposits to release funds.
14. Bityard (bityardpro.com, bityardit.com)
Bityard operates multiple sites claiming to be a tax-compliant crypto exchange but restricts withdrawals, asking users to pay “IRS taxes” before funds can be accessed. This platform’s fraudulent practices have left many investors in distress.
15. Pinance.io
Pinance.io abruptly shut down, resulting in lost funds for those who invested. This exchange was a façade to capture users’ investments, later disappearing without notice.
Additional Scams to Beware
The following platforms represent common scam techniques, including “pig butchering,” fake mining sites, and advance-fee scams. They often show fake profits and then block withdrawals:
- Bitcoin Vest Cloud (bitcoinvestcloud.com): Pig butchering scam targeting naive investors.
- Julysil (julysil-support.com): Multisite scam, preventing withdrawals without “priority review” payments.
- The Big Mars (thebigmars.com): Runs a fake “5000BTC Giveaway” scheme.
- Aspro ex (asproex.com): Pig butchering scam with promises of high returns.
Tips for Avoiding Cryptocurrency Scams
1. Research the Platform: Always research any cryptocurrency platform before depositing funds. Look for reviews, and check if it’s listed on regulatory sites for warnings.
2. Verify Security Certificates: Legitimate websites should have an SSL certificate (check for HTTPS in the URL) and display security certifications.
3. Avoid Unsolicited Investment Offers: Be cautious of unsolicited messages, especially those promising guaranteed returns. Legitimate exchanges do not contact users for investments.
4. Test Withdrawals: Before committing a large sum, try depositing a small amount and withdrawing it to test the legitimacy of the platform.
5. Check for Consistent Branding: Scammers often copy reputable platforms but miss small details. Check for typos, inconsistent branding, and poorly constructed websites.
Conclusion
With the rise of cryptocurrency scams, it’s vital to exercise caution when selecting a platform to invest in. By knowing the names of these fraudulent websites, like Coobe.im, Genie Pro Xchange, and others, and understanding their tactics, investors can better protect their funds. When in doubt, conduct thorough research, seek verified reviews, and always use trusted exchanges. Avoid these fake websites to keep your investments safe in 2024