Always be vigilant. If it sounds too good to be true, it is probably a scam and even when it sounds reasonable, it could be a scam. If someone claims to have a recording, data or something else belonging to you, ask for proof, but never pay them. Before sending money to an exchange or shop, make sure you are on the correct website. If someone tells you they will make you rich with little to no effort, walk away. Scammers don't like to waste time, so they will probably move on once they notice you are not easily fooled.

Install a virus scanner and make sure it and your operating system are always up-to-date. Never click on any links or open any files sent to you by a stranger and even be careful with anything sent to you by a friend: their computer may be infected. Never give your private keys to anyone and don't leave them where others might find them: write down your keys and put them somewhere safe or buy a ledger. If you use an exchange, use as many of their security measures as possible (like an authenticator, phone verification or others) and make sure your passwords are complex. These measures will not make it impossible to be hacked or scammed, but they will make it a lot harder!

Scammers are criminals with no intention of helping you and as soon as you pay them your money is gone, but don't worry, because that embarrassing video of you never existed and if your computer was locked or your files encrypted you can probably fix it yourself by following the instructions on this website. If someone claims to know your passwords, phone number or other personal information, you are the victim of one of the many data breaches. You can check if and where your personal data was leaked here.

There are some simple checks you can perform to check if something is a scam: Make sure the website lists an active Twitter channel and read the replies to their tweets. Check for spelling errors; scammers often do not speak English as their first language. Legitimate websites do not have reviews on their website, nor do they post certificates as proof of their legitimacy. Google the name of the website and read the top results carefully. If the website has a privacy policy or any other text that looks professional, try googling some parts; they have probably copied it from somewhere else. Rich people do not give away free money to strangers.

There is no such thing as free money and no reputable company will give you guaranteed returns. Anyone promising to double your money or offering a guaranteed daily percentage is a scammer. Be especially wary of fake rich celebrities or companies; they did not get rich by giving away free money to strangers. There is still a lot of opportunity for making money in crypto, but it requires effort and, most importantly, research.

Your reports are important. Using our AML Check service and by collecting data both off- and on-chain we are able to determine the scale and effect scams have on the crypto economy, and we can prevent scammers from using their stolen cryptocurrencies. In some cases your reports may even help apprehend and build a case against them and every report we receive increases our chances to do so, even if we already have a scam address in our databases. By reporting scams you also increase their visibility and may help prevent others from making payments and show criminals that their activities are not as hidden as they think they are.