10 Tips to Prevent Crypto Scams
Here are ten essential tips to help you safeguard against potential threats, including how to avoid falling prey to scammers and phishing attacks.
1. Avoid using seed phrases
Seed phrases are one of the biggest security risks in crypto. Anyone who obtains your seed phrase gains full access to your funds — permanently. Scammers frequently pose as support agents and request seed phrases under the pretext of resolving an issue.
Tangem Wallet allows you to create a wallet without a seed phrase, eliminating this risk entirely. This is the recommended setup.
2. Never share your seed phrase or access code
No legitimate support agent — from Tangem or any other service — will ever ask for your seed phrase or access code. If someone asks for it, it is a scam, regardless of how convincing they appear.
3. Avoid unsolicited emails
Do not click links or download attachments from unexpected emails, direct messages, or social media posts. Always verify that any communication claiming to be from Tangem uses an official channel listed at tangem.com.
If in doubt, contact support directly: Submit a request | Tangem.
4. Always verify website URLs
Scammers create fake websites with URLs that closely resemble legitimate ones — changing a letter, adding a word, or substituting characters. For example: tangern.com instead of tangem.com.
Before entering any information, double-check the full URL in your browser's address bar. Bookmark the official site to avoid mistyping it.
5. Check website security
Ensure the website URL starts with https:// and shows a padlock icon in the address bar. This indicates an encrypted connection — though note that fake sites can also use HTTPS, so this alone is not sufficient.
6. Verify social media accounts
Before interacting with any account claiming to be Tangem, check for a verification badge and cross-reference the account with links provided on the official website at tangem.com. Do not engage with messages from unverified accounts.
7. Watch for spelling and design errors
Fraudulent websites and emails often contain typos, incorrect colors, inconsistent design elements, or outdated logos. If something looks slightly off, treat it as a warning sign and do not proceed.
8. Protect your privacy
Avoid sharing information about your crypto holdings in public spaces — forums, social media, or group chats. Do not post your wallet addresses publicly. Scammers actively monitor these spaces to identify potential targets.
If you have a question or issue, contact support directly rather than posting about it publicly.
9. Be cautious with browser extensions
Some crypto wallets use Google Chrome extensions. Fraudsters may publish fake extensions designed to collect seed phrases and other sensitive data. In one reported case, a Ledger user lost USD 16,000 after installing a fake "Ledger Secure" extension.
If you find a wallet-related extension in a browser store, do not install it immediately. Always visit the official project website to verify whether an extension is available and use only the links provided there.
10. Be wary of unrealistic promises
If an offer sounds too good to be true, it is. Common scam formats include:
- Free crypto airdrops requiring wallet connection or seed phrase entry
- Offers to speed up a stuck transaction
- Services claiming to recover lost or stolen funds
- Investment schemes promising guaranteed returns
Once funds are sent to a scammer, they cannot be recovered.