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.
- Avoid using seed phrases
Seed phrases are a major security risk, as anyone who has access to them can control your funds. Scammers often pose as support agents and ask for your seed phrase under the pretext of resolving an issue. Tangem Wallet allows you to create a wallet without a seed phrase, reducing this risk. - Avoid unsolicited emails
Do not click links or download attachments from unexpected emails. Always verify that the sender uses an official Tangem email address. If in doubt, contact support directly. - Check website security
Always ensure the website URL starts with https:// and shows a padlock icon. This indicates a secure connection. - Verify original website URLs
Scammers often create fake websites with similar-looking URLs. Scammers might change a couple of letters or use numbers instead of letters. Examples: metemask.io instead of metamask.io, goggle.com instead of google.com. Always double-check the address bar before entering any information. - Verify social media accounts
Before interacting with a Tangem account on social media, verify its authenticity. Look for verification badges and cross-check links using the official Tangem website: https://tangem.com/. Do not engage with messages from unknown or unverified accounts. - Educate yourself
Stay informed about common scam tactics and phishing techniques. Understanding how these attacks work helps you recognize and avoid potential threats. - Watch for spelling and design errors
Fraudsters often overlook details such as spelling and design. Typos in emails, incorrect colors, inconsistent visual elements, or outdated logos can all indicate that a message or website is fraudulent. - Protect your privacy
Avoid drawing attention to your crypto activity. Do not boast openly about your holdings or publish your wallet addresses on forums or public chats. Refrain from posting about issues in public spaces, as scammers may target you by offering fraudulent assistance. - 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. - Be wary of unrealistic promises
Exercise caution when confronted with offers or schemes promising unrealistic returns. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Common scam offers include:- Speeding up your transaction in the blockchain
- Recovering lost access to a non-custodial wallet
- Returning stolen funds
Important: Never share your seed phrase or passwords with anyone.
If you want to switch to a seedless wallet, you'll have to transfer your funds temporarily to another wallet, reset your Tangem wallet, and set it up without a seed phrase — the recommended way.