How to Spot Crypto Scams

By Mando on Crypto | @CryptoVista | 25 Feb 2024


In the vast and sometimes treacherous landscape of cryptocurrency investments, distinguishing between legitimate projects and potential scams is crucial. Fortunately, there are tools and strategies available to help you navigate these waters and make informed decisions. Let's explore how you can spot crypto scams and protect your investments!  

Using Tools

One effective tool for identifying potential scams is BSCheck.eu. This platform allows users to scrutinize cryptocurrency tokens by entering their contract addresses. Here's how it works:   First you choose the desired chain. Begin by selecting the desired blockchain network from the options provided, such as Binance Smart Chain (BSC), Polygon (MATIC), Fantom Chain (FTM), or Dogechain (DC). Next, input the contract address of the token you wish to investigate. For example, let's consider the SpacePi Token with the contract address 0x69b14e8d3cebfdd8196bfe530954a0c226e5008e.   You can pick the contract address of a cryptocurrency in Info section of CoinGecko or the official website. 

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Upon generating the report, you'll receive valuable insights into the token's characteristics, such as fee structures, liquidity status, and developer holdings. Pay particular attention to factors like buy/sell taxes, liquidity availability, and the percentage of holdings controlled by developers.   While tools like BSCheck.eu provide valuable information, they're not the sole determinant of a token's legitimacy. Consider conducting further investigations:  

  • Visit platforms like TokenSniffer to uncover any additional alerts or red flags associated with the token.
  • Consult websites like StaySafu for risk analysis reports. Look for warnings about potential rug pulls or delayed honeypots, which are indicative of scam risks.
  • Dive into social media platforms like CryptoScams in Reddit, Twitter, Discord, or Telegram to gauge community sentiment and uncover discussions about the token. Beware of suspicious behavior, such as bot-like activity in instant messaging, social media or absence of legitimate support. Remember to not engage with strangers offering help or links in direct message/private messages.
  • Check platforms like Trustpilot and ScamAdviser for user reviews and information about the token's reputation. Be wary of newly established sites with hidden owner identities or paid advertising disguised as genuine content.

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A Quick Analysis

The SpacePi token has been subject to analysis across various platforms, providing insights into its characteristics and potential risks. Here's a summary of the findings:

BsCheck analysis

  • In BSCheck.eu the contract for the SpacePi token appears to have no buy/sell tax, which is an essential factor to consider when evaluating fees associated with buying and selling the token. Always try to avoid purchasing tokens that have associated fees.
  • Current liquidity is available for the token, and developers hold a small percentage of the total supply. Liquidity, in the context of decentralized exchanges, refers to the ease with which a cryptocurrency can be traded without significantly impacting its market price. Liquidity is typically provided by liquidity pools. It's advisable to examine the proportion of liquidity that is "burned" or "locked," as this helps gauge the amount of tokens taken out of circulation, thereby potentially stabilizing the token's price by reducing its supply.

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TokenSniffer analysis

TokenSniffer's risk analysis indicates that less than 0.01% of the token's liquidity has been burned or locked for at least 15 days. This low level of liquidity lock presents a risk, as it suggests the potential for a significant portion of the token's liquidity to be withdrawn suddenly, potentially leading to a sharp decline in the token's price. Such a scenario is commonly referred to as a "rug pull," a type of scam where developers abandon a project, leaving investors with worthless tokens and depleted liquidity pools.

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StaySafu analysis

StaySafu's analysis assigns a medium risk level to the SpacePi token, indicating the possibility of it being rugged or becoming a delayed honeypot. A rugged token refers to one that lacks transparency or carries inherent risks that may not be immediately apparent to investors. A delayed honeypot is a deceptive tactic where a project initially appears legitimate but later reveals malicious intentions, potentially leading to financial losses for investors.

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Our conclusion

The analysis of the SpacePi token across multiple platforms highlights potential warnings associated with its liquidity. Investors should exercise caution and conduct thorough research before engaging with this token, paying close attention to warning signs such as low liquidity locks and medium-risk assessments from reputable analysis platforms like StaySafu.

Reporting Scams

Ultimately, exercise caution when considering investments in new tokens or projects. If warning signs or red flags emerge, err on the side of caution and avoid investing. Ensure that founders have public profiles, support is responsive, and concerns are addressed transparently.   If you've already invested and suspect fraudulent activity, take action by reporting the site owners to relevant authorities such as domain registrars, the FTC, or local law enforcement agencies. Tools like DomainTools can help identify responsible parties. 

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You can also use platforms like Google that offers channels for reporting deceptive or misleading content.  

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In the dynamic world of cryptocurrency investments, diligence and vigilance are paramount. Conduct thorough research, leverage available tools, and trust your instincts. By staying informed and exercising caution, you can mitigate the risks associated with crypto scams and safeguard your investments. Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Disclaimer: The article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The views and opinions expressed in the article are those of the author and is not intended to promote or endorse any specific cryptocurrency, project, or service. The mention of SpacePi token in the article is only an example of a hypothetical scenario and does not imply any affiliation, endorsement, or recommendation of SpacePi token by the author or the publisher. 

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Mando on Crypto
Mando on Crypto

I'm a writer who loves to explore the intersection of art, video editing, movies and crypto. I enjoy creating stories that challenge the status quo and inspire people to think differently. I'm always looking for new ways to express myself and learn.


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