How to stay safe from crypto scams in India
Crypto scams are common, and they often use the names of famous people or exchanges. Watch out for these signs.
Common scams
- "Guaranteed returns" or "double your money" promises. No real investment can guarantee profit.
- Telegram or WhatsApp groups that give paid "signals" and ask you to deposit with a link they send.
- Fake apps and websites that look like real exchanges.
- New tokens promoted by influencers, which later fall to zero (called a "rug pull").
- Romance or friendship scams where a stranger asks you to invest.
- Fake "customer care" numbers that ask for your OTP or ask you to share your screen.
How to protect yourself
- Use exchanges that follow KYC rules and are registered in India with FIU-IND. Check the app from the official website, not from a link in a message.
- Never share your OTP, password or wallet recovery phrase with anyone. Real support will never ask for them.
- Turn on two-factor authentication.
- Do not invest money you cannot afford to lose.
- Do not click links from strangers, and do not pay "tax" or "fees" to withdraw your own money.
If you have been cheated
Report it immediately at cybercrime.gov.in or call the national cyber crime helpline 1930, and inform your bank. Fast reporting improves the chance of stopping the transfer.
This article is for information and is not investment or legal advice.