Fake Crypto Exchange

Fake crypto exchanges replicate the look and functionality of legitimate platforms, including professional design, live price feeds pulled from real markets, and functional deposit addresses. Some allow small withdrawals at first to build credibility. The platform is entirely controlled by fraudsters who can manipulate balances and block withdrawals at will.

Victims arrive through paid search ads mimicking legitimate exchange names, social media promotions, romance scam referrals, or pump groups. They may deposit significant funds after positive early experiences. When they attempt a large withdrawal, they encounter invented barriers: KYC delays, 'profit tax' requirements, account 'lock' periods, or compliance hold messages, each designed to extract more money.

Consumers should only use exchanges regulated in their jurisdiction, verify the exchange domain carefully before depositing, use bookmarks rather than search results to navigate, and check whether the platform is listed on independent cryptocurrency information sites with a verifiable history.