How to recognise a crypto scam
The Hindu
A guide to keeping yourself safe from crypto scammers and hackers, even if you do not invest in digital currencies.
Even if you do not invest in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Dogecoin, you can still be the victim of a crypto scam. These cyber criminals range from lone scammers in your locality to North Korean state-backed hackers. Many crypto scammers target amateur traders who may not understand the technology underlying blockchains, or even everyday internet users with zero crypto holdings.
In order to safeguard yourself and your finances, you do not need to be a blockchain prodigy or a cybersecurity expert. Instead, learning to recognise a few red flags and common criminal patterns can prevent you from losing your life savings.
Remember that a crypto scam can reach you through the digital channels you use everyday, such as WhatsApp or Signal (messaging apps), Facebook or X (social media apps), and even Tinder or Bumble (dating apps).
(For top technology news of the day, subscribe to our tech newsletter Today’s Cache)
A stranger sends you a message on a social media channel, claiming that you have won money and that you should click a link in order to claim your prize. The sender may then ask you to pay a tiny sum, provide your bank details, create a digital wallet, share an OTP, or invest in a token in order to receive huge returns. Never accept such offers and do not click on any provided links. Do not accept “airdropped” gifts or tokens either, even if the risk is minimal.
When you match with a romantic partner online, keep it polite and casual. Beware if a new date probes you about your finances or pushes you to invest in specific assets. A romance scammer may sweetly encourage you to buy coins/tokens they support, or might promise to share their earnings with you. They may also refuse to meet you in person for a number of reasons. Cease all communication at once, report the profile to law enforcement, and do not send any more money or information to the individual.
Some romance scammers are actually victims of human trafficking who are being forced by their enslavers to cheat people across the world, so it is key to report such incidents.
Senior BJP leader H. Raja was hospitalized after collapsing during a public event in Chennai, receiving immediate assistance from Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan.
Confident Group, led by C.J. Roy, pioneered Sarjapur real estate, expanding significantly in Bengaluru, Kerala, and Dubai.
Supreme Court overturns Madras HC directive for accused to marry for bail, citing concerns over pre-judging allegations.
C.J. Roy, founder of Confident Group, died by suicide during an Income Tax raid in Bengaluru, raising concerns over pressure.
Telangana Municipal Polls 2026 received 28,456 nominations for seven Corporations and 116 Municipalities, with voting on February 11.
Congress protests in Himachal and Punjab against the Centre's renaming and dilution of MGNREGA, aiming to restore employment rights.
CPI(M) activists in Ongole demand the continuation of the old MGNREGA scheme to ensure financial security for rural communities.
The group of doctors arrested in connection with the November 10 Red Fort car-borne suicide attack that killed over a dozen people, were allegedly conspiring to bomb the outlets of a global coffee chain, whose founder is a Jew, a source in the government told The Hindu.
A communication from British Council Chennai notes the physical library shuts down on February 15. Library services will however continue in an enhanced digital format. In a larger development, the Council will be shifting to a new space, relinquishing its famous address, 737 Anna Salai
Neelambur junction in Coimbatore faces severe evening traffic congestion, prompting calls for immediate management and infrastructure improvements.
Sunetra Pawar is set to become Maharashtra's first woman Deputy Chief Minister amid ongoing discussions about NCP leadership and reunification.
Following public outrage over tobacco-related advertisements on State-run buses, Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Friday directed all road transport corporations in the State to immediately stop carrying advertisements linked to tobacco products and remove those already displayed.
A.P. Revenue Minister Anagani Satya Prasad demands an error-free Resurvey 2.0 to build trust among farmers.