How do I spot a crypto or investment scam?

Most people who lose money in crypto lose it to fraud, not to price swings. The warning signs repeat:

Guaranteed or very high returns. No real investment can promise a fixed daily or monthly profit. Pressure to act fast, before an offer closes. Messages from strangers on WhatsApp, Telegram or dating apps who turn the conversation to investing. Requests to pay a fee or tax before you can withdraw your own money. Anyone asking for your wallet recovery phrase or remote access to your phone.

Check before you send anything. In Pakistan, see whether a company is registered with the SECP, and whether a crypto platform is licensed by PVARA. Regulators publish alerts about unlicensed schemes, and the US SEC's Investor.gov keeps a clear guide to common frauds.

If you have been targeted, stop sending money, keep the messages, and report it to the SECP and to Pakistan's cybercrime authorities.