Security Guide

How to Detect and Avoid Crypto Phishing Scams

Protect your crypto assets from the most common attack vector. Learn to identify phishing attempts and safeguard your investments.

20 min read
Updated: January 2026

What is Crypto Phishing?

Crypto phishing is a sophisticated form of social engineering where attackers impersonate legitimate services, exchanges, or individuals to steal your cryptocurrency. Unlike traditional hacking, phishing exploits human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities.

The Devastating Impact

In 2025, crypto phishing scams resulted in over $1.5 billion in losses. Once your crypto is stolen, it cannot be recovered due to the irreversible nature of blockchain transactions. Your only protection is prevention and awareness.

$1.5B+
Lost to phishing in 2025
75%
Of crypto scams are phishing
0%
Recovery rate

Common Phishing Types

Scammers use various channels to reach their victims. Learn to recognize each type.

Red Flags to Watch For

If you see any of these warning signs, stop and verify before proceeding.

Urgency and threats ("Act now or lose access!")

Promises of guaranteed profits or free crypto

Requests for seed phrase, private keys, or passwords

Suspicious links or misspelled URLs

Unsolicited contact from "support" or "admins"

Poor grammar and spelling errors

Email from unofficial domains

Requests to connect wallet to unknown sites

Real vs Fake: Spot the Difference

Learn to distinguish legitimate communications from phishing attempts.

Email
FAKE
From: security@binance-support.net
REAL
From: do_not_reply@binance.com
Scammers use similar domain names. Always check the exact email domain matches the official one.
URL
FAKE
https://www.binanace.com/login
REAL
https://www.binance.com/login
Notice the extra "a" in the fake URL. Always manually type URLs or use bookmarks.
Support
FAKE
"Binance Support" DMs you first
REAL
You initiate contact through official channels
Real support NEVER DMs first. They respond to tickets you create.
Wallet
FAKE
Enter your 12/24 word seed phrase to verify
REAL
Never asks for your seed phrase online
NO legitimate service will EVER ask for your seed phrase. This is ALWAYS a scam.

Phishing Detection Quiz

Test your ability to spot phishing attempts. Can you score 5/5?

Ready to Test Your Skills?

5 questions based on real phishing scenarios. See if you can protect yourself from scammers.

How to Verify Legitimate Sites

Follow these steps before entering any sensitive information or connecting your wallet.

1

Check the URL carefully

Look for typos, extra characters, or different domains

2

Verify SSL certificate

Look for the padlock icon and valid certificate

3

Use bookmarks

Save official sites and always use bookmarks to access them

4

Search official channels

Find official links through CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko

5

Check social media

Verify announcements on official Twitter/Discord

6

Never trust DMs

Real support doesn't DM first - contact them through official site

Browser Security Extensions

Add an extra layer of protection with these trusted security tools.

Wallet Guard

FREE

Detects malicious transactions and phishing sites before you interact

ChromeFirefoxBrave

Pocket Universe

FREE

Simulates transactions to show what will happen before you sign

ChromeFirefox

Fire

FREE

Transaction simulation and phishing protection for DeFi users

Chrome

Revoke.cash

FREE

Review and revoke token approvals to limit exposure

Web-based

What to Do If You're a Victim

Act Immediately

1

Don't panic

Stay calm and assess what information was compromised.

2

Disconnect wallet

If you connected to a malicious site, revoke all approvals immediately.

3

Move remaining funds

Transfer assets to a NEW wallet with a NEW seed phrase as quickly as possible.

4

Change all passwords

Update passwords for all crypto accounts, email, and related services.

5

Enable 2FA everywhere

Use authenticator apps, not SMS, for all accounts.

6

Report the scam

Report to the exchange and relevant authorities such as the FTC or IC3.

7

Warn the community

Share on social media and crypto communities to prevent others from falling victim.

Prevention Checklist

Follow these security practices to protect yourself from phishing attacks.

Enable 2FA on all crypto accountsCRITICAL
Use a hardware wallet for large holdingsCRITICAL
Never share seed phrase or private keysCRITICAL
Bookmark official exchange URLsHIGH
Use unique passwords for each platformHIGH
Install browser security extensionsHIGH
Verify URLs before connecting walletHIGH
Be skeptical of unsolicited messagesMEDIUM
Keep software and firmware updatedMEDIUM
Use official apps from app storesMEDIUM

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about crypto phishing and security.