Each main coding fraud, was classified from the least to most of which was stolen
Cryptocurrency has revolutionized the way we think about money, as it has provided new ways of investment and financial freedom. But with a great opportunity, it may be a great risk. The world of encryption was also afflicted with fraud and breakthroughs, which cost the investors billions of dollars. From Ponzi detailed plans to advanced Defi, the dark side of digital financing is full of warning tales.
Official statistics differ, depending on the source. according to
Despite the progress of security, the Crypto Crime continues to rise, with investors reminding the importance of vigilance and caution. For this reason, we will dive here in some of the worst encoding fraud ever, while exploring how they are exposed and the lessons we can learn from.
Phoenico ($ 1.5 billion)
All fraud in this list has the same narration for their victims: depositing X the amount in encryption or Fiat and get 20, 30, 40 or anything monthly juice – with some interpretations or no explanations about how these profits are possible. Finiko offered up to 30 % and got payments in Tether (USDT) and BTC (BTC) from unaware clients. This was a Russian -based investment platform (but in fact, the Ponzi scheme) was established in 2019 by Kirill Dorwinin, Zygmunt Zygmuntovich, and Edward Saberov.
Doronin was arrested in 2021, and other founders
Thodex, a notorious Turkish encryption exchange, would occupy the next place at the top. Its founder, Farok Vatte Ozer, left the country in 2021 with a device wallet containing $ 2 billion of money from customers. but,
Hyperverse ($ 1.8 billion)
He was also known as Hyperfund and Hypernation, and this was a plan to invest in encrypted currency that fraud on thousands of investors worldwide.
Promise daily returns from 0.5 % to 1 % of cryptocurrency mining, attracted investors with negative income attractiveness. However, investigations revealed that these allegations were wrong, and the plan was based on a multi-level marketing model (MLM), as members were motivated to recruit others to develop their networks-and this means, another Bonzi plan. Reports estimate that the losses range between $ 1.3 and $ 1.8 billion, with many investors inability to withdraw their money.
In a strange development,
Sam faced the legal consequences of his involvement. In January 2024, Lee
BitConnect ($ 4.1 billion)
“Hey, hey, bitconneeeeeeEEEEEEEEEECT !!!” If you are in encryption for a period of time, this audio -visual meme should look familiar. It was a very excited trend by Carlos Matos, promoting Bitconnect, during an event in 2017. At least we left that. Otherwise, they presented themselves as an ecosystem for lending with a potential high profit and its encrypted currency, BCC – but of course, all this was more than the Bonzi scheme.
Users have been encouraged to exchange BitCOIN to Bitconnect (BCC) and provide these coins for benefits payments, which are supposed to generate “trading robot”. This robot claimed earning profits from market fluctuations, allowing investors to receive daily interest. However, doubts have grown due to the multi -level marketing model and unrealistic promises of 1 % of the complex daily attention, which are common red flags for Ponzi plans. By late 2017, the market value of Bitconnect exceeded $ 2 billion, making it one of the most popular cryptocurrencies of the time.
On January 3, 2018, the Texas Securities Council described Bitconnect
The legal consequences were followed quickly. In 2021, the American Securities and Stock Exchange Committee accused the founder Satish Kompany and American promoter Gilin Arkro of fraud. Kumbhani disappeared, becoming a fleeing, while Arku admitted guilt and sentenced him to 38 months in prison. In January 2023, an American court ordered ARCARO to pay $ 17 million as compensation to nearly 800 victims worldwide. Although some of the affected investors
Plusoken ($ 5.7 billion)
guess what? This was also a plan for Ponzi, with an initial currency (ICO). Plusoken started in April 2018, as it targeted investors in China and South Korea. She promoted herself as an encrypted currency portfolio that provides high monthly returns, claiming to be a cloud trading, and referral commissions. The project also provided its distinctive code, in addition, to persuade millions of people to invest, and promise profits between 9 % and 20 % per month.
This scheme was very successful due to aggressive marketing, including face -to -face meetings and material advertisements, which helped build confidence among investors. By mid -2019, complaints about withdrawal issues appeared, which represents the beginning of the end of Plusoken.
It is estimated that the fraudsters who stole between $ 2.9 billion and $ 5.7 billion in cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, Ethereum, and EOS. next to,
Ultimately, the authorities captured the planners. In 2020, the Chinese authorities
Now, we have to mention this: this position will be held, a fraudulent exchange of South Africa whose founders have disappeared with all the money, or one very close to it on top. They have been described that they stole about $ 3.6 billion in encryption, however
Onecoin (up to $ 19.4 billion)
Something funny about this? Yes, it (is?) It was a global and huge Bonzi planner as well, but they never bother to create any real symbol or ICO, not even to save the face. Onecoin was a famous encoded currency that was not at all encoded because it was not on any encryption network. They had no concerns to announce that they were using this technology.
Launch in 2014 by Ruja Ignatova alongside Sebastian Greenwood,
Onecoin’s effect was huge
Dramatic repercussions: Ruja Ignatova, known as “Cryptoqueen”, disappeared in 2017 and is still in general energy, required by multiple international agencies, including the FBI. Her brother, Konstantin Ignatov, was arrested in 2019, and later admitted that he was guilty of fraud and money laundering. Sebastian Greenwood was arrested and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Despite these arrests, the fraud continues
Do not fall for that!
You never know when you might be the next victim of the encryption fraud. It requires protecting yourself alertness and smart practices. Here are some basic tips to keep your investments in your pocket:
- Control your own keys: If you do not have your own keys, you will not have full control of your coins. Legitimate and decentralized platforms such as obytealways enable users to get their own keys. Avoid platforms that do not offer this or at least some organizational support (such as exchange of encryption), as they control your money.
- Use dual -factor authentication (2FA): Enhance your encryption accounts by enabling 2FA. This adds an additional layer of protection, even if your password is penetrated. in
OBYTE Governor You can do this by creating a multi -time account from global settings or by setting up a pass is used to sign all transactions. - Search projects accurately: Before investing, search for the project team, white paper, and community comments. Anyone can create custom codes on encryption networks, not all legal projects. In __BYTE’s Asset Registry__it, it is possible to create dedicated codes without coding with less than one dollar, for example. Therefore, always do your own search on every individual assets or project.
- Beware of unrealistic returns:If the investment promises high returns without small or non -risk, it is likely to be the Bonzi scheme. Legitimate investments come with more modest risks and returns.
- Avoid pressure tacticsThe fraudsters often create urgency, which causes you to invest quickly. Take your time to assess the opportunity and do not push for decisions.
- Stay on and informFollow the sources of encrypted news and reliable societies to stay aware of the latest fraud and threats. Knowledge is your best defense.
By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of the victim’s fall in encrypted fraud and Ponzi plans. Stay safe!
Photo of the distinctive vectors by