CHAPTER 02 / SCAMS & RED FLAGS
A scam can look like support, friendship or an opportunity. Focus on what someone is asking you to do, even when their story feels convincing.
RECOGNISE THE PATTERN
These examples help you recognise a request. A polished website, friendly conversation or familiar logo is not proof of trust.
Someone contacts you about an urgent wallet problem, or replies when you ask for help publicly. They ask for your phrase, a security code or remote access.
Your move: End the conversation. Find the service's support channel yourself, without using their link.
A post or video says to send bitcoin first and receive more back. It may use a celebrity's image or a copied account to borrow credibility.
Your move: Do not send funds to unlock a giveaway. A screenshot of payouts proves nothing.
A search ad, message or fake app leads to a page that copies a real service. It asks for a login, recovery phrase or wallet approval.
Your move: Check the full address and app publisher. A padlock only indicates an encrypted connection, not an honest operator.
A new online contact builds trust over time, then introduces a supposedly special investment platform. This is sometimes called pig-butchering. The displayed profits can be fabricated.
Your move: Keep money out of a new online relationship. Talk to someone you trust outside the conversation.
A convincing dashboard shows money you cannot withdraw. The operator demands a new deposit, a tax payment or an unlock fee before releasing it.
Your move: Stop sending money. Extra payments to the same operator can deepen the loss.
THE MOMENT TO STOP
You do not owe an online stranger a quick decision. Stop when a request takes away time, privacy or control.
IF YOU ARE TARGETED
Being targeted is not a personal failure. Scams are designed to exploit trust and urgency. Reporting may help, but it does not guarantee recovery.
Do not send another fee, approve another request or install anything they provide. Reach a trusted person for a second perspective.
Save messages, website addresses, transaction IDs and payment records. Do not include your recovery phrase in a report.
If a login was exposed, change it through the real service on a trusted device and check account sessions. If a recovery phrase or private key was exposed, treat the wallet as compromised. Seek help through verified channels without sharing the secret again.
Contact the affected financial service using details you find independently. Report fraud to your local police and the appropriate national reporting service. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services.
OFFICIAL REPORTING & GUIDANCE
Choose the service for your location. Open these official sites directly to check their current reporting process.
