How to stay safe when using cryptocurrency

Before you send your cryptocurrency to someone else, be cautious of possible scams. Here are some signs to look out for:

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Note:

MoonPay employees will NEVER contact you via phone, social media, or messaging applications.

Investment scams

Be cautious of people or sites claiming you'll make high returns or profit without risk. Avoid sites or individuals
requesting additional cryptocurrency, such as a tax or commission fee, before releasing your funds. Here are a couple of red flags to look out for:

• High returns with minimal risk
• Unregistered or unlicensed companies
• Difficulties withdrawing funds
• Overly complex or vague investment strategies, such as:
  • You do not have any access to your portfolio and must reach out to an "Account Manager" for assistance.
  • Additional fees and charges are required before the release of your funds.

Impersonation scams

Be cautious of people pretending to be MoonPay or our partners, trying to get your private info through calls, emails, or social media. Keep your details safe and report any suspicious activity.

Imposter websites

Fraudulent websites might have URLs that appear very similar to real companies. Always look out for small differences in the URL and websites to avoid falling victim to a scam. Remember always to stay vigilant online.

E-commerce scams

Cryptocurrency transactions cannot be reversed, so it is important to exercise caution when purchasing goods or services using it. If you can't be sure you'll get what you paid for, be cautious with cryptocurrency, as refunds cannot be
processed.

Giveaway scams

Be wary of social media messages that promise to double your cryptocurrency if you send it. These scams are commonly found on Twitter, YouTube, and Telegram platforms.

If you get tricked by a cryptocurrency scam, you might lose your money forever. This is because the transactions can't be reversed.

Phone-based attacks

A phone-based attack happens when an attacker transfers the target's phone number to a device they control. Fraudsters often do this to steal identities, posing a threat to accounts using SMS-based 2-step authentication. To stay safe, use stronger 2-step authentication methods like Universal 2nd Factor or Time-based one-time Time Password with a mobile authenticator app such as Google Authenticator.

Technical support and impersonation scams

Exercise caution with customer support phone lines or emails, as fraudsters can now easily set up and impersonate official technical support for various companies. Verify that the contact you are engaging with is the official customer support. It's recommended to contact the customer support information directly from the official company website.

Extortion scams

Stay vigilant against scammers who claim to have your information from data breaches on other websites. They may try to deceive you into following their instructions, so be cautious and avoid sharing your data as instructed.

Load-up scams

Be aware of the scammers who provide "loading" services across multiple platforms, where they seek accounts with elevated limits. They offer victims with a share of the profits. These fraudsters use stolen credit cards on compromised accounts, engaging in payment fraud schemes.

Telegram scams

MoonPay operates exclusively on official platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. MoonPay does not have an official presence on Telegram. Be aware if you come across a MoonPay Telegram channel, as various scams, including fraudulent payment bots and giveaway scams, are prevalent on such unofficial platforms.

Employment scams

Be aware of job offers from MoonPay, as scammers may pose as recruiters, providing fraudulent employment opportunities. These deceptive offers often come with convincing offer letters and may request sensitive personal information. Legitimate job offers from MoonPay will typically be posted or communicated exclusively through our official website.

Dusting attacks

A dusting attack occurs when an attacker sends a small amount of cryptocurrency to numerous wallets through an airdrop. Occasionally, these tokens may include a URL, prompting recipients to click and unveil their seed phrase. If you unexpectedly receive a small amount of crypto, you should refrain from interacting with it to prevent attackers from taking additional actions.