Crypto scam: Coinbase warns Gen Z about growing online threats

Coinbase is raising awareness about the rise of online scams targeting younger users, particularly Gen Z. 

In a blog post published on Oct. 8, Coinbase outlined four online threats Gen Z should be aware of, including social media fraud, romance scams, fake websites, and recovery schemes.

Coinbase emphasized that crypto users must take personal responsibility for securing their assets. Unlike traditional banking, where institutions provide a level of security, crypto owners control their assets directly, making them both their own safeguard and biggest security risk.

Social media scams

One of the major scams Coinbase warned about involves social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where fraudsters create fake profiles or impersonate well-known figures. 

Scammers often introduce seemingly legitimate investment opportunities to unsuspecting users, but these offers are rarely genuine. Coinbase advises users to be cautious of unsolicited messages from strangers promoting crypto investments.

A recent example of this scam took place in Vietnam, where five suspects involved in a crypto fraud network used social media to build fake romantic relationships and lure victims into investing in a fraudulent platform. 

The scammers defrauded victims of over 17.6 billion Vietnamese dong ($700,000) through their scheme.

Romance scams and fake websites

Another growing threat Coinbase mentioned is romance scams, often called pig butchering scams. 

Romance scams involve fraudsters befriending victims under the pretense of a potential love interest. These scammers pretend to form personal connections to gain victims’ trust and then exploit them financially. These schemes often occur on dating apps or social media platforms.

Scammers also use fake websites to trick victims into providing personal information or sending funds. Many of these sites mimic legitimate companies but have minor differences in their URLs.

Similarly, on Oct. 3, a U.S. citizen filed a lawsuit after losing $2.1 million in Bitcoin (BTC) due to a pig butchering scam involving fake crypto exchange websites. Just as Coinbase warned, the scammers operating from Southeast Asia used these fraudulent sites to simulate trading and steal funds from the victim. 

Boosting awareness and reporting scams

In 2023, over 67,000 online scams were reported, per Coinbase, with the median loss reaching $3,800. 

Coinbase stressed that raising awareness and reporting suspicious activity can help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams. The company encourages users to report scams to law enforcement and platforms like Coinbase to aid in the fight against cybercrime.

With crypto ownership comes responsibility, and Coinbase’s message to Gen Z is clear: Stay vigilant, know the risks, and help protect the community from fraud.