🕷️ Crawler Inspector

[Skip to main content](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2020/07/avoiding-cryptocurrency-scam#main-content)  An official website of the United States government Here’s how you know Here's how you know  **The .gov means it’s official.** Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.  **The site is secure.** The **https://** ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. - [Español](https://consumidor.ftc.gov/) - [Report Fraud](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/) - [Read Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) - [Get Consumer Alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/new?topic_id=USFTCCONSUMER_8) - [Visit ftc.gov](https://ftc.gov/) Menu  ## CFG: Main Menu Mega - Show/hide Shopping and Donating menu items ## Shopping and Donating Make smart shopping decisions, know your rights, and solve problems when you shop or donate to charity. [View Shopping and Donating](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating) ## Video ## Topics ## Topics - [Shopping](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/shopping) - [For the Home](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/for-the-home) - [Health](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/health) - [Funerals](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/funerals) - [Buying and Owning a Car](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/buying-and-owning-car) - [Donating to Charity](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/donating-charity) ## Consumer Alerts ### [How to make your World Cup experience scam free](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/how-make-your-world-cup-experience-scam-free) March 17, 2026 BCP Staff Excitement is reaching a fever pitch as the United States, Mexico, and Canada get ready to welcome thousands of fans for one of the most-watched sporting events on the planet — the FIFA World Cup! While die-hard fans are preparing to support their countrymen, scammers are looking to take advantage of the rush for tickets. Learn how to make your World Cup experience scam free. [View all Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) [Get Consumer Alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/qualify) - Show/hide Credit, Loans, and Debt menu items ## Credit, Loans, and Debt Learn about getting and using credit, borrowing money, and managing debt. [View Credit, Loans, and Debt](https://consumer.ftc.gov/credit-loans-and-debt) ## Video ## Topics ## Topics - [Credit and Debt](https://consumer.ftc.gov/credit-loans-and-debt/credit-and-debt) - [Loans and Mortgages](https://consumer.ftc.gov/credit-loans-and-debt/loans-and-mortgages) ## Consumer Alerts ### [Could that mortgage relief offer be a scam?](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/could-mortgage-relief-offer-be-scam) April 2, 2026 BCP Staff Life happens and sometimes you end up with trouble paying your mortgage. Maybe you were affected by a natural disaster, lost your job, or got stuck with a bunch of medical bills after an illness. Then, suddenly, you get an unexpected call offering you mortgage relief. But could it be a scam? [View all Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) [Get Consumer Alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/qualify) - Show/hide Jobs and Making Money menu items ## Jobs and Making Money What to know when you're looking for a job or more education, or considering a money-making opportunity or investment. [View Jobs and Making Money](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-and-making-money) ## Video ## Topics ## Topics - [Money-Making Opportunities and Investments](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-and-making-money/money-making-opportunities-and-investments) - [Jobs](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-and-making-money/jobs) - [Education and Training](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-and-making-money/education-and-training) ## Consumer Alerts ### [Protecting franchisees: The FTC’s case against Xponential Fitness](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/protecting-franchisees-ftcs-case-against-xponential-fitness) March 18, 2026 BCP Staff If you’re thinking about opening a franchise, you’re probably looking for things like name recognition, training, and support to help you grow your business. What you’re probably not looking for is for a franchisor to mislead you about the risks and costs of opening a franchise. That’s exactly what the FTC alleges Xponential Fitness, one of the world’s largest franchisors of boutique fitness studios, did to prospective franchisees. [View all Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) [Get Consumer Alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/qualify) - Show/hide Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts menu items ## Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts What to do about unwanted calls, emails, and text messages that can be annoying, might be illegal, and are probably scams. [View Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/unwanted-calls-emails-and-texts) ## Video ## Topics ## Topics - [Unwanted Calls](https://consumer.ftc.gov/unwanted-calls-emails-and-texts/unwanted-calls) - [Unwanted Emails, Texts, and Mail](https://consumer.ftc.gov/unwanted-calls-emails-and-texts/unwanted-emails-texts-and-mail) ## Consumer Alerts ### [How to handle unexpected calls about unclaimed funds](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/how-handle-unexpected-calls-about-unclaimed-funds) March 30, 2026 BCP Staff Did you get a call or text saying you’re eligible for thousands of dollars in unclaimed property? Don’t get excited yet. It might be a scammer looking to steal your money or personal information. Here’s how to avoid that scam — and find out if a government agency has money, stocks, or another asset that belongs to you. [View all Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) [Get Consumer Alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/qualify) - Show/hide Identity Theft and Online Security menu items ## Identity Theft and Online Security How to protect your personal information and privacy, stay safe online, and help your kids do the same. [View Identity Theft and Online Security](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security) ## Video ## Topics ## Topics - [Identity Theft](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/identity-theft) - [Online Privacy and Security](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/online-privacy-and-security) - [Protecting Kids Online](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/protecting-kids-online) ## Consumer Alerts ### [Could that mortgage relief offer be a scam?](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/could-mortgage-relief-offer-be-scam) April 2, 2026 BCP Staff Life happens and sometimes you end up with trouble paying your mortgage. Maybe you were affected by a natural disaster, lost your job, or got stuck with a bunch of medical bills after an illness. Then, suddenly, you get an unexpected call offering you mortgage relief. But could it be a scam? [View all Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) [Get Consumer Alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/qualify) - [Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/scams) - [Search](https://consumer.ftc.gov/search) Show/hide Search menu items - [Español](https://consumidor.ftc.gov/) - [Report Fraud](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/) - [Read Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) - [Get Consumer Alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/new?topic_id=USFTCCONSUMER_8) - [Visit ftc.gov](https://ftc.gov/) ## CFG: Main Navigation - [Shopping and Donating](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-donating) Show/hide Shopping and Donating menu items - [Shopping](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/shopping) - [For the Home](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/for-the-home) - [Health](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/health) - [Funerals](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/funerals) - [Buying and Owning a Car](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/buying-and-owning-car) - [Donating to Charity](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/donating-charity) - [Credit, Loans, and Debt](https://consumer.ftc.gov/credit-loans-debt) Show/hide Credit, Loans, and Debt menu items - [Credit and Debt](https://consumer.ftc.gov/credit-loans-and-debt/credit-and-debt) - [Loans and Mortgages](https://consumer.ftc.gov/credit-loans-and-debt/loans-and-mortgages) - [Jobs and Making Money](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-making-money) Show/hide Jobs and Making Money menu items - [Money-Making Opportunities and Investments](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-and-making-money/money-making-opportunities-and-investments) - [Jobs](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-and-making-money/jobs) - [Education and Training](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-and-making-money/education-and-training) - [Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/unwanted-calls-emails-texts) Show/hide Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts menu items - [Unwanted Calls](https://consumer.ftc.gov/unwanted-calls-emails-and-texts/unwanted-calls) - [Unwanted Emails, Texts, and Mail](https://consumer.ftc.gov/unwanted-calls-emails-and-texts/unwanted-emails-texts-and-mail) - [Identity Theft and Online Security](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-online-security) Show/hide Identity Theft and Online Security menu items - [Identity Theft](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/identity-theft) - [Online Privacy and Security](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/online-privacy-and-security) - [Protecting Kids Online](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/protecting-kids-online) - [Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/scams) Show/hide Scams menu items - [Gift Card Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/gift-card-scams) - [Government and Business Impersonators](https://consumer.ftc.gov/government-business-impersonators) - [Phone Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/phone-scams) - [Romance Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/romance-scams) - [Scams Against Immigrants](https://consumer.ftc.gov/all-scams/scams-against-immigrants) - [Scams Against Older Adults](https://consumer.ftc.gov/all-scams/scams-against-older-adults) - [Scams Against Small Businesses](https://consumer.ftc.gov/all-scams/scams-against-small-businesses) - [Wire Transfer Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/all-scams/wire-transfer-scams) ## Breadcrumb 1. [Home](https://consumer.ftc.gov/) 2. [Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) [Vea esta página en español](https://consumidor.ftc.gov/como-evitar-una-estafa-de-criptomonedas) Consumer Alert # Avoiding a cryptocurrency scam By Cristina Miranda Consumer Education Specialist, FTC July 6, 2022 []()[]()[]() Yesterday some high-profile people had their Twitter accounts hacked by scammers who sent out fake tweets asking followers to send money using Bitcoin – a type of [cryptocurrency or digital money](https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-cryptocurrency). [](https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/sites/www.consumer.ftc.gov/files/bitcoin_scams_blog_v1-01.png) Cryptocurrency scams are now a popular way for scammers to trick people into sending money. And they [pop up in many ways](https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/11/scams-telling-you-pay-bitcoin-rise). Most crypto scams can appear as emails trying to [blackmail](https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/04/scam-emails-demand-bitcoin-threaten-blackmail) someone, [online chain referral schemes](https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/03/bitcoin-online-chain-referral-illegal-scheme), or [bogus investment and business opportunities](https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/02/know-risks-you-invest-cryptocurrencies). But here’s what they all have in common – and what they have in common with yesterday’s Twitter hacks: A scammer wants you to send money, or make a payment, with Bitcoin or another type of cryptocurrency. Once you do, your money is gone, and there’s generally no way to get it back. So if you see a tweet (or a text, email, or other message on social media) that tells you to pay with Bitcoin, you know that’s a scam. Other signs that something’s a scam? They might guarantee that you’ll make money (those guarantees are false); promise that you’ll double your money quickly (again, that’s always a fake promise); or say you’ll get free money in dollars or cryptocurrency (free money? Nope, not ever). If you spot a cryptocurrency scam, report it immediately to the FTC at [ftc.gov/complaint](https://consumer.ftc.gov/complaint). For more information, check out [What To Know About Cryptocurrency](https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-cryptocurrency). Search Terms [cryptocurrency](https://consumer.ftc.gov/search-terms/cryptocurrency) [online security](https://consumer.ftc.gov/search-terms/online-security) [scam](https://consumer.ftc.gov/search-terms/scam) Topics [Shopping and Donating](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-donating) [Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/unwanted-calls-emails-texts) Scams [All Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/all-scams) [Avoiding and Reporting Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/all-scams/avoiding-reporting-scams) Comments closed. ## Recent Consumer Alerts [Could that mortgage relief offer be a scam?](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/could-mortgage-relief-offer-be-scam) April 2, 2026 [How to handle unexpected calls about unclaimed funds](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/how-handle-unexpected-calls-about-unclaimed-funds) March 30, 2026 [Looking for debt relief? Here’s how to avoid a scam](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/looking-debt-relief-heres-how-avoid-scam) March 26, 2026 ## Browse by Topic [Buying and Owning a Car (47)](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2259%5D=2259&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2257%5D=2257) [Credit and Debt (67)](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2261%5D=2261&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2258%5D=2258) [Credit, Loans, and Debt (221)](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2258%5D=2258) [Donating to Charity (34)](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2276%5D=2276&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2257%5D=2257) [Education and Training (39)](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2267%5D=2267&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2266%5D=2266) [For the Home (55)](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2264%5D=2264&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2257%5D=2257) [Funerals (9)](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2263%5D=2263&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2257%5D=2257) [Health (358)](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2265%5D=2265&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2257%5D=2257) [Identity Theft (129)](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2275%5D=2275&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2256%5D=2256) [Identity Theft and Online Security (196)](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2256%5D=2256) ## Archive [April 2026](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/archive/202604) (1) [March 2026](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/archive/202603) (11) [February 2026](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/archive/202602) (8) [January 2026](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/archive/202601) (15) [December 2025](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/archive/202512) (10) [More](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/archive) ## Archivo [April 2026](https://consumer.ftc.gov/alertas-para-consumidores/archivo/202604) (1) [March 2026](https://consumer.ftc.gov/alertas-para-consumidores/archivo/202603) (11) [February 2026](https://consumer.ftc.gov/alertas-para-consumidores/archivo/202602) (8) [January 2026](https://consumer.ftc.gov/alertas-para-consumidores/archivo/202601) (15) [December 2025](https://consumer.ftc.gov/alertas-para-consumidores/archivo/202512) (10) [Más](https://consumer.ftc.gov/alertas-para-consumidores/archivo) [Return to top](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2020/07/avoiding-cryptocurrency-scam#top) Menu ## CFG: Footer Menu - [Feature Pages](https://consumer.ftc.gov/features) - [Articles](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles) - [Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) - [Videos](https://consumer.ftc.gov/media) ## CFG: Footer Menu Right - [Report Fraud](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/) - [Get Consumer Alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/new?topic_id=USFTCCONSUMER_8) ## CFG: Footer - [ftc.gov](https://ftc.gov/) - [About Us](https://consumer.ftc.gov/about-us) - [Contact Us](https://consumer.ftc.gov/contact-us) - [Privacy and Notices](https://consumer.ftc.gov/privacy-policy) - [FOIA](https://ftc.gov/foia) - [Office of Inspector General](https://ftc.gov/office-inspector-general)

Yesterday some high-profile people had their Twitter accounts hacked by scammers who sent out fake tweets asking followers to send money using Bitcoin – a type of [cryptocurrency or digital money](https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-cryptocurrency). [](https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/sites/www.consumer.ftc.gov/files/bitcoin_scams_blog_v1-01.png) Cryptocurrency scams are now a popular way for scammers to trick people into sending money. And they [pop up in many ways](https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/11/scams-telling-you-pay-bitcoin-rise). Most crypto scams can appear as emails trying to [blackmail](https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/04/scam-emails-demand-bitcoin-threaten-blackmail) someone, [online chain referral schemes](https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/03/bitcoin-online-chain-referral-illegal-scheme), or [bogus investment and business opportunities](https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/02/know-risks-you-invest-cryptocurrencies). But here’s what they all have in common – and what they have in common with yesterday’s Twitter hacks: A scammer wants you to send money, or make a payment, with Bitcoin or another type of cryptocurrency. Once you do, your money is gone, and there’s generally no way to get it back. So if you see a tweet (or a text, email, or other message on social media) that tells you to pay with Bitcoin, you know that’s a scam. Other signs that something’s a scam? They might guarantee that you’ll make money (those guarantees are false); promise that you’ll double your money quickly (again, that’s always a fake promise); or say you’ll get free money in dollars or cryptocurrency (free money? Nope, not ever). If you spot a cryptocurrency scam, report it immediately to the FTC at [ftc.gov/complaint](https://consumer.ftc.gov/complaint). For more information, check out [What To Know About Cryptocurrency](https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-cryptocurrency).