🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 137 (from laksa095)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa137.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings/guides/how-to-avoid-crytocurrency-and-bitcoin-scams\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings/guides/how-to-avoid-crytocurrency-and-bitcoin-scams\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/savings\/guides\/how-to-avoid-crytocurrency-and-bitcoin-scams","crawl_time":1776474185,"first_indexed_time":1713446447,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"uk,co,ybs!www,\/savings\/guides\/how-to-avoid-crytocurrency-and-bitcoin-scams s443","src_root_hash":"1413736405473931937","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How to spot and avoid cryptocurrency and bitcoin scams | UK | YBS","meta_descriptions":["Worried about cryto or bitcoin scams? Find out how to spot a cryptocurrency scam and how to keep your money safe."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"\"\nThere are a number of different scams that use promise of high returns on cryptocurrencies as a way to steal people’s money. These can include pretending to be genuine crypto trading firms, or other firms that claim to be entering the crypto market.\nYou may be shown graphs and figures showing growth to convince you to invest, or be told that the person you’re speaking to wants you to join them in funding an investment. Apps and websites can be created by criminals to show whatever they want you to see. They will go to great lengths to make you believe what they offer is genuine.\nIf you are planning to invest in crypto, do your research before parting with your money. Don't take any ‘opportunity’ that has come to you without you asking for it, like in your e-mail inbox or over the phone.\nTake your time to check reviews of platforms and get to know what the key terms like ‘blockchain’ and ‘mining’ mean. There can be a lot of volatility in genuine crypto markets, but feeling rushed into making an investment is a sign that you’re the target of a scam.\"","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/savings\/guides\/how-to-avoid-crytocurrency-and-bitcoin-scams#main-content)\n\n[![Yorkshire Building Society logo](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/documents\/100493\/612386\/ybs-logo.svg)](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/)\n\nMenu\n\nSavings\n- [Savings home](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/savings)\n- [Compare our accounts](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/savings\/compare-savings-account-rates)\n- [Savings help](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/help\/savings\/all-savings-help)\n\n[Savings home](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/savings)\n\n[Easy access Flexible savings accounts](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/savings\/easy-access-savings-accounts)\n\n[Cash ISAs Easy access and fixed rate tax-free savings](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/savings\/cash-isas)\n\n[Fixed rate bonds Save for a fixed term](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/savings\/fixed-rate-bonds)\n\n[Regular savers Save every month](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/savings\/regular-saver)\n\n[Loyalty Exclusive accounts for our members](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/savings\/loyalty-savings-accounts)\n\n[Children Helping kids start saving](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/savings\/childrens-savings-accounts)\n\n[Compare our accounts](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/savings\/compare-savings-account-rates)   [Savings help](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/help\/savings\/all-savings-help)\n\nClose menu\n\nMortgages\n[Mortgages home](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/mortgages)\n\n- [New customers](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/mortgages)\n- [Find a mortgage](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/mortgages\/mortgage-finder)\n- [Get a Decision in Principle](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/mortgages\/get-a-decision-in-principle)\n- [First time buyers](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/mortgages\/first-time-buyer-mortgages)\n- [Remortgage to us](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/mortgages\/remortgage)\n- [Offset mortgages](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/mortgages\/offset-mortgages)\n- [Fixed rate mortgages](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/mortgages\/fixed-rate-mortgages)\n- [The £5k Deposit Mortgage](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/mortgages\/5k-deposit-mortgage)\n- [Moving home mortgages](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/mortgages\/moving-home-mortgage)\n\n- [Existing customers](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/mortgages\/existing-customers)\n- [Switching deal](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/mortgages\/switching-deal)\n- [Borrowing more](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/mortgages\/additional-borrowing-on-mortgage)\n- [Moving with your mortgage](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/mortgages\/moving-with-your-mortgage)\n\n[Commercial mortgages](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/commercial-mortgages)\n\nClose menu\n\n[Insurance](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/insurance)\n\n[Help](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/help)\n\n[Branch](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/contact-us\/branch-finder)\n\n[Log in](https:\/\/online.ybs.co.uk\/public\/authentication\/isam_post_login.do)   [My account](https:\/\/savings.ybs.co.uk\/MyAccount)\n\n[Register](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/help\/online)\n\n[![Yorkshire Building Society logo](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/documents\/100493\/612386\/ybs-logo.svg)](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/)\n\n- Search\n- [Branch](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/contact-us\/branch-finder)\n\n- Search\n- [Register](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/help\/online)\n- [Log in](https:\/\/online.ybs.co.uk\/public\/authentication\/isam_post_login.do)   [My account](https:\/\/savings.ybs.co.uk\/MyAccount)\n\n[Guides](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/guides)    [Savings guides](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/savings\/guides\/help-and-guidance)    [How to spot and avoid cryptocurrency and bitcoin scams](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/savings\/guides\/how-to-avoid-crytocurrency-and-bitcoin-scams)\n\n# How to spot and avoid cryptocurrency and bitcoin scams\n![man typing on keyboard](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/documents\/100493\/7753652\/crypto+squircle.png\/13061ecd-67dd-534d-b740-559631e2fdf5?version=1.0&t=1754551771952)\n\n**Reading time** **5** **minutes**\n\nAt a glance:\n\nCryptocurrency and bitcoin scams often promise big returns from a small initial investment.\n\nThese scams are often exposed when people want to withdraw the money they’ve invested and find that they can’t.\n\nCrypto scams can be used to steal money or financial details.\n\n## How cryptocurrency and bitcoin scams may work\nThere are a lot of bitcoin and crypto scams around, which can vary in how they look and what tactics are used.   \n   \n Two main ways these scams work are:\n\nGetting the person targeted to buy **genuine cryptocurrencies**, which are then **stolen from them**.\n\nMaking it appear that the target is making an **investment** when they’re really just **giving money to the criminals**.\n\nHere are common themes to look out for:\n\n**Targeting through social media** – [Two thirds of crypto scams](https:\/\/www.which.co.uk\/news\/article\/investment-fraud-crypto-scams-are-on-the-rise-aeaJv5G3Xxpe)  start on social media. Others may appear through text, email or a phone call.\n\n**Promise of very high returns** – Scams offer big profits from an investment. These are often unrealistic.\n\n**Real-looking fake apps or companies** – Fake apps and websites impersonating genuine firms, or real-looking made-up companies that try to win your trust. Both of these can be used to steal personal details or money.\n\n**Coaching** – An influencer, or person who claims to work at the crypto company may “coach” the target, telling them how to evade security from a bank or building society.\n\n**Starting small** – The scam may involve investing relatively small amounts of money to begin with. You may be able to take out a small amount of profit. Fraudsters do this to encourage targets to invest more later.\n\n**'Celebrity endorsement'** - scammers will create pictures or videos of celebrities and public figures endorsing their scheme to persuade you to invest. Often these images and videos have been computer generated or manipulated with AI tools to appear genuine, but have nothing to do with the person.\n\n## How to protect yourself against crypto investment scams\n**YBS does not allow transfers to cryptocurrency accounts.**\n\nNot everyone who [invests in crypto currency knows how it works](https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2021\/03\/04\/survey-finds-one-third-of-crypto-buyers-dont-know-what-theyre-doing.html).  This can mean fraudsters can make false promises of how easy it is to make money. Try reliable sources, like the [FCA to learn about crypto](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/investsmart\/crypto-basics).\n\nTo help protect yourself from crypto scams, ask yourself:\n\n### Are you being told what to do?\nIf someone is telling you what to do while you are making an investment, they could be trying to “coach” you. If someone who claims to be an employee of a crypto company is guiding you, do not hand over any details or money and stop contact straight away. If someone instructs you to open a new account in order to move money into crypto later, this indicates a scam.\n\n### Are you being rushed?\nScams often try to rush their targets into investing money quickly, or risk losing out. If there is any time pressure from the ad, or a person contacting you, stop contact and don’t hand over any details.\n\n### How old is the social media account?\nHave the account (or accounts) of the investment company been set up recently? Do the followers seem real? Sometimes, there may be positive comments on posts from fake “users” or bots.\n\n### Are there any trust symbols on the website?\nCheck if there any security or trust symbols on the website. If there are, try clicking on them. If they don’t take you to the website where the accreditation is from, they could be fake.\n\n### Does the company have documents to back it up?\nCryptocurrency needs to have supporting documents that explain where it comes from and how it works. This includes a whitepaper. If there’s no documentation, or documents are poorly written (or very short), this could be a red flag.\n\n### Is it too good to be true?\nIf the returns are very high, or promise profits for “free”, be wary. Be sceptical about crypto investments, and do lots of research before you hand over any money.\n\n## How to know if you’re being coached\nCoaching is a cruel way that fraudsters earn a target’s trust, by pretending to support and help them. Coaching may happen to try get around a bank or building societies scam protection policies.  \n   \n For example, a “coach” may:\n\nExplain how to transfer money **without alerting the** **scam protections** your bank has in place.\n\nAsk you to download **software that can be used to view or control your device remotely**. This software can be used to gather personal and banking details.\n\nTell you what to say to your **bank or building society** if they warn you that the transaction could be a scam. They might even give you phrases to use.\n\nTell you to open an account with a specific bank or building society that is '**crypto friendly**'. Ask yourself why you couldn't just make an investment direct from your usual account? They're testing to see if you'll act on their instructions.\n\n## How to spot a crypto scam\nHannah Bingle, our Financial Crime Awareness Specialist, explains how to spot a crypto or bitcoin scam:\n\n**\"There are a number of different scams that use promise of high returns on cryptocurrencies as a way to steal people’s money. These can include pretending to be genuine crypto trading firms, or other firms that claim to be entering the crypto market.**\n\n**You may be shown graphs and figures showing growth to convince you to invest, or be told that the person you’re speaking to wants you to join them in funding an investment. Apps and websites can be created by criminals to show whatever they want you to see. They will go to great lengths to make you believe what they offer is genuine.**\n\n**If you are planning to invest in crypto, do your research before parting with your money. Don't take any ‘opportunity’ that has come to you without you asking for it, like in your e-mail inbox or over the phone.**\n\n**Take your time to check reviews of platforms and get to know what the key terms like ‘blockchain’ and ‘mining’ mean. There can be a lot of volatility in genuine crypto markets, but feeling rushed into making an investment is a sign that you’re the target of a scam.\"**\n\n## Report fraud and scams to YBS\n[Contact us immediately by phone](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/security\/latest-fraud-and-scams-updates) or [visit your local branch](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/contact-us\/branch-finder) if you are concerned:\n\nYou may have fallen victim to a scam\n\nYou may have disclosed any confidential information to an unknown third party\n\nYou believe a transaction on your account is fraudulent\n\nYou have opened an account because you've been instructed to by someone offering to help you to invest.\n\nYou have become a victim of identity theft\n\nYou have any concerns about security.\n\nOutside our opening hours, you can report your concerns via our [security form](https:\/\/online.ybs.co.uk\/public\/contact_us\/notify_security_issue.do).\n\n## Want more information on fraud or scams?\n[Fraud and scam support](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/security\/latest-fraud-and-scams-updates)\n\n[![Man using card to pay on phone](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/documents\/100493\/331037\/how-to-spot-parcel-scams-thumb.jpg\/672281a7-6fe5-3261-2790-f5660ba030e5?t=1669106607981) Savings guides Parcel delivery scams: spotting and avoiding them Parcel delivery scams can try to catch you out by pretending to be from a legitimate delivery service. Find out how they work and how to spot one.](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/savings\/guides\/my-home\/protect-against-parcel-delivery-scams)\n\n[![Older woman hands holding phone](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/documents\/100493\/331037\/himum-thumb.jpg\/b1d79dd7-3a94-44a5-b9cc-8f7a8ebf0a51?t=1706178845628) Savings guides “Hi mum” scams: How to spot and avoid them This scam looks to trick people into sending money by pretending to be their child. Find out how to avoid this scam and stay safe.](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/savings\/guides\/hi-mum-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-them)\n\n[![Person with credit card at laptop](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/documents\/100493\/331037\/how-to-spot-energy-scams-thumb.jpg\/4a361fc0-0fe5-754a-abc7-b92f2875d66b?t=1668520656096) Savings guides Winter fuel payment scams: How to spot and avoid them Scammers are targeting people who are worried about paying their bills. Learn how to spot a winter fuel payment scam and how to report one.](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/savings\/guides\/winter-fuel-payment-scams)\n\nWhat are you looking for?\n\n## Our products\n- [Mortgages](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/mortgages)\n- [Savings](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/savings)\n- [Insurance](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/insurance)\n\n- [Help & support](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/help)\n- [Branch finder](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/contact-us\/branch-finder)\n\n## Recommended\n- [What is a Cash ISA?](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/savings\/guides\/what-is-a-cash-isa)\n- [What is a fixed rate bond?](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/savings\/guides\/what-is-fixed-rate-bond)\n- [What is a regular savings account?](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/savings\/guides\/what-is-a-regular-savings-account)\n- [Savings guides](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/savings\/guides\/help-and-guidance)\n\n- [Have you tried our app?](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/app)\n\n[![Get it on Google Play](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/o\/ybs-theme\/images\/badges\/google-play-badge.png)](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=uk.co.ybs.savings.external)\n\n[![Download on the App Store](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/o\/ybs-theme\/images\/badges\/app-store-badge.svg)](https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/gb\/app\/apple-store\/id1482620004)\n\n[![YBS](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/documents\/100493\/612386\/footer-logo.svg)](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/ \"Go to YBS\")\n\n- [Careers](https:\/\/ybscareers.co.uk\/ \"Careers\")   \\|\n- [Media Centre](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/media-centre \"Media Centre\")   \\|\n- [Investor relations](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/your-society\/treasury \"Investor relations\")   \\|\n- [Guides](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/guides \"Guides\")   \\|\n- [Privacy](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/privacy \"Privacy\")   \\|\n- [Cookies](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/cookies \"Cookies\")   \\|\n- [Security](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/security \"Security\")   \\|\n- [Legal](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/legal \"Legal\")   \\|\n- [Accessibility](https:\/\/www.ybs.co.uk\/accessibility \"Accessibility\")\n\nYorkshire Building Society is a member of the Building Societies Association and is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Yorkshire Building Society is entered in the Financial Services Register and its registration number is 106085. Head Office: Yorkshire House, Yorkshire Drive, Bradford BD5 8LJ. ‘YBS Group’ or ‘Yorkshire Group’ refer to Yorkshire Building Society, the trading names under which it operates (Chelsea Building Society, the Chelsea, Norwich & Peterborough Building Society, Norwich & Peterborough and N\\&P) and its subsidiary companies. FareShare is a registered charity in England & Wales (1100051) and Scotland (SC052672). Small Change Big Difference® is a registered trademark of Yorkshire Building Society.\n\nThis site is intended for UK Residents unless otherwise stated. All communications with us may be monitored\/recorded to improve the quality of our service and for your protection and security. \\*Calls to 0800 numbers are free of charge from a landline or mobile. Calls to 03 numbers are charged at the same standard network rate as 01 or 02 landline numbers, even when calling from a mobile.\n\nGoogle Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC. Apple and the Apple Logo are trademarks of Apple Inc.\n\n**© 2026 Yorkshire Building Society. All rights reserved.**","attrs_readable_markdown":"**\"There are a number of different scams that use promise of high returns on cryptocurrencies as a way to steal people’s money. These can include pretending to be genuine crypto trading firms, or other firms that claim to be entering the crypto market.**\n\n**You may be shown graphs and figures showing growth to convince you to invest, or be told that the person you’re speaking to wants you to join them in funding an investment. Apps and websites can be created by criminals to show whatever they want you to see. They will go to great lengths to make you believe what they offer is genuine.**\n\n**If you are planning to invest in crypto, do your research before parting with your money. Don't take any ‘opportunity’ that has come to you without you asking for it, like in your e-mail inbox or over the phone.**\n\n**Take your time to check reviews of platforms and get to know what the key terms like ‘blockchain’ and ‘mining’ mean. There can be a lot of volatility in genuine crypto markets, but feeling rushed into making an investment is a sign that you’re the target of a scam.\"**","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

17 hours ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings/guides/how-to-avoid-crytocurrency-and-bitcoin-scams
Last Crawled	2026-04-18 01:03:05 (17 hours ago)
First Indexed	2024-04-18 13:20:47 (2 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	How to spot and avoid cryptocurrency and bitcoin scams \| UK \| YBS
Meta Description	Worried about cryto or bitcoin scams? Find out how to spot a cryptocurrency scam and how to keep your money safe.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	" There are a number of different scams that use promise of high returns on cryptocurrencies as a way to steal people’s money. These can include pretending to be genuine crypto trading firms, or other firms that claim to be entering the crypto market. You may be shown graphs and figures showing growth to convince you to invest, or be told that the person you’re speaking to wants you to join them in funding an investment. Apps and websites can be created by criminals to show whatever they want you to see. They will go to great lengths to make you believe what they offer is genuine. If you are planning to invest in crypto, do your research before parting with your money. Don't take any ‘opportunity’ that has come to you without you asking for it, like in your e-mail inbox or over the phone. Take your time to check reviews of platforms and get to know what the key terms like ‘blockchain’ and ‘mining’ mean. There can be a lot of volatility in genuine crypto markets, but feeling rushed into making an investment is a sign that you’re the target of a scam."
Markdown	[Skip to main content](https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings/guides/how-to-avoid-crytocurrency-and-bitcoin-scams#main-content) [![Yorkshire Building Society logo](https://www.ybs.co.uk/documents/100493/612386/ybs-logo.svg)](https://www.ybs.co.uk/) Menu Savings - [Savings home](https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings) - [Compare our accounts](https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings/compare-savings-account-rates) - [Savings help](https://www.ybs.co.uk/help/savings/all-savings-help) [Savings home](https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings) [Easy access Flexible savings accounts](https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings/easy-access-savings-accounts) [Cash ISAs Easy access and fixed rate tax-free savings](https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings/cash-isas) [Fixed rate bonds Save for a fixed term](https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings/fixed-rate-bonds) [Regular savers Save every month](https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings/regular-saver) [Loyalty Exclusive accounts for our members](https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings/loyalty-savings-accounts) [Children Helping kids start saving](https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings/childrens-savings-accounts) [Compare our accounts](https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings/compare-savings-account-rates) [Savings help](https://www.ybs.co.uk/help/savings/all-savings-help) Close menu Mortgages [Mortgages home](https://www.ybs.co.uk/mortgages) - [New customers](https://www.ybs.co.uk/mortgages) - [Find a mortgage](https://www.ybs.co.uk/mortgages/mortgage-finder) - [Get a Decision in Principle](https://www.ybs.co.uk/mortgages/get-a-decision-in-principle) - [First time buyers](https://www.ybs.co.uk/mortgages/first-time-buyer-mortgages) - [Remortgage to us](https://www.ybs.co.uk/mortgages/remortgage) - [Offset mortgages](https://www.ybs.co.uk/mortgages/offset-mortgages) - [Fixed rate mortgages](https://www.ybs.co.uk/mortgages/fixed-rate-mortgages) - [The £5k Deposit Mortgage](https://www.ybs.co.uk/mortgages/5k-deposit-mortgage) - [Moving home mortgages](https://www.ybs.co.uk/mortgages/moving-home-mortgage) - [Existing customers](https://www.ybs.co.uk/mortgages/existing-customers) - [Switching deal](https://www.ybs.co.uk/mortgages/switching-deal) - [Borrowing more](https://www.ybs.co.uk/mortgages/additional-borrowing-on-mortgage) - [Moving with your mortgage](https://www.ybs.co.uk/mortgages/moving-with-your-mortgage) [Commercial mortgages](https://www.ybs.co.uk/commercial-mortgages) Close menu [Insurance](https://www.ybs.co.uk/insurance) [Help](https://www.ybs.co.uk/help) [Branch](https://www.ybs.co.uk/contact-us/branch-finder) [Log in](https://online.ybs.co.uk/public/authentication/isam_post_login.do) [My account](https://savings.ybs.co.uk/MyAccount) [Register](https://www.ybs.co.uk/help/online) [![Yorkshire Building Society logo](https://www.ybs.co.uk/documents/100493/612386/ybs-logo.svg)](https://www.ybs.co.uk/) - Search - [Branch](https://www.ybs.co.uk/contact-us/branch-finder) - Search - [Register](https://www.ybs.co.uk/help/online) - [Log in](https://online.ybs.co.uk/public/authentication/isam_post_login.do) [My account](https://savings.ybs.co.uk/MyAccount) [Guides](https://www.ybs.co.uk/guides) [Savings guides](https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings/guides/help-and-guidance) [How to spot and avoid cryptocurrency and bitcoin scams](https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings/guides/how-to-avoid-crytocurrency-and-bitcoin-scams) # How to spot and avoid cryptocurrency and bitcoin scams ![man typing on keyboard](https://www.ybs.co.uk/documents/100493/7753652/crypto+squircle.png/13061ecd-67dd-534d-b740-559631e2fdf5?version=1.0&t=1754551771952) Reading time 5 minutes At a glance: Cryptocurrency and bitcoin scams often promise big returns from a small initial investment. These scams are often exposed when people want to withdraw the money they’ve invested and find that they can’t. Crypto scams can be used to steal money or financial details. ## How cryptocurrency and bitcoin scams may work There are a lot of bitcoin and crypto scams around, which can vary in how they look and what tactics are used. Two main ways these scams work are: Getting the person targeted to buy genuine cryptocurrencies, which are then stolen from them. Making it appear that the target is making an investment when they’re really just giving money to the criminals. Here are common themes to look out for: Targeting through social media – [Two thirds of crypto scams](https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/investment-fraud-crypto-scams-are-on-the-rise-aeaJv5G3Xxpe) start on social media. Others may appear through text, email or a phone call. Promise of very high returns – Scams offer big profits from an investment. These are often unrealistic. Real-looking fake apps or companies – Fake apps and websites impersonating genuine firms, or real-looking made-up companies that try to win your trust. Both of these can be used to steal personal details or money. Coaching – An influencer, or person who claims to work at the crypto company may “coach” the target, telling them how to evade security from a bank or building society. Starting small – The scam may involve investing relatively small amounts of money to begin with. You may be able to take out a small amount of profit. Fraudsters do this to encourage targets to invest more later. 'Celebrity endorsement' - scammers will create pictures or videos of celebrities and public figures endorsing their scheme to persuade you to invest. Often these images and videos have been computer generated or manipulated with AI tools to appear genuine, but have nothing to do with the person. ## How to protect yourself against crypto investment scams YBS does not allow transfers to cryptocurrency accounts. Not everyone who [invests in crypto currency knows how it works](https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/04/survey-finds-one-third-of-crypto-buyers-dont-know-what-theyre-doing.html). This can mean fraudsters can make false promises of how easy it is to make money. Try reliable sources, like the [FCA to learn about crypto](https://www.fca.org.uk/investsmart/crypto-basics). To help protect yourself from crypto scams, ask yourself: ### Are you being told what to do? If someone is telling you what to do while you are making an investment, they could be trying to “coach” you. If someone who claims to be an employee of a crypto company is guiding you, do not hand over any details or money and stop contact straight away. If someone instructs you to open a new account in order to move money into crypto later, this indicates a scam. ### Are you being rushed? Scams often try to rush their targets into investing money quickly, or risk losing out. If there is any time pressure from the ad, or a person contacting you, stop contact and don’t hand over any details. ### How old is the social media account? Have the account (or accounts) of the investment company been set up recently? Do the followers seem real? Sometimes, there may be positive comments on posts from fake “users” or bots. ### Are there any trust symbols on the website? Check if there any security or trust symbols on the website. If there are, try clicking on them. If they don’t take you to the website where the accreditation is from, they could be fake. ### Does the company have documents to back it up? Cryptocurrency needs to have supporting documents that explain where it comes from and how it works. This includes a whitepaper. If there’s no documentation, or documents are poorly written (or very short), this could be a red flag. ### Is it too good to be true? If the returns are very high, or promise profits for “free”, be wary. Be sceptical about crypto investments, and do lots of research before you hand over any money. ## How to know if you’re being coached Coaching is a cruel way that fraudsters earn a target’s trust, by pretending to support and help them. Coaching may happen to try get around a bank or building societies scam protection policies. For example, a “coach” may: Explain how to transfer money without alerting the scam protections your bank has in place. Ask you to download software that can be used to view or control your device remotely. This software can be used to gather personal and banking details. Tell you what to say to your bank or building society if they warn you that the transaction could be a scam. They might even give you phrases to use. Tell you to open an account with a specific bank or building society that is 'crypto friendly'. Ask yourself why you couldn't just make an investment direct from your usual account? They're testing to see if you'll act on their instructions. ## How to spot a crypto scam Hannah Bingle, our Financial Crime Awareness Specialist, explains how to spot a crypto or bitcoin scam: "There are a number of different scams that use promise of high returns on cryptocurrencies as a way to steal people’s money. These can include pretending to be genuine crypto trading firms, or other firms that claim to be entering the crypto market. You may be shown graphs and figures showing growth to convince you to invest, or be told that the person you’re speaking to wants you to join them in funding an investment. Apps and websites can be created by criminals to show whatever they want you to see. They will go to great lengths to make you believe what they offer is genuine. If you are planning to invest in crypto, do your research before parting with your money. Don't take any ‘opportunity’ that has come to you without you asking for it, like in your e-mail inbox or over the phone. Take your time to check reviews of platforms and get to know what the key terms like ‘blockchain’ and ‘mining’ mean. There can be a lot of volatility in genuine crypto markets, but feeling rushed into making an investment is a sign that you’re the target of a scam." ## Report fraud and scams to YBS [Contact us immediately by phone](https://www.ybs.co.uk/security/latest-fraud-and-scams-updates) or [visit your local branch](https://www.ybs.co.uk/contact-us/branch-finder) if you are concerned: You may have fallen victim to a scam You may have disclosed any confidential information to an unknown third party You believe a transaction on your account is fraudulent You have opened an account because you've been instructed to by someone offering to help you to invest. You have become a victim of identity theft You have any concerns about security. Outside our opening hours, you can report your concerns via our [security form](https://online.ybs.co.uk/public/contact_us/notify_security_issue.do). ## Want more information on fraud or scams? [Fraud and scam support](https://www.ybs.co.uk/security/latest-fraud-and-scams-updates) [![Man using card to pay on phone](https://www.ybs.co.uk/documents/100493/331037/how-to-spot-parcel-scams-thumb.jpg/672281a7-6fe5-3261-2790-f5660ba030e5?t=1669106607981) Savings guides Parcel delivery scams: spotting and avoiding them Parcel delivery scams can try to catch you out by pretending to be from a legitimate delivery service. Find out how they work and how to spot one.](https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings/guides/my-home/protect-against-parcel-delivery-scams) [![Older woman hands holding phone](https://www.ybs.co.uk/documents/100493/331037/himum-thumb.jpg/b1d79dd7-3a94-44a5-b9cc-8f7a8ebf0a51?t=1706178845628) Savings guides “Hi mum” scams: How to spot and avoid them This scam looks to trick people into sending money by pretending to be their child. Find out how to avoid this scam and stay safe.](https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings/guides/hi-mum-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-them) [![Person with credit card at laptop](https://www.ybs.co.uk/documents/100493/331037/how-to-spot-energy-scams-thumb.jpg/4a361fc0-0fe5-754a-abc7-b92f2875d66b?t=1668520656096) Savings guides Winter fuel payment scams: How to spot and avoid them Scammers are targeting people who are worried about paying their bills. Learn how to spot a winter fuel payment scam and how to report one.](https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings/guides/winter-fuel-payment-scams) What are you looking for? ## Our products - [Mortgages](https://www.ybs.co.uk/mortgages) - [Savings](https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings) - [Insurance](https://www.ybs.co.uk/insurance) - [Help & support](https://www.ybs.co.uk/help) - [Branch finder](https://www.ybs.co.uk/contact-us/branch-finder) ## Recommended - [What is a Cash ISA?](https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings/guides/what-is-a-cash-isa) - [What is a fixed rate bond?](https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings/guides/what-is-fixed-rate-bond) - [What is a regular savings account?](https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings/guides/what-is-a-regular-savings-account) - [Savings guides](https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings/guides/help-and-guidance) - [Have you tried our app?](https://www.ybs.co.uk/app) [![Get it on Google Play](https://www.ybs.co.uk/o/ybs-theme/images/badges/google-play-badge.png)](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.ybs.savings.external) [![Download on the App Store](https://www.ybs.co.uk/o/ybs-theme/images/badges/app-store-badge.svg)](https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/apple-store/id1482620004) [![YBS](https://www.ybs.co.uk/documents/100493/612386/footer-logo.svg)](https://www.ybs.co.uk/ "Go to YBS") - [Careers](https://ybscareers.co.uk/ "Careers") \\| - [Media Centre](https://www.ybs.co.uk/media-centre "Media Centre") \\| - [Investor relations](https://www.ybs.co.uk/your-society/treasury "Investor relations") \\| - [Guides](https://www.ybs.co.uk/guides "Guides") \\| - [Privacy](https://www.ybs.co.uk/privacy "Privacy") \\| - [Cookies](https://www.ybs.co.uk/cookies "Cookies") \\| - [Security](https://www.ybs.co.uk/security "Security") \\| - [Legal](https://www.ybs.co.uk/legal "Legal") \\| - [Accessibility](https://www.ybs.co.uk/accessibility "Accessibility") Yorkshire Building Society is a member of the Building Societies Association and is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. 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Readable Markdown	"There are a number of different scams that use promise of high returns on cryptocurrencies as a way to steal people’s money. These can include pretending to be genuine crypto trading firms, or other firms that claim to be entering the crypto market. You may be shown graphs and figures showing growth to convince you to invest, or be told that the person you’re speaking to wants you to join them in funding an investment. Apps and websites can be created by criminals to show whatever they want you to see. They will go to great lengths to make you believe what they offer is genuine. If you are planning to invest in crypto, do your research before parting with your money. Don't take any ‘opportunity’ that has come to you without you asking for it, like in your e-mail inbox or over the phone. Take your time to check reviews of platforms and get to know what the key terms like ‘blockchain’ and ‘mining’ mean. There can be a lot of volatility in genuine crypto markets, but feeling rushed into making an investment is a sign that you’re the target of a scam."
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