Press Release

Defi Scams – Most Common Scams in the DeFi Space

Published

2 years ago

October 17, 2022

In the world of Defi, scams are unfortunately all too common. This article looks at popular Defi scams, how they operate, and how to protect yourself.

We’ll also provide tips on what to do if somebody scammed you and how to report a scammer. Finally, we’ll discuss the implications of DeFi scamming and present examples of successful prosecutions.

What Are DeFi Scams, and How Do They Work?

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is a term that has gained enormous popularity over the years. DeFi is the shift from centralized financial systems to peer-to-peer finance enabled by decentralized technologies built on the Ethereum blockchain.

DeFi promises a more equal and accessible financial system, but it’s still largely unregulated. Lack of regulation has made DeFi a haven for fraudsters, who have plundered millions from unwary consumers.

We can summarize a typical scam in three steps:

The scammer creates a fake project or impersonates an existing one.
The scammer promotes the fake project or impersonates the existing one to generate interest and attract users.
The scammer exits the scam, leaving users with worthless tokens or no access to their funds.

The Most Common Types of DeFi Scams

There are many types of scams in the DeFi sector, but some are more common than others. Let us look into a few of this industry’s most frequent criminal schemes.

Phishing scams

DeFi is not immune to phishing scams. Due to the intricacy of several DeFi protocols, fraudsters have managed to successful target newcomers.

The most common type of phishing scam in the DeFi space is impersonation. This is when a scammer creates a fake website or social media account that looks identical to a legitimate one.

They will then use this fake account to try and trick users into sending them money or personal information. Another common type of DeFi scam is the Ponzi scheme. Instead of investing the money, the fraudster pays out previous investors.

This scam is widespread in the DeFi space, as there are often high returns from investing in new protocols.

Scams Involving Fake or Stolen Identities

One of the most common scams in the Defi space is identity theft. Someone uses your personal information to register a new account or access an existing one.

They may also use your information to apply for credit cards or loans or to make purchases in your name.

Another way that identity theft can occur is when someone steals your private key or recovery phrase. This gives them access to your accounts and allows them to make changes or send funds without your permission.

Pump and Dump Schemes

If you are not new to the field of financial investments, then you must have probably heard about pump-and-dump schemes.

A group conspires to acquire a cryptocurrency at the same moment to drive up its price. Afterward, it sells it when at the peak price after promising a group of traders that this would not happen.

Pumpers make a profit, whereas dumpers lose. Sadly, it’s as simple as that. Pump and dump schemes are not new and have been around for quite some time. They are so common that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has issued an investor alert about them.

Forgery and Counterfeiting of Digital Assets

Unfortunately, not every project in the DeFi world is legitimate and original. Forgery and counterfeiting are rampant, with scammers selling digital assets that don’t exist or aim to look like something else.

This scam generally happens when someone creates a website or social media account that looks identical to a legitimate project. However, the page has slight changes that allow the scammer to redirect funds to their wallet.

For example, a scam on Twitter happened when someone created a fake version of the popular Defi project Uniswap. The account looked identical to the official one, except that it had one letter changed in the URL.

This small change allowed the scammer to siphon over $150,000 worth of Ether (ETH) from unsuspecting users.

Fraudulent Activities Associated with Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs)

Last but not least, ICOs tend to have an association with fraudulent activities. In an ICO, a company offers digital tokens for investors’ fiat currency or cryptocurrency. However, many ICOs are scams, with companies using the funds raised to enrich themselves instead of developing the project.

A severe fraud associated with ICOs is when the team behind the project absconds with the funds. This type of fraud is, technically, an “exit scam.”

In an exit scam, the team often creates a fake project website and whitepaper, promising huge returns to investors. They will then raise money from unsuspecting investors and make off the cash, leaving investors high and dry.

How to Protect Yourself from DeFi Scams

At this point, you will probably be wondering how you can protect yourself from falling into one of these scams. Below are a few tips.

Do your research: This is the most important thing you can do. When you are looking at a project, make sure to read up on it as much as possible. Look at the team’s backgrounds and the project’s roadmap, and try to find as much information as possible.
Don’t invest more than you can afford to lose: This general rule applies to all investments, but it is essential in the DeFi space. These projects are still very new, and there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding them. As such, you should only invest an amount you are comfortable losing.
Beware of social media scams: Social media is a great way to stay up-to-date on all the latest news in the crypto world. However, it is also an excellent way for scammers to reach many people. Be careful about the links you click on and the information you trust.
Look for projects with KYC and audit certifications: If a project has undergone a KYC (know-your-customer) or audit process, it passed a vetting procedure. This adds an extra security layer and gives you peace of mind. SolidProof, PeckShield, Hacken, and Solidity Finance are popular companies taking care of this aspect.

What to Do If Somebody Scammed You

If you think someone scammed you, there are a few things you can do:

First, try to resolve the issue with the person or company you believe scammed you. This may be difficult, but it’s always worth a shot.
Contact your local consumer protection agency if you can’t resolve the issue.
You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Finally, you can contact a lawyer to discuss your legal options.

How to Report a DeFi Scam

If you think you’ve been the victim of a DeFi scam, consider taking a few actions to report the criminals.

First, report it to the project team or protocol developers if possible. They may help you recover your lost funds or take action to prevent others from being scammed in the future.

You can also report the scam to a crypto exchange or wallet provider. Obviously, this is applicable if you used any of these channels to access the DeFi project. Many of them have fraud departments that can help you get your money back or prevent future scams.

Finally, you can report the scam to law enforcement. This is often a long shot, but it’s worth doing if you’ve lost a significant amount of money.

The Consequences of DeFi Scamming

Besides losing your money, scamming in the DeFi sector has several adverse effects on the industry. For instance, it undermines the trust in decentralized finance protocols and gives scammers free marketing.

When a user falls into a scam, it’s not only the investor who loses money. The whole DeFi industry is negatively affected by it.

Scammed users will likely be more cautious in the future, leading to a decrease in trust in decentralized finance protocols. Using popular DeFi protocols and services, they can reach a larger audience and scam more people. In addition, it gives scammers free marketing.

Examples of Successful DeFi Scam Prosecutions

In recent years, there have been several successful DeFi scam prosecutions. Here are some notable examples:

In 2019, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charged a company called EtherDelta with operating an unregistered securities exchange. The Ethereum blockchain-based decentralized exchange EtherDelta enables users to swap ETH and ERC20 tokens.

The SEC alleged that EtherDelta’s founder had illegally profited from the exchange by operating it as an unregistered broker-dealer. Coburn agreed to pay $300,000 in penalties and disgorge nearly $13 million in ill-gotten gains.

In 2020, the CFTC accused My Big Coin Pay, Inc. of running a fraudulent virtual currency operation.

My Big Coin Pay promised investors they could use virtual currency to buy and sell goods and services. However, the CFTC alleged that the company used investor funds to pay for personal expenses, including travel and luxury goods.

The CFTC ordered My Big Coin Pay to pay $6 million and disgorge nearly $360,000 in ill-gotten gains.

These are just a few examples of the many successful DeFi scam prosecutions that have taken place in recent years. These cases show that law enforcement is taking action against DeFi scams. If you have been a victim of a DeFi scam, you should contact a lawyer to discuss your legal options.

The Importance of Verifying Senders and Receivers Before Transferring Funds

One last thing you should consider before transferring funds is verifying both the sender’s and receiver’s addresses. Too many people have fallen victim to scams because they didn’t confirm the address before sending funds.

If you’re not sure how to verify an address, here are a few tips:

Check if the address is valid on Ethereum’s leading network. You can do this by pasting the address into a block explorer like EtherScan.
Make sure the address has a balance. If it doesn’t, that could be a sign that it’s not a valid address.
If you’re sending funds to an exchange, check if the exchange has a page on EtherScan. If it does, compare the addresses to make sure they match.

These are just a few of the many ways you can verify an address. By taking these extra steps, you can help protect yourself from scams.

Bottom Line – Protecting Yourself from DeFi Scams Takes Education and Awareness

The best way to protect yourself from DeFi scams is to educate yourself and stay aware of the latest scams. Understanding how these scams work can help protect yourself and your hard-earned money.

Contact a lawyer to discuss your options if you think you may have been a victim of a DeFi scam. There were case

Press Release

Blockchain Life 2024 Thunderstruck in Dubai

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2024

Crypto Chain Wire

The 12th edition of the Blockchain Life Forum, known as the leading gathering for global cryptocurrency leaders, concluded with an impressive turnout of 10,162 attendees despite the unprecedented storm that happened in Dubai.

Representatives of the crypto industry have always stood apart, largely due to their unique character and the nature of their activities. After all, they are pioneers. And the most massive flood in Dubai in the last century did not prevent 10,162 people from meeting at the long-awaited Blockchain Life 2024, even despite the postponement of the second day of the forum. Needless to say, the atmosphere on the site was indescribable – a very special unity saturated the air.

Throughout the event, the crypto community engaged in insightful discussions, made valuable connections, and struck important deals. Forum stages featured over 160 renowned speakers and industry leaders, including heads and management of Binance, Chainlink, Tron, Bybit, OKX, DFINITY, Ledger, Animoca Brands, Ton, Cardano, Singularity Net, LayerZero, Tether, Ripple, Trust Wallet and more.

The exhibition of crypto companies featured 133 booths, which makes it the largest web3 expo in 2024. Such giants as OKX, HTX, Bybit, Bitget, BingX, Listing.Help, and Uminers presented their services, products and teams. This offered attendees a firsthand look at the latest technologies and innovations shaping the ecosystem.

“This year, we reached a milestone with 10,162 attendees. They know that the current market growth is just the beginning of a real explosion. The next wave is coming, which is why top projects, insiders, and funds gathered at Blockchain Life to finalize their preparations. Now, we are gearing up for a historic bull run that will be remembered for years.” commented the organizer of Blockchain Life, Sergei Khitrov.

As a grand conclusion to the forum, participants were treated to the celebrated Legendary AfterParty at one of the world’s premier clubs. Hours of informal networking with the cream of the industry took place in an all-inclusive format. The highlight of the event was an incredible live concert by the internationally acclaimed hitmaker, Alan Walker. With his chart-topping songs, Alan Walker captivated over 1,400 participants, showcasing the event’s impressive global reach.

Looking ahead, the 13th edition of Blockchain Life is scheduled to be held on October 22-23, 2024, providing participants with an opportunity to highlight their accomplishments and set the groundwork for future success.

Presale tickets and sponsorship applications for the upcoming Blockchain Life event are currently available – please visit https://blockchain-life.com for more information.

The organizers of Blockchain Life 2024 – Listing.Help and Jets.Capital.

General Sponsor of Blockchain Life 2024 and the Official AfterParty – Uminers.

Press Release

Beyond Centralization: Exploring a New Era at the World Blockchain Summit

Published

3 days ago

April 23, 2024

Crypto Chain Wire

The first day of the 29th global edition World Blockchain Summit concluded in Dubai, marked by a surge in enthusiasm for the technology’s future in the MENA region. Hosted at the JW Marriott Hotel Marina, the two-day event brought together industry leaders and innovators, highlighting the seamless integration of blockchain solutions into real-world scenarios.

Despite the challenge due to weather conditions in Dubai, the event attendance was remarkable with its turnout, sparking lively discussions, setting a dynamic course for blockchain’s evolution in the MENA region. True to its reputation, the Summit assembled prominent thinkers and showcased groundbreaking ideas. It provided an unrivaled space for attendees to learn, connect, and forge strategic partnerships.

Day one was marked by rich dialogue, inspiring keynote addresses, and forward-thinking ideas poised to expedite the adoption of crucial blockchain trends across vital economic sectors including finance and supply chain management.

In an inspiring opening address, Naveen Bharadwaj, Trescon’s Group CEO, kicked off the summit with a warm welcome, prepping the audience for an immersive exploration of Web3 and the key issues defining the blockchain world

Wolfgang Grabher, Founder, CEO and Chairman, SUN AG, delivered a keynote on how blockchain technology is revolutionizing the food industry. Addressing how 100 per cent token burn gives you food for free while also shining the spotlight on how falling token prices can be a good thing.

The day also featured a compelling panel discussion on decentralized finance (DeFi), led by Maha Al-Saadi, Head of Regulatory Affairs, QFC Financial Services Sector. The discussion focused on DeFi’s transformative impact on the financial sector and the integration of blockchain technology into its development. Panelists including Neeraj Khandelwal, Co-founder of CoinDCX & Okto; Talal Tabbaa, CEO & Co-Founder of Coin MENA; and Bandar Altunisi, Head of Development for Binance in Saudi Arabia, Head of Institutional Relationships for Binance Dubai (FZE), Binance, explored the synergy between DeFi and traditional finance systems.

A highlight of the day was a lively panel debate titled ‘Crypto Payments Evolution: Charting the Course Through Latest Innovations.’, led by Kevin Soltani, CEO, GIMA group. The discussion focused on the rise of stablecoins while examining the rapid advancements in blockchain interoperability solutions in enabling seamless communication and data transfer between networks. Panelist Jehanzeb Awan, Chairman, Crypto & Blockchain Association, Middle East, Africa & Asia; Miriam Kiwan, Vice President of MEA, the issuer of leading regulated stablecoin, USDC. Circle; Reece Merrick, Managing Director, Middle East & Africa. Ripple, explored the role of CBDCs in reshaping the future of payments.

“We’re excited to bring together leading blockchain minds for another edition of the World Blockchain Summit, shaping the future of the industry.” said Naveen Bharadwaj, CEO of Trescon, “The Summit showcased Dubai’s role as a breeding ground for innovation, driving global blockchain adoption.”

With Day 1 wrapping up successfully, anticipation builds for what Day 2 will unveil. For more details on the World Blockchain Summit, please visit: https://www.worldblockchainsummit.com/

The 29th edition of the World Blockchain Summit is supported by:

Strategic Partners – DIFC Innovation Hub , Dubai AI & Web3 Campus

Co-Host – Sun Minimeal

After Party Sponsor – Floxypay

Gold Sponsors – Cardano Foundation , Medifakt, Crypto2Cash, Anbruggen, Bitflex

Silver Sponsors- Kreation, Coingames, Reat Capital, ACM Finance , Website AI, Vision Chain

Lanyard Sponsor- M2

Badge Sponsor – Ledn

Lunch Sponsor – Payper

Bronze Sponsor- BitGo, M2 , Block Convey, Genesis Digital Assets , Hedge , Golfin, Build-AI

Pitch Partners – Reat Capital , soukcola , MeAI , Zherpa , FidesInnova Labs, Pentagon Games

Exhibitors- DSQ Solutions , Reltime, Qoneqt , C# Corner , Islamic Dinar, Technoloader, Verichains, Vault, Ecotrader.io, Ideofuzion, NuChain, LCX

Official Accommodation Partner- HotelPlanner

Ecosystem Partner – Entrepreneur Media

Business Broadcast Partner – CNBC Arabia

Official Newspaper Partner- The Fintech Times

Official Digital PR Distribution Partner – ZEX PR Wire

ABM Partner- Demandify

Association Partners- Crypto and Blockchain Association, Blockchain Council, Asia Web3 Alliance Japan, European Blockchain Association

Prime Media Partner- Demandteq

Community Partner – Hyperledger Foundation, THE DIGITAL CHAMBER

About World Blockchain Summit (WBS)

World Blockchain Summit (WBS) is an event by Trescon that supports the growth of the blockchain, crypto and Web3 ecosystem globally.

WBS is the world’s longest-running blockchain, crypto, and web 3-focused summit series. Since our inception in 2017, we have hosted more than 20 editions in 11 countries as we strived to create the ultimate networking and deal flow platform for the Web3 ecosystem. Each edition brings together global leaders and emerging startups in the space, including investors, developers, IT leaders, entrepreneurs, government authorities, and others.

For media Inquiries or partnerships please get in touch with:

Shadi Dawi

PR & Partnerships Director

shadi@tresconglobal.com

+971 55 498 4989

Press Release

Elevating Possibilities: The Countdown for WBS Dubai Begins!

Published

1 week ago

April 17, 2024

Crypto Chain Wire

Mark your calendars for an unparalleled gathering of blockchain and web3 pioneers as the 29th World Blockchain Summit, organized by Trescon and co-hosted by Sun Minimeal, is set to take the stage in Dubai. Scheduled for April 22-23, 2024, at the iconic JW Marriott Hotel Marina, this summit promises to be a cornerstone event, spotlighting the UAE’s progressive embrace of web3 technology and its vision for a future shaped by digital innovation.

The World Blockchain Summit has established itself as a seminal series, bringing together a global cadre of blockchain enthusiasts, innovators, visionaries, thought leaders, and policymakers. This forum serves as a critical platform for deliberating on the integration and implications of blockchain technology across vital sectors, reflecting the global economy’s evolving digital landscape.

Amidst Dubai’s transition towards a digital-first economy, bolstered by strategic government initiatives and a burgeoning digital infrastructure, the city emerges as a global beacon for blockchain and web3 innovation. The inauguration of the Dubai AI & Web3 Campus by DIFC, coupled with the establishment of the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) in Dubai, underscores the region’s commitment to fostering a dynamic digital ecosystem, attracting investors and innovators worldwide.

The upcoming summit anticipates over 2,000 web3 decision-makers, 300+ investors, and more than 100 distinguished speakers. A highlight of the event is the regional finale of the Startup World Cup, orchestrated by the globally renowned venture capital firm, Pegasus Ventures. This competition offers startups a gateway to global recognition and a shot at securing US$1 million in funding at the global finals in San Francisco.

#WBSDubai will showcase a series of compelling keynote addresses, use-case presentations by leading blockchain experts, and thought-provoking panel discussions. The agenda will cover pivotal topics such as the role of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), the potential of blockchain to enhance ESG impacts, and the importance of interoperability within the blockchain ecosystem and more.

Some of the notable speakers attending the event include:

Pascal Gauthier, Chairman & CEO, Ledger
Roham Gharegozlou, Co-founder and CEO, Dapper Labs
George Gvazava, Chief Crypto Officer, Bank of Georgia
Miriam Kiwan, Vice President of MEA, the issuer of leading regulated stablecoin, USDC., Circle
Yosuke Yoshida, Co-CEO of EMURGO Middle East & Africa CEO of EMURGO Kepple Ventures, EMURGO
Bandar Altunisi, Head of Development for Binance in Saudi Arabia Head of Institutional Relationships for Binance Dubai (FZE), Binance
Stefan Kimmel, CEO, M2
Richard Muirhead, Managing Partner, Fabric Ventures

Sharing their enthusiasm about the event, George Gvazava, Chief Crypto Officer, Bank of Georgia said,” In the realm of innovation, the World Blockchain Summit serves not only as a gathering of minds but as a crucible, where ideas are forged into the connections, use-cases and technologies of tomorrow.”

“As Dubai spearheads the UAE’s digital transformation, blockchain technology plays a central role. Trescon is at the nexus, linking pioneering entrepreneurs with elite global investors. The World Blockchain Summit stands as the definitive forum for revealing the forefront of blockchain innovation and insights,” states Sharath Ravi, CMO, Trescon.

Hurry, registration for the World Blockchain Summit in Dubai is still available! Reserve your spot now to be part of one of the year’s most anticipated blockchain and cryptocurrency gatherings. Act fast to seize this exclusive chance to participate and secure your tickets and sponsorship today!!

The 29th edition of the World Blockchain Summit is supported by:

Strategic Partners – DIFC Innovation Hub , Dubai AI & Web3 Campus

Co-Host – Sun Minimeal

After Party Sponsor – Floxypay

Gold Sponsors – Cardano Foundation , Medifakt, Crypto2Cash, Anbruggen, Bitflex

Silver Sponsors- Kreation, Coingames, Reat Capital , ACM Finance , Website AI

Lanyard Sponsor- M2

Badge Sponsor – Ledn

Lunch Sponsor – Payper

Bronze Sponsor- BitGo, M2 , Block Convey, Genesis Digital Assets , Hedge , Golfin

Pitch Partners – Reat Capital , soukcola , MeAI , Zherpa , FidesInnova Labs

Exhibitors- DSQ Solutions , Reltime, Qoneqt , C# Corner , Islamic Dinar