What you can do
Protect your recovery or seed phrase. The recovery or seed phrase will give the scammer your private keys, providing them access to your crypto wallet.
Beware of upfront payments. Legitimate businesses will not ask for a payment before more details or services are provided. Scammers rely on victims to act so quickly that there is little or no time to think about your decision.
Be mindful of your messages. Scammers may target victims with unsolicited messages through social media, text messages, or dating apps. They may act as a friend or love interest, creating a connection before introducing the scam. With your trust, they’ll propose an investment opportunity related to crypto. As a rule of thumb, do not click any links or download any files they send. You may receive a call asking for personal information. Do not give the caller any information about yourself or your crypto accounts.
Take the time to research your sources. Reliable apps and websites exist that support crypto storage and transactions. Other apps and websites will mimic these sources. For apps, review the number of downloads and user reviews. For websites, search for more information about the site on a search engine, social media, or online forum.
Before making a transaction, call the North Carolina Securities Division Investor Hotline at (919) 814-5400 or (800) 688-4507 to speak with a representative who can verify the credentials of an investment professional, firm, or product. The representatives check several databases to confirm the source is credible and help keep your investments safe.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice.
