The Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Gary Gensler, recently highlighted the increasing number of frauds in the cryptocurrency space, which is linked to the historic surge in the price of Bitcoin. Gensler emphasized the risks associated with unethical practices in the crypto world and pointed out the volatile nature of Bitcoin, which can attract speculative investors.
Gensler pointed out the issues in the broader context of the crypto industry, including the dangers arising from inadequate information provided by digital asset intermediaries, which could jeopardize investors.
Year 2023: Record Year for Cryptocurrency Frauds
According to analysis by Chainalysis, frauds became a key factor in cryptocurrency-related crime in 2023, with generated revenues exceeding $4.6 billion. The FBI's report on internet crime shows that there was an increase in losses from crypto investment frauds in the USA to $3.94 billion, representing a 53% increase from the previous year. Investment frauds became the most common type of internet crime in 2023.
Reasons for the Increase in Frauds
The rise in frauds is linked to increasing interest in high-yield investment opportunities during strong market sentiment. Chainalysis research suggests that frauds generate smaller revenues during downturns in the crypto market.
Most Common Types of Fraudulent Schemes
The BBB's 2023 fraud report revealed that scammers come up with innovative methods to deceive investors, with approximately 80% of Americans targeted by crypto and investment frauds in 2022 experiencing financial losses. A significant increase was noted in cases of romance scams, which increased 85 times since 2020.
Pump and dump schemes are unpredictable and utilize new tokens to artificially inflate their prices, enabling fraudsters to make money when prices are at their peak. According to Chainalysis, only a small percentage of the more than 370,000 tokens launched on Ethereum in 2023 achieved significant liquidity.
How to Protect Oneself
The key to protecting oneself from frauds is to be vigilant and informed about potential risks. A proactive approach and caution in trading cryptocurrencies can help minimize the possibility of falling victim to frauds.
Conclusion
The risk of frauds is high in the cryptocurrency world, especially at a time when the market is constantly evolving and attracting new investors. It is important to be aware of potential dangers and take measures to protect your investments.
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.â
