How can you prevent being lured into investment scams?

In digital asset trading, criminals often use enticing claims—such as high returns, expert-led trades, arbitrage opportunities, yield farming, token swaps, incremental gains, or mining—to defraud users of their assets. We strongly encourage all users to stay vigilant and exercise caution.

Common investment scam cases

Case 1: Deposit scams disguised as part-time jobs

A user searched for part-time work on Telegram. The scammer required an upfront deposit before starting. After the user withdrew crypto and transferred it, the scammer disappeared, resulting in asset loss.

Case 2: Fake trading platforms

Scammers promote so-called investment projects through platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and messaging groups. Users are lured into fake trading platforms for activities like USDT arbitrage. Once users invest, the scammers lock the accounts, reject withdrawal requests, deactivate access, and delete all contact details, causing significant financial losses.

Case 3: Fake high-yield investment projects

Scammers claim to launch investment projects promising unusually high returns in a short time. After users invest, scammers continuously request additional funds under various pretexts (such as margin requirements), drawing victims deeper into the scam.

The above methods are commonly used in investment scams. If you encounter similar invitations, remain cautious. Returns that seem “too good to be true” often come with high risks. Avoid being guided by strangers to trade on specific platforms. If you suspect fraud, report it to local law enforcement and relevant regulatory authorities promptly.

Common investment scam tactics

Scam type 1: High-return bait

Scammers promote fake mining, arbitrage, rebates, or bonus campaigns. They may initially allow small profits to encourage larger investments or referrals, then transfer all assets out of the account.

Scam type 2: Luring users to scam platforms

Users are encouraged to withdraw funds to fraudulent platforms (such as “pig-butchering” schemes). Early profits may appear, but once larger amounts are invested, users face losses or are asked to pay additional fees to withdraw—ultimately losing access to funds.

Scam type 3: Fraudulent marketing activities

Users are lured into fake airdrops, token swaps, or promotional activities. During the process, wallet addresses may be tampered with by malware, or users are redirected to scam platforms, resulting in asset loss.

Scam type 4: False guarantee promises

To increase customer trust, scammers claim to offer guaranteed returns (for example, within 24 hours) to build trust. Such guarantees are false—no investment is risk-free.

Scam type 5: Collaborative transaction scams

Under the guise of cooperative trading, users are persuaded to invest. After funds are transferred, promises are broken and users are blocked or deleted.

Scam type 6: Fake order and “investment guru” scams

Scammers post fabricated profit screenshots, impersonate investment experts, or build trust through online relationships, then guide users to trade on designated scam platforms where withdrawals are blocked.

Scam type 7: Deposit or guarantee fraud

Users are asked to provide deposits or act as guarantors for escrow transactions or collateral platforms. After funds are transferred, scammers disappear.

How can you protect yourself?

1. Be cautious of high-return promises

Don't be misled by promises of excessively high investment returns. Be cautious of enticing information such as high returns, trading signals from so-called masters, arbitrage, interest-bearing products, swaps, incremental gains, and mining. If an investment return seems exaggerated, it may carry risks. Think rationally and conduct thorough market research to understand reasonable investment return levels, and avoid transferring digital assets to unknown platforms.

2. Beware of “risk-free” guarantees

Scammers often claim to offer risk-free investments and promise high returns within 24 hours. Please note that all investments carry risks, and absolute guarantees are impossible. Stay vigilant and don't trust promises that seem too good to be true.

3. Don’t trust strangers easily

Be cautious when receiving investment invitations from strangers. Before investing, it is recommended to authenticate the identity of the other party and the legitimacy of the investment project through independent channels. Do not easily trust high-return opportunities offered by strangers. If someone privately messages you to introduce a project or sends unknown files or links, stay alert and do not click on them lightly.

4. Use trading platforms with caution

Avoid being guided to use specific investment platforms, especially those recommended by strangers. Private transactions are not secure and are often scams, so try to operate only on official trading platforms. Choose investment platforms that are widely recognized and reliable, and carefully read the platform’s user agreement and security policies. Conduct marketplace research, such as checking the company registration number, social media accounts, and official email addresses.

5. Stay vigilant

Investing is a complex process that requires caution. When you receive additional investment requests or withdrawal prompts, take a moment to think calmly. Avoid acting hastily due to excessive urgency, and refrain from increasing your investment in uncertain situations.

6. Keep your security awareness up to date

Stay informed about common scam tactics. Never share screens, photos, screenshots, private keys, or sensitive account information.

7. Maintain investment discipline

Develop and stick to your own investment plan, and don't be easily influenced by external factors. Avoid making impulsive investment decisions in urgent situations; stay calm and rational.

Important note

• Investment involves risk and requires rational judgment. Staying informed and alert can significantly reduce the risk of scams.

  • Don’t trust private messages claiming to be from customer service or platform staff. Always verify official accounts through platform badges.

  • OKX will never ask you to transfer assets, buy or sell crypto, or perform withdrawals on behalf of anyone.

  • Anyone claiming to be an OKX partner or staff member who asks you to transfer assets or invest should be treated as a potential scammer.

  If you believe you’ve been scammed, go to Online Chat, enter the keyword “stolen”, and contact customer support immediately.

• For details, please refer to: "How to contact customer service if you encounter theft or fraud?" "Guidelines for responding to and preventing scams"