MILLIONS of social media users are being warned over a dangerous rise in cryptocurrency scams.
Figures seen by The Sun reveal how thousands of Brits are being targeted by sinister scammers online.
It means users of popular apps like Facebook, Twitter and TikTok need to be especially cautious when it comes to crypto posts.
Just over 7,200 reports of crypto scams were made to the FCA, the UK’s finance watchdog, in the year leading up to June 30, 2022.
It marks a staggering 45% increase over the previous year, in figures obtained by Capital Block.
“Many of these scams are coming through big social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter unchecked,” said Capital Block CEO Tim Mangnall, speaking to The Sun.
Read More on The Sun
“Much like governments and regulators worldwide, these platforms need to do a better job of screening what is and isn’t legitimate, and ultimately what is and what isn’t allowed through to consumers.”
The Sun previously revealed how fake celeb endorsements were being used to promote cryptocurrency scams online.
These adverts prey on innocent victims who might be unaware of the dangers of crypto scams.
But Capital Block warns that even big businesses and experienced investors are getting caught out by scams.
Many of the scams involve getting users to sign up to fake apps or wallets, investing in false crypto coins, or through traditional phishing – where you’re tricked into handing over info to a crook online.
Figures obtained using a freedom of information request reveal a shocking rise in reports to the FCA:
Social media sites and even Google search regularly (and unwittingly) play host to cryptocurrency scams.
Earlier this year, crypto-crooks used the death of Queen Elizabeth II to share fake “meme coins” scams on social media to make a quick buck.
Experts are now calling on the government to do more to stop Brits becoming victims.
“Crypto scams continue to rise unabated, and something needs to be done to stop vulnerable people from being harmed,” Mangnall warned.
“The UK Government has made a huge play of becoming a ‘cryptoasset tech hub’.
“If it’s serious about attracting investment in the space, it needs to be serious about protecting people.”
Tech giants are increasingly cracking down on cryptocurrency scams.
Facebook has strict advertising rules that force crypto firms to provide evidence that their tech is safe.
“Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology is a quickly evolving and dynamic industry highly prone to financial scams and misleading advertising,” Facebook explains.
“To reduce risks to consumers, we require advertisers seeking to promote cryptocurrency trading platforms, software or services and products that use blockchain technology to provide evidence that their activities are appropriately licensed.”
Last year, Google issued a warning over cryptocurrency scams on YouTube.
“We are continuously improving our detection methods and investing in new tools and features that automatically identify and stop threats like this one,” Google said.
“Safe Browsing is further detecting and blocking malware landing pages and downloads.
“YouTube has hardened channel transfer workflows, detected and auto-recovered over 99% of hijacked channels.”
The City of London Police’s Action Fraud division recommends being extremely wary of adverts online and on social media that promise high returns on crypto investments.
“Don’t be rushed into making an investment,” Action Fraud said.
“No legitimate person or firm will pressure you into making an investment, or committing to something on the spot. Take time to do your research.”
It offered these five tips:
Read more on scams
If you think that you’ve been the victim of a crypto scam, you can report it online at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or by calling 0300 123 2040.
You should also contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve been defrauded by a social media scam.
Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find those secret features within social media apps? We have you covered...
Get all the latest WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and other tech gadget stories here.
Featured Image: Unsplash / The Sun
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at tech@the-sun.co.uk
