Investors Lost Record High $5.6B to Crypto Scams in 2023, FBI Says
A recent report published on Monday revealed that investment fraud was the most widespread and costly form of crypto-related fraud in 2023. The report stated that out of over 69,000 reports of crypto-related crimes received by the agency last year, nearly half were related to investment fraud. Shockingly, investment fraudsters managed to swindle a staggering $4 billion from victims.
Despite crypto crimes accounting for only about 10% of the complaints received by the FBI, the total reported losses amounted to $5.6 billion, which was roughly half of the overall losses reported by complainants.
It is evident from these figures that investment fraud remains a significant threat in the crypto space, highlighting the importance of due diligence and caution when investing in digital assets.
Staying Safe in the Crypto Space
With the increasing prevalence of crypto-related crimes, it is crucial for investors to be vigilant and take steps to protect themselves. Some tips to stay safe in the crypto space include:
- Researching and verifying the legitimacy of investment opportunities
- Avoiding promises of guaranteed returns or unrealistic profits
- Using secure wallets and exchanges for storing and trading cryptocurrencies
- Being wary of unsolicited offers or requests for personal information
By following these guidelines and remaining cautious, investors can reduce the risk of falling victim to crypto scams and fraud.
