Crypto Exchange Scams: How to Spot Fake Platforms and Avoid Losing Money

When you hear "crypto exchange," you think of Binance, Coinbase, or Kraken—trusted platforms where people actually trade. But crypto exchange scams, fake websites designed to steal your funds and personal data are everywhere. They look real. They copy logos. They use fake testimonials. And they vanish the second you deposit crypto. These aren’t just bad websites—they’re digital robberies with your wallet as the target.

Most fake crypto exchange, a fraudulent platform mimicking legitimate trading sites to trick users into depositing funds promises high returns, low fees, or exclusive airdrops. You might see one named "MoonDex"—a site we’ve documented as entirely fake—or a clone of SushiSwap with a slightly different URL. These scams rely on urgency: "Limited time offer!" or "Your account will be locked!" They’ll ask you to connect your wallet, enter a seed phrase, or send crypto to a deposit address. Once you do, it’s gone. No customer service. No refunds. No trace.

Real exchanges don’t cold-message you on Telegram. They don’t push unverified airdrops. They don’t require you to send crypto to claim a bonus. If a platform isn’t listed on CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko, and you can’t find independent reviews from trusted sources, it’s probably a scam. crypto exchange safety, the practice of verifying platform legitimacy before depositing funds or connecting wallets starts with checking the domain, looking for audit reports, and seeing if the team is public. Even then, if something feels off, it probably is.

Scammers don’t just target new users. They’ve fooled experienced traders with fake KYC pages, cloned mobile apps, and even phishing emails that look like they came from Binance. The most dangerous scams hide in plain sight—using real names of legitimate projects, copying their design, and even hiring actors to post fake success stories. That’s why you need to verify everything. Don’t trust a link. Don’t trust a banner. Don’t trust a "limited-time" offer. If you didn’t type the URL yourself, it’s not safe.

There’s no magic tool to catch every scam. But there’s one rule that works every time: if you didn’t go to the exchange directly, you’re at risk. Bookmark your real exchanges. Double-check URLs. Never share your seed phrase. And if you see a new platform promising free tokens, ask: "Why would they give me free crypto?" The answer is always the same—they’re not giving you anything. They’re taking everything.

Below, you’ll find real cases of fake exchanges, broken airdrops, and token scams that cost people thousands. Each post shows exactly how the scam worked, what went wrong, and how to avoid the same trap. No fluff. No theory. Just what happened—and how to stay safe next time.