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Security Centre
Learn how to recognise common Bitcoin scams, pause before acting, and take cautious next steps. Bitcoin transactions are usually irreversible, so careful verification matters.
How it works
Someone promotes a trading service, mining offer, or private opportunity that promises unusually high or guaranteed returns.
Warning signs
Guaranteed profits, vague explanations, pressure to deposit more, or withdrawal conditions that appear only later.
What to do instead
Treat guarantees as a warning sign. Use independent research and never send bitcoin because of a return promise.
How it works
A scammer copies the name, photo, or tone of a trusted person, company, or support channel.
Warning signs
Unexpected contact, a slightly altered account name, or a request to move to a private channel.
What to do instead
Find contact details independently and verify the person through a known channel before taking action.
How it works
A message claims you will receive more bitcoin after first sending a small amount.
Warning signs
A send-first requirement, celebrity branding, countdowns, or a wallet address displayed in a social post.
What to do instead
Do not send funds. Legitimate giveaways do not require you to send bitcoin to unlock a larger amount.
How it works
A copied website, email, or message tries to collect login details, a seed phrase, or a payment.
Warning signs
Misspelt domains, unfamiliar links, unexpected login prompts, or urgent security notices.
What to do instead
Type a known address yourself, inspect the domain carefully, and never enter a seed phrase online.
How it works
A polished site appears to offer buying, trading, or withdrawals but controls the account and may block withdrawals.
Warning signs
No clear company information, unsupported claims, social-media-only support, or demands for extra fees to release funds.
What to do instead
Research a service independently and understand its legal, operational, and custody model before using it.
How it works
Malicious software imitates a wallet and captures recovery information or replaces receiving addresses.
Warning signs
Unofficial download links, poor reviews, requests for a seed phrase to connect, or unfamiliar permissions.
What to do instead
Download wallet software only from verified official sources and confirm setup guidance independently.
How it works
Someone claims they can retrieve lost or stolen bitcoin in return for a fee or sensitive information.
Warning signs
Upfront recovery fees, guaranteed recovery, unsolicited messages, or requests for your seed phrase.
What to do instead
Do not send more funds or secrets. Preserve evidence and report the incident through legitimate channels.
How it works
A relationship built online is used to create trust before an investment or payment request is made.
Warning signs
Rapid intimacy, reluctance to verify identity, investment coaching, or requests to keep the conversation private.
What to do instead
Slow down, verify independently, and discuss financial requests with someone you trust.
How it works
A caller or message claims there is a problem and asks you to install software so they can take control of your device.
Warning signs
Unsolicited support, remote-access instructions, or a request to open your wallet or exchange while they watch.
What to do instead
End the contact. Contact the provider using details you find independently; do not install remote-access software.
How it works
A scammer pretends to be an official and uses threats, secrecy, or a supposed investigation to demand payment.
Warning signs
Threats of arrest, demands to keep the call secret, requests for bitcoin, or instructions not to contact anyone.
What to do instead
Do not pay. End the interaction and verify any claim through official contact information you locate yourself.
Use these questions as a pause-and-verify aid. Your answers stay in this browser and are not stored.
No warning signs are selected, but remain cautious and verify important requests independently.
Bitcoin transactions normally cannot be reversed once confirmed. Contacting the service used and preserving evidence may still be helpful, but recovery cannot be promised.
No. A legitimate provider or support worker should never need your seed phrase or private key.
Messages that require you to send bitcoin first in order to receive more should be treated as scams.
Be very cautious. Unsolicited recovery offers, guarantees, upfront fees, and requests for sensitive information are common warning signs.
Do not enter information. Close the page, secure affected accounts, change passwords, enable strong two-factor authentication, and review devices for unfamiliar software.
Bitcoin is an open network and technology. Like other financial technologies, it can be misused by fraudsters, so understanding risks and verifying claims matters.
Explore the next ideas connected to this topic.
Return to the main Security Centre for broader self-custody and safety education.
Visit Security CentreBitcoin Access can help you think through questions to investigate. We do not guarantee fraud detection or fund recovery.
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