How to Spot a Fake Crypto Exchange or App

Not every “exchange” is real. Scammers build convincing trading platforms and apps whose only purpose is to take your deposit and never give it back. Often they show fake profits to lure bigger deposits before vanishing.

How the scam works

You're directed (often via social media, a DM, or a “mentor”) to a slick platform. Your balance goes up nicely — it's all fake numbers. When you try to withdraw, you're told to pay a “tax” or “fee” first. You never get anything out.

Red flags of a fake exchange

• You found it through a DM, ad or “investment coach,” not your own research.
• Guaranteed or unusually high returns.
• Pressure to deposit more, fast.
• Withdrawals blocked behind “fees” or “taxes.”
• No real company information, licensing, or track record.
• An app sent to you directly rather than from an official store (and even stores get fakes — check the developer).

How to stay safe

• Use only well-known, established exchanges you researched independently.
• Be sceptical of anyone who introduces you to a platform — especially online strangers.
• Remember: a real platform never requires a fee to release your own funds.

Keep your research independent

Scams thrive on getting you to trust their sources. ChainInspector Suite is a local tool that gives you your own independent view of on-chain data — no reliance on a platform's claims.