The phase of investing in ICOs had created a lot of euphoria in the markets. It was a time when individual teams would design their own project on a blockchain and seek investment for it through cryptocurrencies. It was basically an exchange of one cryptocurrency for another.
The investors in the ICO were given equivalent shares for their investment in these newly developed ‘tokens.’ While the idea behind it was good and pure to provide easy crowdfunding opportunities. It exposed the hard truth of the modern economy.
Also Read: Initial Exchange Offering (IEO) & How It is Better Than ICO
Fraud and competition are essential parts of our economy. Hence, many projects started to fail and the tokens became worthless. Thus, the cryptocurrency bubble came to an end with it.
However, there are many other different kinds of cryptocurrency scams and theft, the most popular is the wallet or Exchange hack. In 2019 itself the market has experienced three Exchange hacks (Binance, Cryptopia, and DragonEX) and one unforeseen situation with the obituary of QuadrigaCX CEO, Gerald Cotten.
Nevertheless, apart from these large-scale losses, there are other various smaller Ponzi schemes and unregulated crypto-investment opportunities being offered on the internet. Social media advertisement, click-bait, and sometimes old school cold calling are efficient ways of luring customers.
According to a recent report by UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, as much as $30 million (27 million euros) was lost to investment-related fraud in cryptocurrencies. According to the press report,
“The number of such scams reported more than tripled last year to 1,834, from 530 in 2017-18.”
Also Read: $1.2 Billion Lost in Cryptocurrency Related Scams and Fraud in Q1 2019: Report
The fraudster pries the gullibility of investors looking to ‘get rich quick.’ They are lured in by hopes of hefty gains in a carefully planned business model. However, more often then not the Exchanges or business shut down soon as the gain their target investments.
Do you think better education and widespread knowledge can reduce these kinds of scams? Please share your views with us.
Summary
Article Name
Even with ICOs Dead Cryptocurrency Investment Scams Still Raging: Report
Description
The phase of investing in ICOs had created a lot of euphoria in the markets. It was a time when individual teams would design their own project on a blockchain and seek investment for it through cryptocurrencies. It was basically an exchange of one cryptocurrency for another.
Author
Nivesh Rustgi
Publisher Name
CoinGape
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Source: coingape.com
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