A scam is a general term for fraud, especially common in financial markets. In the cryptocurrency environment, a scam is a project or scheme that never intended to keep its promises, or a token project that stopped making payments and meeting its obligations to investors after raising funds. The organizers' goal is to collect participants' money and fail to deliver the promised product or return.

Scam schemes disguise themselves as legitimate projects: they use a professional website, active promotion, and promises of high returns. Often there is no real technology, working product, or transparent team behind them. A critical approach to overly attractive offers helps to recognize the signs of fraud.

Typical signs of a scam

• Guarantees of fixed or unrealistically high returns;
• An anonymous team with no verifiable reputation;
• Pressure and artificial urgency when making a decision;
• Lack of clear documentation, code, or a working product;
• Difficulties withdrawing funds.

Protection against scams is built on independently vetting a project: studying the team, technology, legal information, and reputation. Any offer promising risk-free returns calls for special caution.