NFT Scams – Most Common Scams in the NFT Space

As the popularity of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) continues to grow, so does the potential for scams. 

This article examines popular NFT scams and offers suggestions for avoiding them. We’ll also discuss the future of NFT scam prevention and how to report one.

A Closer Look Into NFTs and Their Popularity

The past year has seen a surge in the popularity of non-fungible tokens. These digital assets are unique, and nobody can replicate them, making them ideal for collectors and investors.

You can think of non-fungible tokens as digital assets that run on a blockchain. They are unique and cannot be replicated, making them ideal for collectors and investors.

You can use NFTs, including in-game products, virtual real estate, digital art, and collectibles. This flexibility has made them hugely popular recently, with the market for NFTs exploding in value.

There are a few critical reasons for the popularity of NFTs. First, they offer actual ownership of digital assets. Unlike conventional assets like equities and bonds, you cannot replicate NFTs. Therefore, they appeal to investors and collectors seeking unique and priceless assets.

Second, NFTs are highly liquid. As a result, you can easily find them on the secondary market, making them much more accessible than other investments.

If you’re thinking about investing in NFTs, it’s essential to do your research and understand the risks involved. NFTs give risk-takers a novel way to benefit from the digital world.

The Most Common Scams in the NFT Space

If you’re reading this article, you’re interested in non-fungible tokens. You probably know that NFTs have taken the digital world by storm, and there’s no sign of them slowing down anytime soon.

However, as with new and exciting technology, some exploit unsuspecting victims. This is especially true in the world of NFTs, where scams are becoming increasingly common.

In the subsections below, we’ll look at some of the most common scams in the NFT space. We’ll also provide some tips on avoiding becoming a victim of these scams.

#1 – The “Ponzi Scheme” Scam

First, a popular fraudulent scheme in the NFT world is the so-called “Ponzi scheme.” It’s when someone uses new investments to pay previous investors, giving a false impression that there are actual returns. 

Ponzi schemes first appeared well before NFTs came around. The name comes from Charles Ponzi, an Italian businessman who ran a similar system in the early 1920s. 

Now, there are countless NFT-related Ponzi schemes out there. But how can you spot a Ponzi Scheme? First, it is if it sounds too good to be true. Secondly, you should always do your research before investing in anything. Finally, contact someone you trust for their opinion if you need more clarification. 

#2 – The “Get-Rich-Quick” Scam

The “Get-Rich-Quick” scam is a widespread phenomenon in the NFT community. It works like this: someone will create an NFT and then claim it is worth money. They then try to sell the NFT, saying you will make money.

Most NFTs are worthless, and their sellers are scamming consumers. So, if you’re considering buying an NFT, research and ensure it is worth something. Otherwise, you could avoid losing a lot of money.

#3 – The “Fake NFT” Scam

More advanced scammers often succeed in the so-called “Fake NFT” scheme. They create a new, usually very cheap, ERC-721 token with little to no originality here. 

They sell this “NFT” as a rare and desirable commodity, typically by bribing celebrities to tweet about it. 

As unsuspecting victims buy up the token, its price rapidly increases. The scammers then sell their tokens for a considerable profit and disappear, leaving the victims with worthless ERC-721s.

This scam works because of the lack of regulation in the NFT space. Since anyone can create an ERC-721 token, there is no guarantee that the token you buy is worth anything. 

As such, it is essential to do your research before buying any NFTs. Also, be wary of all NFT collections “hyped” without a good reason.

#4 – The “Exit Scam”

Another (un)popular move in the NFT world is an “exit scam.” When a platform or artist vanishes, they take all the NFTs (and the money used to acquire them).

It’s a big problem and needs an easy solution. The best way to protect yourself is to only buy NFTs from platforms and artists that you trust.

Research or ask in forums and groups before buying if you have doubts. The rule is simple: it is when something seems too good to be true.

#5 – The “Phishing” Scam

Last, the classic “Phishing” scam has become popular among NFT criminals. This scam involves a fake message or email from a crypto exchange, wallet provider, or other business. 

The message typically contains a link that leads to a fake website designed to look like the real thing. The goal is to trick the victim into inputting their login credentials, which allows criminals to steal their funds.

So, how can you protect yourself from this type of scam? First and foremost, never click on links in emails or messages from sources you don’t know and trust. Contact the company directly to inquire if you can’t say whether a message is legitimate. 

Finally, ensure you use a secure and up-to-date antivirus program to protect your computer from malicious software. Let us tackle the topic in the next section for more information on this fundamental matter.

How to Avoid Being Scammed in the NFT World

The world of NFTs can be a minefield, and it’s easy to get scammed if you’re not careful. Here are some tips to help you avoid falling into one of the scams mentioned above.

Do Your Research

This one is crucial. Before buying or investing in any NFT, research to ensure you know what you’re getting into. There are a lot of scams out there, so it’s essential to be aware of the risks.

Be Cautious of Promises of Quick and Easy Money

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. So be wary of anyone promising quick and easy money from investing in NFTs.

Don’t Send Money to Someone You Don’t Know

It’s worth repeating. Only send money to someone you know, no matter what they’re promising in return.

Be Careful of Fake NFTs

There are a lot of fake NFTs out there, so be careful when buying or investing in them. Do your research to make sure you’re getting the real deal.

Keep Your Private Keys Safe

If you’re holding any NFTs, keep your private keys safe and secure. If someone has your private keys, they could steal your NFTs.

Trust Expert Auditing and KYC Services

SolidProof, QuillAudits, Identity.com, and others offer auditing and KYC services in the NFT and crypto industry.

Before investing in an NFT collection, check whether the project has obtained certifications from reputable auditing and KYC services.

Use a Reputable NFT Marketplace

There are several NFT marketplaces, so select a reliable one. Some popular and well-established NFT marketplaces include OpenSea, Rarible, and Mintable. In addition, some famous crypto exchange platforms – such as Binance – have also decided to enter this market.

Tips for Buying and Selling NFTs Safely

Buying or selling NFTs safely and securely requires a few precautions. Here are some tips:

1. Make sure you’re using a reputable platform: There are a lot of different platforms out there that allow you to buy and sell NFTs. Some are more reputable than others, so research and choose a platform you feel comfortable with.
2. Familiarize yourself with the risks: Like with any investment, NFT trading does not come without risks. Make sure you understand these risks before buying or selling an NFT.
3. Know the value of what you’re buying or selling: Just like with any other asset, you should know how much an NFT is worth before buying or selling it. Do your research and familiarize yourself with the market before making any decisions.

Only by following these tips can you be assured of a safe and secure experience when buying or selling NFTs. So make sure to keep them in mind the next time you’re looking to do so.

The Future of Scam Prevention in the NFT Space

The market for scam prevention in the NFT space is growing. This is not surprising given the increased number of scams that have taken place in recent years.

Some teams are finding new techniques to combat NFT scams. Therefore, this field will only increase in significance.

The future of this sector looks very bright. There is a great deal of potential for companies that can provide practical solutions to the problem of scams.

Many approaches can help anyone prevent scams. However, there is a lot of room for innovation in this area. For instance, several companies are developing new ways to verify the authenticity of an NFT. This is essential in preventing scams, as it will help ensure that people only buy genuine items.

It is also vital to be aware of the different types of scams. There are several different methods that scammers use to try and dupe people. It is essential to be mindful of these to avoid them.

How to Report an NFT Scam if You Fall Victim to One

Scam reporting varies depending on the platform you use. For example, using Twitter, you can report fraud by visiting the scammer’s profile. Then, click the three dots and select “Report,” followed by “It’s a scam.” Other social media platforms usually allow you to complete the same procedure.

If you want to move to a more official level, there are other operations you may consider. For example, you can report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission by visiting their website and filing a complaint.

You can also report the scam to the National Consumers League by calling their fraud hotline.

Closing Thoughts – The Importance of Prevention

NFT scams are a problem that is here to stay. However, there are many steps that you can take to protect yourself. First, you must be aware of the different types of scams and familiarize yourself with the market before making any decisions.

Many companies are also developing new and innovative ways to prevent scams. This is an important area that is only going to grow in importance. So keep an eye out for new solutions that are under development.