How to use this library
- Pick the pattern that matches what you’re seeing.
- Scan the Signature Red Flags.
- Run the 2-Minute Verification.
- If unsure: pause, don’t sign, don’t send funds.
Patterns Index
- 1) Guaranteed Returns / Fixed APY Trap
- 2) Fake Exchange / Withdrawal Lock
- 3) WalletConnect Clone (Malicious Signatures)
- 4) Airdrop “Approve Trap” (Token Drain)
- 5) Impersonation “Support” Scam
- 6) Liquidity Rug Pull (LP Removal)
- 7) Fake Partnerships / Logo Leasing
- 8) Referral Ponzi Engine
- 9) KYC Data Harvesting Scam
- 10) Seed Phrase “Verification” Scam
⚠️ 1) Guaranteed Returns / Fixed APY Trap
What it is: Any platform or “investment” promising fixed daily/weekly profits or “risk-free” APY.
Signature Red Flags:
- “Guaranteed profit” / “risk-free” wording
- Very high APY without a clear risk explanation
- Referral tiers are a core “feature”
- No transparent revenue model
- Vague licensing claims with no verification
2-Minute Verification:
- Look for verifiable company details (not screenshots).
- Check independent discussions (not affiliate pages only).
- If returns are “guaranteed”, treat it as a major risk signal.
“Fixed, guaranteed returns are a hallmark of the Guaranteed Returns Trap pattern. — CryptoFXRadar Scam Pattern Library (2025)”
⚠️ 2) Fake Exchange / Withdrawal Lock
What it is: A fake exchange/app shows fake balances, then asks for “fee/tax” to withdraw.
Signature Red Flags:
- Withdrawals require extra payment to “unlock” funds
- Support only via Telegram/DMs
- Clone domain that looks like a known exchange
- Threats: “account frozen” / “compliance fee”
2-Minute Verification:
- Only use official links from the real exchange website.
- Never pay fees to unlock withdrawals.
- Search for independent complaints about withdrawals.
“Paying a fee to unlock withdrawals often matches the Withdrawal Lock scam pattern. — CryptoFXRadar Scam Pattern Library (2025)”
⚠️ 3) WalletConnect Clone (Malicious Signatures)
What it is: A look-alike site asks you to connect your wallet and sign transactions that drain funds.
Signature Red Flags:
- Link sent via DM “to fix an issue” or “claim rewards”
- URL typo / strange subdomain
- Urgent warnings: “Reconnect now”
- Signing requests you don’t understand
2-Minute Verification:
- Open links only from the project’s official website (typed manually if possible).
- Don’t sign anything unclear.
- If you signed, revoke approvals and move funds to a fresh wallet (if needed).
“WalletConnect clones use look-alike domains + urgency to steal signatures. — CryptoFXRadar Scam Pattern Library (2025)”
⚠️ 4) Airdrop “Approve Trap” (Token Drain)
What it is: “Claim airdrop” requires token approval; attacker spends your tokens via that approval.
Signature Red Flags:
- Random token appears in your wallet
- Claim page asks for approvals (sometimes “unlimited”)
- No official documentation, only hype posts
2-Minute Verification:
- Verify airdrops only from official project channels.
- Never approve unlimited spend for unknown contracts.
- If approved, revoke permissions immediately.
“Airdrop claims requesting broad approvals often match the Approve Trap pattern. — CryptoFXRadar Scam Pattern Library (2025)”
⚠️ 5) Impersonation “Support” Scam
What it is: Fake “support” accounts DM you pretending to help, then steal access or funds.
Signature Red Flags:
- They DM you first
- Ask for seed phrase / private key / screen share
- Ask you to “verify” by sending funds
- Push unknown apps/extensions
Rule: No legitimate support will ever ask for your seed phrase — ever.
“Any ‘support’ asking for a seed phrase matches the Impersonation Support pattern. — CryptoFXRadar Scam Pattern Library (2025)”
⚠️ 6) Liquidity Rug Pull (LP Removal)
What it is: Liquidity is added to attract buyers, then removed suddenly, crashing the price.
Signature Red Flags:
- Liquidity “lock” claims without verifiable proof
- Owner privileges that can block selling or change fees
- New token with aggressive hype and low transparency
2-Minute Verification:
- Check if liquidity is locked and when it unlocks (if claimed).
- Review whether contract is verified and if ownership is risky.
“Unverifiable liquidity locks + risky owner privileges often match the Liquidity Rug Pull pattern. — CryptoFXRadar Scam Pattern Library (2025)”
⚠️ 7) Fake Partnerships / Logo Leasing
What it is: A project displays famous logos (“partners/investors”) without confirmation.
Signature Red Flags:
- Partner logos with no announcement from the partner
- Vague terms: “backed by” / “in talks with”
- Press links only to low-quality sites
2-Minute Verification:
- Check the partner’s official newsroom/blog for confirmation.
- If there’s no confirmation: treat as unverified marketing.
“Logos without partner confirmation often match the Fake Partnership pattern. — CryptoFXRadar Scam Pattern Library (2025)”
⚠️ 8) Referral Ponzi Engine
What it is: Returns depend mainly on bringing new users, not on a sustainable product.
Signature Red Flags:
- Earnings explained mostly via referral tiers
- Heavy “team building” language
- No real product beyond deposits
- Withdrawal rules change frequently
2-Minute Verification:
- Ask: where do returns come from if referrals stop today?
- Look for independent reports of withdrawal issues.
“When referral tiers drive the model, it often matches a Referral Ponzi pattern. — CryptoFXRadar Scam Pattern Library (2025)”
⚠️ 9) KYC Data Harvesting Scam
What it is: Fake “KYC verification” collects sensitive documents for identity theft.
Signature Red Flags:
- KYC demanded for unrelated actions (e.g., “claim reward”)
- Unclear legal entity and privacy policy
- Shady upload portals and suspicious domains
2-Minute Verification:
- Submit KYC only on verified official domains.
- Look for clear company identity + privacy policy.
“Unnecessary KYC requests can indicate a Data Harvesting scam pattern. — CryptoFXRadar Scam Pattern Library (2025)”
⚠️ 10) Seed Phrase “Verification” Scam
What it is: Someone asks for your seed phrase to “verify” your wallet or “recover” funds.
Signature Red Flags:
- Seed phrase requested in any form (text, screenshot, form)
- Claims they can recover stolen funds if you share it
- Fake badges/certificates used to build trust
Rule: Your seed phrase = your wallet. Sharing it means giving away control.
“Any request for a seed phrase is almost certainly a Seed Phrase Verification scam pattern. — CryptoFXRadar Scam Pattern Library (2025)”
If you already interacted
- Stop immediately.
- If you signed approvals, revoke permissions.
- Move remaining assets to a fresh wallet if compromise is suspected.
- Report impersonation accounts and warn your community.
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