Is cryptocurrency a scam or a real investment opportunity? This is THE question that many ask themselves when frantically typing on Google on a night of doubt, after seeing an influencer praising a "revolutionary" project or a friend swearing that he has tripled his stake in a week. This doubt is legitimate: between scams, shitcoins and unrealistic promises, the world of cryptos can be scary. And yet... There are also solid projects, real technology, and immense economic potential.

In this article, I'm going to talk to you without filter. I myself lost money, believed in phony projects, but I also understood how to tell the difference between hype and real value. Let's dissect together the most common cryptocurrency scams, how to spot them, why some people get scammed (and how you will avoid it ?).

We will also dive into what makes cryptocurrencies really strong, their concrete usefulness, the dangers, the pitfalls to avoid, and how to go about it if you want to enter them methodically and intelligently.

Hang in there, it's going to be dense, illustrated, useful — and I promise you'll never see cryptocurrency the same way ? again

Wondering if cryptocurrency is a scam? I asked myself the same question...

When I first heard about Bitcoin , it was in 2014. A friend sends me a link and says: "Bro, this is the money of the future." I clicked, I saw the site in black with bad words like "blockchain", "decentralization", "mining"... and I closed the tab. I thought it was a digital ? cult

A few months later, I came across a forum where a guy explained that he had bought 100 bitcoins at $200 each. At the time, it was a sum, but he had a solid reasoning. Me? I backed off again. Too vague, too risky.

And then in 2017, I started for good. I start investing, following projects... and I come across my first scam. A super well put together project, promises of returns, a slick mobile app. I lost €600. It was from there that I decided to dig seriously and not be fooled again.

Since then, I've figured out how to spot scams, how to invest smartly, and most importantly, how to avoid the traps that 80% of beginners fall into. You'll see, it's not that complicated when you have the right keys.

Understanding what a cryptocurrency REALLY is: between technology and storytelling

Before crying scam, you must first understand what a cryptocurrency really is.

? A cryptocurrency is a form of digital currency that runs on a blockchain, i.e. a decentralized and secure ledger. No one can cheat, erase or falsify transactions (in theory). No bank, no state, just algorithms, miners, and open-source protocols.

Among the most well-known projects:

• Bitcoin (BTC): Considered digital gold. Limited offer of 21 million coins.
• Ethereum (ETH): platform for creating decentralized applications (smart contracts).
• Solana, Cardano, Avalanche : Ethereum alternatives with reduced speeds and costs.

But around these solid projects gravitate thousands of "shitcoins" or dubious projects, often set up to take advantage of the wave.

? The bottom line : Not all crypto is created equal. Solid technology, a transparent team, real usefulness = positive signs. A bling-bling site, x100 promises, dubious influencers = run away.

The Most Common Cryptocurrency Scams (And How To Avoid Them)

1. Pump & dump: market manipulation in wild mode

I remember a Telegram group where we received alerts like: "Buy this crypto at 2:05 p.m. sharp, we're all going to do x10!" I, naïve, go there. I buy. 2 minutes later, the price crashes. What for? Because the guys behind the band had already bought, and they sold on our backs. As a result, I was fleeced.

To avoid:

• Bands that give you secret tips.
• Influencers who talk about an unknown project with too much enthusiasm.
• Increases that are too sudden for no fundamental reason.

2. Bogus DeFi projects with unrealistic APYs

"Deposit your money here, and you earn 200% per year in interest." This is often wrong, or it collapses as soon as too many people withdraw. The project falls like a house of cards.

What to check:

• Is the code open-source?
• Is there a security audit?
• Does the project have a real use?

3. Fake wallets and platforms

One day, I wanted to install a wallet on Chrome. I downloaded an extension called "MetaMask Wallet PRO". Spoiler: it was a fake. I entered my recovery sentence, and goodbye my funds. ?

Solid advice : NEVER search for your wallet on Google. Go through official links. Always enable 2FA. And does not install 36 extensions.

How do you know if a cryptocurrency is reliable?

Here is a personal checklist that I use before taking an interest in a project ?

Tutorial: How to Avoid Crypto Scams Step by Step

1. Install a real secure
   ? wallet  Download MetaMask via the official website, or Ledger Live if you have a physical key.
2. Create your account and write down your recovery
   ✍️ phrase  Never take a picture of it. Paper, pen, safe.
3. Checks projects via CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko
   ? Searches for the token, observes volumes, price histories.
4. 
   ? Check out the discussions on Reddit, Twitter, YouTube (beware of hidden sponsors).
5. Test with small amounts
   ? Before putting in €500, try with €10 or €20. Observe, analyze.
6. Use a VPN and enable 2FA everywhere
   ? Security is the basics. Better to be paranoid than ruined.

The best sites to avoid pitfalls

So, cryptocurrency scam or not?

? No, cryptocurrency is not a scam. But it attracts scammers.

Like the Internet in the 2000s, it's a digital Wild West: there's gold to be found, but also bandits on every street corner.

If you go about it methodically, rigorously, and with a hint of skepticism, you can not only avoid losing your money, but also be one of those who really understand the revolution in progress.

It's up to you now. Read, learn, test — but above all, remain lucid and skeptical. And if a guy promises you the moon... Ask him for his rocket ? ticket

FAQ: Cryptocurrency scam or not

Are all cryptocurrencies scams?

No, far from it. Projects like Bitcoin or Ethereum are solid, well-established, and widely used. It's the small, obscure projects with unrealistic promises that need to be watched.

How to recognize a dubious crypto project?

If the team is anonymous, the site is full of mistakes, that they promise crazy returns or that everything is based on marketing... This is a bad sign.

Is it legal to buy crypto in France?

Yes, totally legal. You just have to declare your winnings to the tax authorities, and use recognized platforms.

Can you really make money with cryptocurrencies?

Yes, but it's neither fast nor guaranteed. You have to be informed, test, accept risks, and invest intelligently.

Is mining still profitable in 2025?

Less and less. With Ethereum going to proof-of-stake, traditional mining is losing its interest. There is still Bitcoin which is profitable, but it all depends on the price of your electricity.

Do you want me to help you analyze a crypto project or platform? Send me the link, we'll look at it together ?