Crypto scam red-flags checklist
A crypto scam checklist is a short list of red flags to run through before you buy any token, so you catch rug pulls, honeypots, and scams before your money is gone. Most crypto losses are avoidable scams that leave the same fingerprints every time. Work through the checks below, and if several stack up, walk away. This is educational information only, not financial advice. Learn the bigger picture in our crypto safety guide.
The contract
- Can the team still mint new tokens? It should be renounced or capped.
- Can they freeze or seize tokens in your wallet?
- Can you actually sell, or is it a honeypot?
- Is the contract audited by a reputable firm?
Ownership & liquidity
- Do a few wallets hold most of the supply?
- Is the liquidity pool locked, and deep enough to sell into?
- Do the market cap and volume look real, not wash-traded?
- Will slippage trap you when you try to exit?
The team & the pitch
- Is the team public with a track record, not anonymous?
- Is there a real product, or only hype?
- Are you being rushed to buy right now?
- Did the links come from official channels, not a DM?
Instant walk-aways
- Guaranteed or unrealistic returns — always a lie.
- Anyone asking for your seed phrase or private key — instant scam.
- A rug pull in progress — learn the pattern in what is a rug pull.
The mechanics behind these checks are standard across cryptocurrency — a few minutes with this list beats learning the hard way.
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Open a Crypto.com account, then scan any token here before you buy. Get started on Crypto.com →
Crypto scam checklist — FAQ
What is a crypto scam checklist?
A short list of red flags — contract, ownership, liquidity, team — to check before buying any token, so you avoid rug pulls and honeypots. Educational, not financial advice.
What is the biggest red flag?
Anyone asking for your seed phrase or private key, or promising guaranteed returns. Both are instant walk-aways.
How do I check a token fast?
Run it through a token safety scanner for mint and freeze authority, holder concentration, and liquidity, then apply this checklist.
Educational information only, not financial advice. Always do your own research.