Scam Crypto Exchange: How to Spot and Avoid Fake Platforms

When you hear scam crypto exchange, a fake trading platform designed to steal your money under the guise of legitimacy. Also known as rug pull exchange, it’s not just a bad platform—it’s a trap. These aren’t glitchy apps or slow websites. They’re full-on con operations with fake reviews, fabricated trading volume, and zero real customers. They lure you in with promises of high returns, no KYC, or exclusive access—then vanish with your funds.

Real exchanges like Coinbase or Kraken have clear teams, public audits, and regulated licenses. unregulated exchange, a platform operating without oversight from financial authorities. Also known as offshore crypto platform, it’s often the first red flag. If you can’t find the company’s legal address, its license number, or its customer support team’s real name, walk away. Look at the posts below: LocalTrade was exposed for fake volume and lost user funds. EQONEX shut down after bankruptcy, leaving traders with nothing. These aren’t outliers—they’re patterns.

Scam crypto exchanges often copy the branding of real ones. They use similar logos, fake testimonials, and even cloned websites. They’ll push you to deposit quickly with countdown timers or "limited-time" bonuses. Then, when you try to withdraw, they demand more fees, ask for private keys, or just disappear. crypto exchange scam, a fraudulent operation designed to steal cryptocurrency through deception. Also known as exit scam, it’s the same tactic used by dead tokens like DDM or UniWorld—just applied to platforms instead of coins. If a platform doesn’t let you withdraw, it was never meant to let you leave.

Don’t trust hype. Don’t trust influencers pushing obscure exchanges. Check on-chain data. Look for real trading volume on CoinGecko or CoinMarketCap—not the fake numbers the site shows you. See if the exchange is listed on trusted review sites with verified user reports. And never, ever give up your private keys—not even to "support."

Below, you’ll find real case studies of platforms that turned out to be scams, dead coins tied to fake exchanges, and how regulators are starting to crack down. You’ll see exactly what to look for—and what to run from.