The rise in the number of initial coin offerings (ICO) and initial exchange offerings (IEO) is giving unscrupulous individuals the opportunity to run crypto-related scams.
To combat illegal ICOs and IEOs, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) put together a list of resources that helps investors navigate the complex realm of investing in digital assets.
Wondering if a crypto, ICO or IEO investment is right for you, if it’s legal… or if it could be a scam? These resources can help: https://t.co/evPEJ4vEYc
— SEC Investor Ed (@SEC_Investor_Ed) February 23, 2020
The list covers a wide array of topics that helps investors avoid scams including:
- IEOs that may be in violation of federal security laws
- ICOs that claim securing SEC approval
- fraudulent crypto websites that promise “guaranteed high investment returns”
- scammers using false SEC and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) claims on digital assets to lure investors.
- fraudsters building bogus crypto websites and offering sham dealsÂ
- questions that investors should consider before investing in digital assets
- fraudulent schemes that leverage celebrity endorsementsÂ
- suspended public companies after claiming to invest in cryptocurrencies
- background information on ICOs and the potential warning signs of an investment scam
- background information on Bitcoin and the red flags of an investment fraud
- Ponzi schemes using virtual currencies
- investment ads or promotions that ask for your phone number or email address
The resource list is comprehensive as it is part of the SEC’s efforts to keep investors away from the jaws of scammers in the cryptocurrency world.
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed at The Daily Hodl are not investment advice. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency or digital assets. Please be advised that your transfers and trades are at your own risk, and any loses you may incur are your responsibility. The Daily Hodl does not recommend the buying or selling of any cryptocurrencies or digital assets, nor is The Daily Hodl an investment advisor. Please note that The Daily Hodl participates in affiliate marketing.
Featured Image: Shutterstock/Alex Volot
