The Most Common Crypto Broker Scams We Investigated in 2022
Throughout 2022, fake crypto brokers accounted for over 70% of the cases submitted to AssetsCollector. These scams evolved rapidly, but the core patterns remained consistent.
Below are the broker scam types we saw most often.
1. “Account Manager” Trading Scams
Victims are assigned a supposed “analyst” who:
-
Executes trades without permission
-
Manipulates dashboards
-
Blocks withdrawals
-
Pressures victims to “upgrade” for access
These cases almost always involve forged profits.
2. Fake Platforms With Live-Chat Pressure
These sites simulate:
-
Price charts
-
Trading activity
-
Profit tracking
But they are not connected to the blockchain. Deposits go directly into scammer wallets.
3. Staged Video Calls
Scammers increasingly used video calls to appear legitimate.
Some even used virtual offices or fake compliance officers.
4. Withdrawal Taxes & Unlock Fees
A classic red flag we saw hundreds of times:
“Before we release your funds, you must pay a tax / wallet upgrade / anti-money-laundering fee.”
No real exchange or broker requests this.
5. Our Role in These Cases
AssetsCollector helps victims:
-
Trace withdrawals
-
Identify whether funds hit known exchanges
-
Review fake broker domains
-
Prepare complaints for authorities
-
Prevent re-targeting by recovery fraudsters
Most importantly, we provide realistic next steps — not false hope.