In a context marked by the rise of cryptocurrencies and the arrival of new investment funds based on these cryptoassets, BlackRock, the largest asset manager in the world, has issued an alert about the growing number of scams aimed at less experienced investors. .
The company has detected an increase in fraudulent websites, fake profiles on social networks and misleading messages on instant messaging platforms that use its name and image to offer false investment opportunities.
Through X, BlackRock issued an alert indicating that scammers are contacting investors in its name, using different tactics to gain credibility and appear legitimate. All this with the purpose of gaining the trust of his potential victims.
The firm called on investors to remain alert to any scam attempts, keeping in mind that none of its executives will at any time or under any circumstances use social networks or messaging platforms, such as WhatsApp or Telegram, to offer investment opportunities or request payments of any kind.
“It is not BlackRock,” said the asset management firm
Through an extensive statement on its website, BlackRock also wanted to alert investors of any scam attempts orchestrated by people or entities that use its brand to generate trust. He warned that anyone who offers investment products or services using their name on social networks, forums or messaging platforms, It's not BlackRock.
The company has been emphatic in ensuring that it will never contact potential investors through these channels or request personal or financial information through these channels.
Through this release, BlackRock has again urged users to be cautious of any investment offers that seem too good to be true or come from unverified sources.
The explosive rise of spot ETFs is increasing the number of scams
The growing popularity of cryptocurrencies and the approval of Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs this year have attracted a new wave of investors to the market, many of them with little experience and knowledge of how this ecosystem works.
Due to this boom and the massive influx of investors, scammers have been trying to take advantage of the situation, launching different massive phishing and identity theft campaigns, to seek to capitalize on the trust generated by a name like BlackRock, the company indicated.
Currently, its two cryptocurrency spot investment funds, the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and the iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA), hold $22.950 billion and $439,10 million, respectively.
What tactics do scammers use?
Scammers are using a variety of tactics to trick investors into believing they are opportunities offered by BlackRock. Among these tactics, the company highlighted:
- Fake websites: They create websites that imitate the image and design of BlackRock's official website, with the aim of stealing personal and financial information.
- Fake profiles on social networks: They create fake profiles on social networks such as
- Fraudulent emails: They send mass emails that appear to come from BlackRock, with fake investment offers or links to fraudulent websites. At this point, the asset management firm highlighted that scammers make very subtle changes to the names in the emails to closely resemble those of BlackRock, so they could go unnoticed by less experienced investors.
- Ponzi Schemes: They promote Ponzi schemes, where investors are promised high returns with little or no risk, using the BlackRock name to give a false sense of security.
How can you protect your crypto assets?
To protect your assets from potential cryptocurrency scams, BlackRock suggests investors follow these recommendations:
- Check the source: Before providing any personal or financial information, investors should ensure that the person or entity they are dealing with is legitimate. Check the website URL, look for grammatical or typographical errors, and be wary of offers that come through unofficial channels.
- Don't let yourself be pressured: Scammers often try to pressure their victims into making quick decisions, arguing that the offer is for a limited time. Investors should take the time to research product and service offerings and not feel pressured or forced to make any decisions immediately.
- If it seems too good to be true, it probably is fake: At this point, the company advises investors to be wary of investment opportunities that promise high returns with little or no risk.
- Use of strong and different passwords: It is also advisable not to use the same password for different platforms and to activate two-factor authentication whenever possible as a security measure.
- Keep your devices up to date: Installing antivirus software and constantly updating operating systems, web browsers and applications with the latest versions are security measures that will help investors protect themselves from attempted scams or fraud in the digital world.
Finally, BlackRock urged investors to report any suspicious activity, whether they believe they have been victims of a scam, or may fall for one, to the relevant authorities.
Investing in cryptocurrencies and other digital assets carries inherent risks, so it is essential to educate yourself properly and take precautions to protect your capital. Caution and skepticism are the best allies in a constantly evolving ecosystem like that of crypto assets.
IMPORTANT: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and, in no case, what is written here should be taken as investment advice or recommendations. Bit2Me News reminds you that before making any investment you should educate yourself and know where you invest your money, as well as the pros and cons of the system. We separate ourselves from the actions and consequences that ignorance may entail. If you decide to invest in this or another asset class, you are solely responsible for the consequences that your decisions and actions may have.
