Whether you’re a total crypto beginner, an older person just getting into the space, or a seasoned degen trying to flip memecoins — this rule applies to all of you:
TURN. OFF. YOUR. DMs.
You’ll see this advice in every legit crypto Discord server: “Disable your DMs.” And yet people ignore it like it’s optional. It’s not. This is your first line of defense.
How These Scams Usually Go Down
You hop into a Discord server to ask a question — maybe in the general or support channel — and suddenly a kind stranger slides into your DMs offering help.
Or someone posts a “support” link right in the chat.
You click, and boom — you’re redirected somewhere shady, or worse, a file starts auto-downloading. That’s all it takes. You’re drained.
Yes, most people say they’d never share their seed phrase. But scammers are slick, and the game has evolved. Here’s what they do now:
- Pretend to be helpful support agents
- Share links that trigger auto-downloads (.exe files or malicious extensions)
- Recommend tools or bots (Telegram bots, Chrome extensions, bookmarklets) that “boost your trading” — but are actually wallet drainers
- Pretend to be friendly traders on voice chats, slowly gaining your trust
- Clone legit-looking bots that ask for your phone number on Telegram
- Offer to “recover” lost funds — and scam you again
It’s always the “helpful” ones. If someone is too eager to assist you out of nowhere, especially in private, treat that as a red flag.
Telegram, Reddit, and Other Hot Scam Zones
If you’ve posted once in subs like r/cryptocurrency, r/ethtrader, r/bitcoin, r/cryptoscams, or anywhere crypto-related, congratulations — you’re on a scammer’s radar.
Expect random DMs offering to help.
Or you are on pump.fun releasing a token n comments start popping up directing you to a Telegram group “for support” helping you pump your coin. Those are bait. Read more about it here
Also: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS LEGIT CRYPTO RECOVERY SERVICE. If someone offers to help you “recover” stolen crypto, they will just scam you again by asking for fees and updates and more money until you either run out or wise up.
Cold Wallets Aren’t Bulletproof (If You’re Not Careful)
You might think you’re safe with a Ledger or Trezor, but I’ve seen cold wallets get drained. I once infiltrated a drainer group — these guys are next-level. If you leave Bluetooth on or connect to compromised devices, you’re still at risk.
Basic (Yet Crucial) Safety Tips
- Turn off DMs before joining crypto Discords
- Enable 2FA on Telegram
- Enable 2FA on every exchange account (Binance, Bybit, Coinbase, Robinhood, etc.)
- Use a separate phone for your Google Authenticator if you’re paranoid (worth it)
- Keep your cold wallet truly cold – I use an airgapped phone and laptop, and I keep my cold wallet out of reach from Bluetooth connection after transferring my coins so nothing auto-connects
Crypto is wild, and the scammers are getting better. But basic security hygiene goes a long way. Don’t get phished. Don’t get drained. And for the love of Bitcoin…
Turn off your damn DMs.
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