Is it worth reporting a scammer?

Reporting scammers isn’t just about getting your money back; it’s about dismantling their operations. The FTC actively pursues legal action against these criminals, leveraging reports like yours to build strong cases. Your detailed report, including specifics like wallet addresses, transaction IDs, and smart contract details (if applicable), provides crucial evidence. This information isn’t just used by the FTC; it’s shared with other agencies, creating a powerful network dedicated to bringing scammers to justice.

Think of it as contributing to a decentralized, anti-scam DAO. Your report becomes a valuable data point in a larger, collaborative effort. The more detailed and accurate the information you provide, the stronger the case becomes. This isn’t just about individual losses; it’s about protecting the entire crypto ecosystem. By reporting, you’re helping prevent future victims and fostering a more secure environment for everyone.

Beyond the immediate impact, reporting helps establish patterns. Identifying common tactics, favored platforms, and emerging scams allows authorities and security firms to proactively develop preventative measures. This proactive approach is crucial in the constantly evolving landscape of cryptocurrency scams. Your contribution directly contributes to the development of better security protocols and improved detection methods.

Don’t underestimate the power of your report. It’s a critical piece in the puzzle of dismantling these criminal networks. Provide as much information as possible to maximize its impact.

How to protect yourself from crypto scams?

Cryptocurrency scams are rampant. Remember this cardinal rule: legitimate businesses never demand cryptocurrency upfront. This applies to purchases, “investments,” or any supposed protection of your funds. If someone pressures you to pay in crypto before receiving a service or product, it’s a scam. Beware of promises of guaranteed high returns or unrealistic profits; these are classic scam tactics.

Scrutinize websites and platforms meticulously. Look for secure connections (HTTPS), verifiable contact information, and independent reviews. Beware of sites with poor grammar, generic designs, or overly enthusiastic promises. A reputable crypto platform will have a transparent operational history and readily available customer support.

Verify the identity of anyone offering investment advice. Don’t trust unsolicited advice, especially from anonymous sources or individuals contacted through social media or dating apps. Legitimate financial advisors are regulated and will not pressure you into high-risk investments. Avoid anyone promising unusually high returns with minimal risk. High returns inherently come with high risk.

Never share your private keys or seed phrases with anyone. These are like your bank account password; protecting them is paramount. No legitimate entity will ever request this information. If someone asks for your private keys, it’s a scam.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets. This adds an extra layer of security, making it significantly harder for scammers to access your accounts. Consider using hardware wallets for storing significant amounts of cryptocurrency, offering a higher level of security compared to software wallets.

Be wary of phishing attempts. Scammers often use email, text messages, or social media to trick you into revealing your sensitive information. Always double-check links and addresses before clicking, and never click links from unknown senders.

Can the police track down a scammer?

Law enforcement’s ability to track down scammers depends heavily on the specifics of the scam and the available evidence. While local police can assist in cases involving monetary loss or identifiable scammer information, their success rate varies. Filing a police report is crucial, and providing your FTC report alongside personal identification is standard procedure. However, cryptocurrency scams present unique challenges.

Cryptocurrency transactions, unlike traditional banking, often lack the same level of traceability. While blockchain technology provides a public record, tracing funds through mixers, decentralized exchanges (DEXs), and privacy coins like Monero significantly complicates investigations. Investigators often require advanced forensic analysis and collaboration with cryptocurrency exchanges to identify involved addresses and potentially link them to individuals. The decentralized and pseudonymous nature of many crypto transactions often hinders the identification and prosecution of scammers.

Moreover, many scams leverage jurisdictions with lax regulations, making international collaboration essential but often challenging. The speed at which crypto transactions occur also means swift action is crucial to potentially recover funds. Providing law enforcement with transaction hashes, wallet addresses (if known), and any communication logs with the scammer can greatly improve the chances of a successful investigation, even if complete recovery isn’t guaranteed.

Remember to secure all relevant information immediately following a suspected scam. This includes screenshots of communication, transaction details, and any websites or platforms used in the scam. This detailed evidence is vital for any potential investigation.

How do you tell if you’re talking to a scammer online?

Identifying online crypto scams requires a keen eye. While some scams are sophisticated, many exhibit common red flags:

Poor grammar and spelling: Legitimate crypto projects invest in professional communication.
Sense of urgency: Pressure tactics (“limited-time offer,” “act now!”) are classic scammer maneuvers. They aim to bypass rational decision-making.
Requests for personal information: Never share private keys, seed phrases, or KYC information unless absolutely necessary on a verified, official platform.
Promises that are too good to be true: Guaranteed high returns with minimal risk are virtually nonexistent in the crypto space. Beware of unrealistic ROI promises.
Unexpected contact: Legitimate projects rarely initiate unsolicited contact, especially promising you significant gains.

Beyond these basics, consider these crucial aspects:

Verify the project’s legitimacy: Research the project thoroughly. Check for whitepapers, team member details, and community engagement on reputable platforms. Be wary of anonymous teams or lack of transparency.
Examine the website and social media presence: Look for professionally designed websites and active, engaged communities. Fake or poorly maintained platforms are often a sign of a scam.
Check for online reviews and warnings: Search for the project’s name alongside terms like “scam” or “review.” Many scam victims share their experiences online.
Never invest more than you can afford to lose: The crypto market is highly volatile. Only invest what you’re comfortable losing completely.
Use secure wallets and exchanges: Choose reputable platforms with strong security measures to protect your assets.

Remember: If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your instincts and prioritize caution when dealing with unsolicited crypto opportunities.

How can I outsmart a scammer?

Never make impulsive decisions. Scammers thrive on pressure; hang up immediately if you feel rushed.

Absolutely never share personal or financial information, including your social security number, bank details, or cryptocurrency wallet addresses and private keys. This includes seemingly innocuous details that could be used for phishing or social engineering attacks.

Always independently verify the identity of the purported organization or individual. Legitimate businesses will readily provide contact information readily available on their official website, not just a phone number or email. Be wary of unexpected communications, especially concerning cryptocurrency investments or “opportunities”.

Request all communication in writing, via certified mail or a verifiable email address, from an official domain. Do not trust verbal assurances. For cryptocurrency-related scams, carefully check the contract addresses on a blockchain explorer for known scams or rug pulls. Review the project’s whitepaper meticulously for inconsistencies or unrealistic promises.

Understand that legitimate cryptocurrency exchanges and projects will *never* request your private keys or seed phrases. If someone does, it’s a scam. Similarly, be cautious of unsolicited investment offers or promises of guaranteed high returns; these are classic red flags.

Report suspected scams to the appropriate authorities and to your exchange or wallet provider immediately. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.

Familiarize yourself with common cryptocurrency scams like phishing, pump-and-dump schemes, and romance scams. Regularly check online resources and security advisories for updates on emerging scam tactics.

Which of the following is a red flag in a cryptocurrency investment?

Investing in cryptocurrency can be lucrative, but it’s crucial to be aware of potential scams. Several red flags should immediately raise your suspicion. One common sign is a website with subtle misspellings in its URL – a clear indication of a potentially fraudulent operation. Legitimate platforms prioritize a professional online presence.

Another major red flag is the use of overly aggressive urgency tactics. Legitimate investment opportunities don’t require you to act immediately. High-pressure sales pitches designed to force a quick decision are almost always associated with scams. This is often coupled with promises of guaranteed profits, which are inherently unrealistic in the volatile cryptocurrency market. No investment guarantees riches; any promise of this is a major warning sign.

Similarly, promotions tied to high-profile events, like a significant cryptocurrency conference or a major market fluctuation, should be viewed with skepticism. Scammers often capitalize on the excitement surrounding these events to lure unsuspecting investors. Always do your own thorough research before investing, regardless of any promotional material.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, never, under any circumstances, share your private wallet key phrases with anyone. Legitimate businesses or individuals will never request this information. Compromising your keys grants immediate access to your funds, resulting in irreversible losses.

Remember, due diligence is paramount. Research the project’s team, whitepaper, and overall market standing before committing any funds. Verify information from multiple independent sources and be wary of any deal that seems too good to be true.

Does the FBI investigate crypto scams?

Yes, the FBI investigates cryptocurrency scams. They’re actively pursuing cases involving investment fraud, rug pulls, pump-and-dump schemes, and other forms of cryptocurrency-related crime. Their investigative efforts often involve collaborating with international agencies due to the borderless nature of cryptocurrency transactions. While they might contact potential victims, be extremely cautious of unsolicited communication claiming to be from the FBI. Never share your seed phrases, private keys, or login credentials with anyone. Verify their identity through official channels, such as contacting your local FBI field office directly using publicly available contact information. Remember that the FBI will never request cryptocurrency or financial information via email or phone. Legitimate investigations usually involve formal legal processes, not informal phone calls or emails. Furthermore, be aware that recovering funds lost to crypto scams is extremely difficult, and success is not guaranteed. Thorough due diligence and using reputable exchanges and platforms are crucial in mitigating your risk of becoming a victim. Report suspected scams immediately to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Can a scammer be traced?

While the possibility of tracing a scammer depends on their sophistication and the digital footprints they leave behind, the answer is generally yes. However, successfully tracing them often requires a concerted effort.

Traditional methods, like tracking IP addresses, email headers, and phone numbers, remain valuable tools. Law enforcement agencies are equipped to leverage these, often working with telecom providers and internet service providers to uncover identities. But scammers are increasingly leveraging anonymity-enhancing technologies to obfuscate their tracks.

Here’s where things get interesting in the crypto space:

Cryptocurrency transactions: While blockchain technology offers transparency, scammers often utilize mixers or tumblers to obscure the origin and destination of funds. However, sophisticated blockchain analysis can still reveal patterns and connect transactions, potentially leading back to the scammer.
Decentralized exchanges (DEXs): DEXs offer a higher degree of anonymity compared to centralized exchanges (CEXs), making tracing more challenging. However, on-chain analysis techniques can still provide clues.
Smart contracts: The immutable nature of smart contracts can be beneficial in tracing fraudulent activities if the scammer interacts with them. Contract interactions leave a verifiable record on the blockchain.

Challenges in tracing crypto scammers include:

The global and decentralized nature of cryptocurrency makes jurisdictional issues complex.
The use of privacy coins like Monero further complicates tracing efforts.
The ever-evolving landscape of crypto technologies requires constant adaptation from law enforcement and investigators.

In conclusion, while tracing scammers in the crypto world is more complex than traditional methods, it’s not impossible. The combination of traditional investigative techniques and advanced blockchain analysis offers a pathway to identifying and potentially prosecuting those engaging in fraudulent activities.

How to track down someone who scammed you?

Tracking down a cryptocurrency scammer requires a different approach than traditional fraud. Evidence collection is paramount. This includes transaction IDs, wallet addresses, blockchain explorer links showing the fraudulent transaction, screenshots of communication (including timestamps), and any smart contract addresses involved. Do not delete anything. Blockchain analysis tools are crucial; they can reveal the scammer’s wallet activity, potential mixers used, and possibly even identify exchanges involved.

Forget “people finder” services; they’re largely ineffective. Instead, focus on the digital footprint. Analyze the scammer’s online presence. Look for social media profiles, forum posts, and other online activities that might reveal their identity or location. Reverse image searches on profile pictures can sometimes yield additional information.

Filing a report with the FTC is still crucial, but emphasize the cryptocurrency aspect. Supplement this with reports to relevant cryptocurrency exchanges (where applicable) and any relevant regulatory bodies. Law enforcement involvement is more likely if substantial funds are involved and you can provide comprehensive blockchain evidence. Prepare a detailed document with all collected evidence.

Consider engaging a blockchain forensics expert. Their specialized tools and experience can uncover hidden connections and potentially lead to the scammer’s identification. This is a cost-effective approach compared to the potential losses.

Insurance coverage is often limited for cryptocurrency losses. Check your policy carefully. Explore whether your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance might cover some losses, but don’t count on this as a primary recovery method.

Prevention is key. Future transactions should prioritize secure, reputable exchanges and wallets. Understand smart contract code before interacting with it. Use two-factor authentication everywhere. Never invest in unregistered or poorly-vetted projects.

Can a crypto scammer be traced?

Yes, absolutely. While crypto transactions are pseudonymous, not anonymous, law enforcement agencies possess sophisticated tools to trace cryptocurrency movements. Blockchain’s transparent nature, despite the use of pseudonyms like wallet addresses, allows investigators to follow the trail of transactions. Think of it like a digital breadcrumb trail – each transaction is recorded publicly on the blockchain. This contrasts sharply with traditional finance where tracing funds can be significantly more challenging. Furthermore, exchanges often require KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures, linking real-world identities to crypto wallets. This, combined with blockchain analysis and collaboration between international agencies, significantly increases the chances of tracing and identifying crypto scammers. The complexity of the investigation depends on the sophistication of the scammer’s operation; techniques like mixers and tumblers can obfuscate the trail but don’t eliminate it entirely. Law enforcement is constantly developing new techniques to overcome these obfuscation methods.

The key here is understanding that while cryptocurrency offers a degree of privacy, it’s not truly untraceable. The persistent record on the blockchain, coupled with advancements in blockchain analysis technologies, significantly increases the likelihood of apprehending criminals. This makes crypto a riskier tool for illicit activities than many might assume.

How do I get my money back from a crypto scammer?

Let’s be brutally honest: recovering funds from crypto scammers is incredibly difficult. Crypto transactions are generally irreversible. Unlike credit card payments, there’s no central authority to dispute the charge.

Your best, albeit slim, chance relies entirely on the scammer’s cooperation. They’d have to willingly send your funds back. This rarely happens.

What you *can* do:

Report the scam immediately: Contact the exchange or platform you used to send the cryptocurrency. They might be able to assist, although they’re not obligated to reverse the transaction. Provide all transaction details, including addresses and timestamps. Emphasize the fraudulent nature of the transaction.
Gather evidence: Preserve all communication with the scammer, including transaction IDs, screenshots, and any promises made. This evidence will be crucial for potential legal action, though success isn’t guaranteed.
Consider law enforcement: Report the scam to your local authorities and potentially to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) in the US or your equivalent agency. While recovery isn’t promised, reporting helps build a case against the scammer and may deter future crimes.
Learn from the mistake: Thoroughly research any crypto project or individual before investing. Verify legitimacy through multiple sources and avoid high-risk, get-rich-quick schemes. Due diligence is paramount.

Remember:

No recovery guarantees exist.
Many “recovery services” are scams themselves. Avoid them.
Prevention is key. Be extremely cautious when dealing with unsolicited offers or promises of unrealistic returns.

What to do if a scammer has your phone number and address?

Immediate Actions: Lock your SIM card immediately. This prevents further communication via your mobile carrier. Consider this your initial stop-loss – minimizing further potential damage. Think of it like cutting your losses on a bad trade.

Account Security: This is your risk management. Secure all online accounts with strong, unique passwords. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) – a crucial layer of security, like hedging your positions. Don’t reuse passwords – diversify your security, just as you diversify your portfolio.

Communication Control: Block spam calls and texts. This is like setting trailing stops – limiting potential further losses. Ignore one-ring phone calls; they’re often a precursor to more sophisticated scams. Avoid clicking unknown links or attachments – treat them as high-risk, unvetted investments.

Reporting and Monitoring: Report the scam to the FTC and your local law enforcement. Document everything – this is your audit trail. Regularly monitor your credit report for any suspicious activity – think of this as constantly reviewing your portfolio for red flags.

Further Mitigation: Consider a credit freeze or fraud alert. This limits the ability of scammers to open new accounts in your name. It’s like implementing a circuit breaker to prevent catastrophic losses. Review your bank and credit card statements meticulously, looking for any unauthorized transactions.

What not to do when you get scammed?

If you’ve been scammed, your immediate reaction is crucial. Don’t engage with the scammer further; doing so only prolongs the ordeal and potentially exposes you to further manipulation.

Immediately cease all communication: Hang up the phone, delete emails and messages without reading them extensively (to avoid further phishing attempts), and shred any physical mail. Don’t even click links or open attachments – these are often used to install malware on your devices.
Stop all payments: Under no circumstances should you send any more money to the scammer. This is unlikely to recover your losses and only encourages their behavior.
Beware of recovery scams: Many secondary scammers prey on victims. They may promise to retrieve your lost funds for a fee, but they’re simply after more of your money. Legitimate recovery services typically don’t ask for upfront payment. Report the initial scam to the appropriate authorities (local law enforcement and possibly the FTC or your nation’s equivalent) and follow their guidance.

In the context of crypto scams specifically:

Secure your wallets and accounts: Change your passwords immediately across all relevant platforms. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where available. If the scam involved access to a private key, consider your funds lost. Consider using a hardware wallet for future crypto holdings.
Document everything: Gather all communication with the scammer, transaction details, and any other relevant evidence. This information will be essential if you decide to pursue legal action or file a report.
Monitor your credit and financial accounts: Scammers sometimes attempt to compromise additional financial information. Regularly check your accounts for suspicious activity.

Remember: Prevention is better than cure. Be extremely cautious when dealing with unsolicited crypto investment opportunities, high-return promises, and unknown individuals online. Always verify the legitimacy of platforms and individuals before engaging with them.

What are the biggest four common cryptocurrency scams?

The crypto world, while exciting, is rife with scams. Here are four major ones to watch out for:

Fake Websites/Apps: These mimic legitimate exchanges or wallets, stealing your login credentials and funds. Always double-check the URL for typos and look for security indicators like HTTPS. Use reputable, established platforms, and never download apps from unofficial sources. Think of it like this: would you trust a bank that had a website full of misspellings? No. The same applies to crypto.
Phishing Scams: These often arrive via email or text message, appearing to be from a trusted source like an exchange or project. They lure you into revealing your seed phrase, private keys, or other sensitive information. Never click on links in suspicious emails or messages. Always directly access your accounts through your browser’s bookmark or official app store.
Pump and Dump Schemes: These involve artificially inflating the price of a cryptocurrency through coordinated buying, then selling off large holdings at the peak price, leaving latecomers with worthless assets. Do your own thorough research before investing in any coin, considering market cap, volume, and the project’s whitepaper. Be wary of coins with little to no actual utility or a sudden surge in popularity with little supporting news.
Fake Celebrity Endorsements: Scammers often use fake social media accounts or websites to pretend celebrities endorse a specific cryptocurrency. Always verify any endorsement directly through the celebrity’s official channels. It’s crucial to avoid making investment decisions based on celebrity hype alone, and to think about whether their supposed endorsement truly makes sense given their profile.

Bonus Tip: Remember, legitimate cryptocurrency projects and exchanges rarely promise ridiculously high returns. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Due diligence is your best defense.

Can a scammer get into your bank account with your phone number?

Phone number hijacking is a serious threat, representing a significant vulnerability in multi-factor authentication (MFA). Scammers don’t need your password; they need your phone. By porting your number – a surprisingly easy process for sophisticated actors – they intercept one-time passwords (OTPs) and SMS-based verification codes crucial for accessing bank accounts and brokerage platforms. This allows them to bypass security measures designed to protect your assets. Think of it like this: your phone number is the key to your financial kingdom, and they’re making a copy without your knowledge.

Beyond immediate account access, consider the implications for subsequent trades. They could initiate unauthorized transfers, place fraudulent orders, or even manipulate your portfolio for their gain. Recovery can be a protracted and expensive process, potentially involving disputes with your bank and brokerage, and potentially impacting your credit score. Protecting your phone number is paramount; it’s arguably more critical than guarding your password.

Consider implementing robust security measures, like enabling two-factor authentication that uses methods beyond SMS (like authenticator apps), and regularly monitor your accounts for suspicious activity. Report any suspected compromise immediately. The cost of inaction far outweighs the effort required to implement effective protection.

This isn’t just about losing money; it’s about reputational risk and the potential for significant long-term consequences. Your phone number is the weakest link in many security chains. Strengthen it.

How can you tell if someone is a crypto scammer?

Identifying cryptocurrency scams requires a discerning eye. One simple, yet effective method is reverse image searching any profile pictures. This helps uncover if the individual is using stolen photos, a common tactic among scammers creating a false sense of trust.

The promise of exorbitant returns with minimal risk is a huge red flag. Legitimate cryptocurrency investments carry inherent volatility and risk. If an opportunity seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is a scam.

Be wary of unsolicited investment advice, especially through social media or email. Legitimate investment opportunities are rarely promoted aggressively or through untrusted channels.

Never pay upfront fees or taxes to withdraw cryptocurrency. This is a classic scam tactic. Legitimate platforms will not require such payments. Always verify the legitimacy of a platform through independent research before investing.

Always check the platform’s online reputation. Look for reviews on independent websites and forums. Avoid platforms with overwhelmingly positive reviews – a balance of positive and negative reviews often points to a more genuine operation. Examine user feedback carefully, looking for patterns of complaints.

Understand the risks associated with cryptocurrency investments. The market is highly volatile, and you could lose a significant portion or all of your investment. Never invest more money than you can afford to lose completely.

Diversify your portfolio to mitigate risks. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your investments across multiple cryptocurrencies and other asset classes.

Be cautious of high-pressure sales tactics. Legitimate investment advisors will provide information to help you make informed decisions, not rush you into investments.

Will a scammer want to meet you in person?

Scammers, much like rug pulls in the DeFi space, will often lure you in with promises of a “relationship,” even proposing marriage—a highly lucrative “exit scam” for them. Think of it as a sophisticated pump-and-dump scheme, but with your emotions as the asset. They’ll meticulously cultivate a believable persona, mirroring the due diligence many perform before investing in a promising altcoin. However, just as a seemingly solid project can suddenly collapse, their promises to meet will always evaporate, replaced by the inevitable request for funds – their “whale dump” of your savings. These sophisticated criminals operate across various platforms, much like decentralized exchanges (DEXs) offer various tokens – they’re everywhere, lurking on dating apps and social media, ready to exploit vulnerabilities in human connection, just as malicious actors exploit vulnerabilities in smart contracts. Remember, always perform your own KYC (Know Your Crypto… and your Counterparty!), before engaging in any potentially risky “relationships,” whether financial or romantic. This “KYC” includes thoroughly vetting their background and verifying their identity beyond digital claims; similar to checking tokenomics, team transparency, and auditing reports before investing.

Their goal is to maximize returns on their emotional investment – your money. They’ll use similar manipulative tactics to those used in high-pressure sales, employing FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) and promises of high rewards with minimal risk, not unlike the hype surrounding many new cryptocurrencies. Never invest emotionally, and always remember that if something sounds too good to be true, it likely is—in both crypto and romance.

How do you protect yourself after being scammed?

You Think You’ve Been Crypto-Scammed. Now What?

STOP ALL CONTACT with the scammer immediately. Do not respond to emails, messages, or calls. This prevents further exploitation and preserves evidence.

SECURE YOUR FINANCES. This is crucial. If you used a cryptocurrency exchange, immediately contact their support team. They may be able to assist in freezing your account or reversing the transaction (though this is not always possible). If you used a hardware wallet, verify its security and consider updating its firmware. If the scam involved access to your seed phrase, assume your funds are compromised and act accordingly.

CHECK YOUR COMPUTER & DEVICES. Run a full virus scan and malware check. Scammers often deploy malicious software to steal more information or maintain access to your systems. Consider a complete system wipe and reinstall if you suspect deep compromise, especially if the scam involved phishing or remote access tools.

CHANGE YOUR ACCOUNT PASSWORDS. This includes all exchanges, wallets, and any accounts that may have been compromised, such as email or social media. Use strong, unique passwords and consider a password manager to improve security.

REPORT THE SCAM. Report the incident to the relevant authorities. This includes filing a report with your local law enforcement and potentially reporting the scam to the platform (exchange) where the transaction occurred. If it’s a DeFi scam, reporting might be more challenging, but documenting everything will still be valuable. Consider reporting to platforms like the FTC in the US or similar agencies in other countries. Remember to gather all relevant evidence, including transaction details, communication logs, and screenshots.

MONITOR YOUR TRANSACTIONS. Closely monitor your crypto wallets and accounts for any unauthorized activity. Be aware that scammers may attempt multiple transactions. Understanding blockchain explorers and the transaction history of your accounts is a crucial skill for detecting further losses.

CONSIDER INSURANCE. While not all crypto scams are insurable, some insurance products now cover losses due to hacking or theft. Research available options to protect yourself from future events.

LEARN FROM THE EXPERIENCE. Analyze what led to the scam. Were you targeted by phishing? Did you fall for a fake website? Identifying your vulnerabilities allows you to improve your future crypto security practices.