Cryptocurrency scams are on the rise in Australia and globally. In 2025 alone, an estimated $17 billion was stolen through crypto scams worldwide, with Australians losing over $174 million.
The Golden Rules
Before we dive into specific scam types, here are the rules that will protect you from almost every scam:
Coinstash will NEVER ask you to move your funds to a "safe wallet" — no legitimate exchange will.
Coinstash will NEVER contact you via, Telegram, or social media DMs to ask you to take action on your account.
If someone is pressuring you to act urgently, that is a red flag. Legitimate requests don't have a countdown timer.
If an investment sounds too good to be true, it is. There are no guaranteed returns in crypto.
Never share your password, 2FA codes, or recovery phrases with anyone — not even someone claiming to be from Coinstash.
Common Scam Types
Read our detailed guides on each type:
Romance & Pig Butchering Scams — Someone you met online asks you to invest in crypto
Fake Investment Platforms — Websites promising guaranteed high returns
Impersonation Scams — Someone pretending to be Coinstash, a bank, or the government
Recovery Scams — Someone offering to recover crypto you already lost
AI & Deepfake Scams — Fake videos of celebrities or executives promoting crypto
Phishing & SMS Scams — Fake emails, texts, or websites stealing your login details
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
Stop all communication with the suspected scammer immediately.
Do NOT send any more money, even if they say it's needed to "release" your funds.
Contact Coinstash Support through the in-app chat or email support@coinstash.com.au.
Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au.
Report to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au/report.
Contact your bank if you transferred fiat money.
If you've already sent cryptocurrency to a scammer, recovery is unfortunately very difficult — crypto transactions are irreversible. This is why prevention and early detection are critical.
Useful Resources
ACCC Scamwatch — Australia's official scam reporting and information service
ASIC Moneysmart — Check ASIC's list of companies you should not deal with
Australian Cyber Security Centre — Report cybercrime
IDCARE — Free identity and cyber support service for Australians