Crypto scams are evolving—and the latest strategy is alarming. Fraudsters are now targeting UK media outlets to spread fake crypto projects, tricking readers into investing in tokens that don’t actually exist.
By buying ad space, planting fake press releases, or even hacking into online news portals, scammers are using the reputation of trusted media brands to give their schemes credibility. Once investors buy into these projects, the scammers vanish, leaving victims with worthless tokens.
This rise of media-based crypto scams highlights how deception is moving beyond phishing emails and fake websites. Today, the battleground is mainstream news platforms, where unsuspecting readers are more likely to trust what they see.
How Scammers Exploit Media to Run Crypto Scams
Media outlets are widely viewed as reliable sources of information. But criminals have learned to exploit that trust. In the UK, scammers are reportedly placing fake ads and sponsored content in digital publications. These ads often:
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Promise guaranteed returns from “new projects.”
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Feature fake endorsements from celebrities or business leaders.
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Include links to fraudulent websites where users are asked to connect wallets.
Once users connect, they’re tricked into giving token approvals—allowing the contract unlimited access to their funds. This is how many investors become victims of rug pulls, where developers abandon a project after collecting money.
Some scams even involve hijacking press release distribution services to publish announcements about partnerships or token launches that don’t exist. When these releases appear on well-known media portals, they look convincing, and investors rush to get in early—only to realize later it was a setup.
The financial damage is significant. Reports from Chainalysis estimate that billions are lost annually to fraud, and scams like these only fuel the fire. More dangerously, they erode trust in both crypto and media institutions.
How Chain Retrieval Can Keep Users Safe
While media outlets work to filter fraudulent ads, investors also need tools to protect themselves. This is where chain retrieval becomes critical.
Chain retrieval allows users to:
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Track active token approvals connected to their wallet.
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Revoke permissions to suspicious contracts instantly.
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Prevent wallet-draining attacks triggered by malicious dApps.
If a user accidentally connects their wallet to a fake project promoted through UK media, chain retrieval tools like Revoke.cash or Etherscan Token Approval Checker can act as a safety net. By revoking approvals quickly, users can stop scammers from siphoning funds.
Experts at CertiK stress that no single tool can guarantee complete safety. But combining awareness with wallet hygiene dramatically reduces risk. The steps are simple:
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Double-check sources before trusting crypto ads or news stories.
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Never grant unlimited approvals unless absolutely necessary.
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Regularly use chain retrieval to clean up old or unused permissions.
The combination of scam awareness and chain retrieval practices empowers users to fight back. Instead of being passive targets, investors can actively protect their wallets.
Crypto scams will continue to evolve, but the message is clear: trust alone is not enough. Even when an offer appears on a well-known UK media platform, investors must verify, question, and safeguard. By pairing careful due diligence with the power of chain retrieval, users can stay one step ahead of scammers exploiting the credibility of trusted news sources.