Common crypto scams (and how to spot them)

Crypto transactions are irreversible. Once funds are sent to a scammer, they can't be recovered. Here are the most common scams targeting Kite users and how to spot them.

Impersonation scams

Scammers pretend to be Kite support (or another service you trust) to trick you into handing over account access or funds.

Red flags:

• Messages on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, or other social platforms claiming to be Kite support
• Requests for your OTP code
• Urgent warnings about account issues or "suspicious activity"
• Offers to "help" move your funds to a "safe wallet"

What to do: Kite support only reaches out through the in-app chat or from care@kiteapp.xyz. If a message didn't come from one of those, it's not Kite. See "Kite will never ask for…"

Address poisoning

An attacker sends you a tiny transaction from a wallet address designed to look similar to one you've sent to before. The goal is that you'll copy their address out of your history and accidentally send real funds to them.

Red flags:

• Unexpected small or zero-value transactions appearing from an address that looks familiar
• An address that matches only the first few and last few characters of one you've used before

What to do: Always verify the full address before sending, not just the beginning and end. Use saved contacts or QR codes instead of copying from transaction history.

Giveaway and investment scams

"Send crypto and get more back" schemes, or promises of unrealistic returns.

Red flags:

• Guaranteed high returns (they don't exist in crypto)
• Fake celebrity endorsements
• Pressure to act immediately
• Requests to send crypto to participate

Phishing and fake apps

Fake websites and apps that mimic Kite to steal login credentials or OTP codes.

Red flags:

• Apps with slightly different names or logos on the app store
• Links in DMs or emails asking you to "verify" or "log in again"
• Suspicious QR codes from unknown sources

What to do: Only download Kite from the official App Store or Google Play. When in doubt, close the link and open Kite from your installed app directly.

Romance and investment pressure

Someone you've only talked to online encourages you to invest in crypto, often through a platform they recommend. The platform may look legitimate at first but is run by the scammer.

Red flags:

• Pressure to invest from someone you've never met in person
• "Can't-miss" opportunities from a new online contact
• Being guided to a specific wallet, app, or platform you hadn't heard of

What to do: Don't send crypto based on advice from someone you haven't verified in person. If an opportunity pressures you to act fast, it's almost always a scam.

How to stay safe

• Never share your OTP or any credential that gives access to your wallet.
• Never send crypto to an unverified wallet to "unlock" or "verify" anything, or to receive a bigger payout.
• Don't click links in unsolicited messages.
• Verify the full address before sending, not just the first and last few characters.
• When in doubt, close the message and contact Kite support from inside the app.