Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, has issued a powerful alert to the crypto community, emphasizing that securing your digital assets is as essential as protecting your online banking and email accounts. His message, published in a National Cryptocurrency Association post, lays bare the ever-present threat of digital scams and offers a clear roadmap for staying safe in today’s fast-moving crypto landscape. “Protecting yourself is just as important in your crypto wallet as it is in your email inbox or your ng app,” Alderoty cautioned. As cryptocurrencies gain broader adoption, bad actors have found new ways to exploit users. While blockchain technology offers revolutionary benefits, it also presents risks, especially for those unfamiliar with digital security. Protecting yourself is just as important in your crypto wallet as it is in your email inbox or your banking app. In my latest @FastCompany op-ed, I share some habits to stay safer. https://t.co/4xCuoFF0sr — Stuart Alderoty (@s_alderoty) June 13, 2025 Online Scams in the Crypto Era: What You Must Know Alderoty’s post outlines six of the most common and dangerous online scams targeting crypto holders. These schemes are designed to exploit trust, curiosity, and urgency—traits that scammers leverage to defraud even the most cautious users. Pig Butchering Scams: This elaborate deception begins with fraudsters creating fake emotional or social relationships. Whether posing as a romantic interest, a friendly mentor, or a business partner, their goal is always the same: to lure victims into investing in fake crypto schemes. Once the money is transferred, the scammer disappears, leaving the victim emotionally and financially devastated. Pump-and-Dump Schemes : These scams target lesser-known tokens, artificially inflating their prices through orchestrated hype across social media or messaging platforms. When unsuspecting investors buy in, the organizers dump their holdings at the top, causing the token’s value to crash, leaving victims holding worthless coins. Phony Crypto Giveaways: Social media is filled with posts promising to “double your crypto” if you send a small amount first. These offers are 100% fraudulent. Legitimate giveaways never require upfront payments, and any request for such should immediately raise alarms. Impersonation Scams : Scammers often pose as support agents, regulators, or known brands to trick users into revealing sensitive data or sending crypto to bogus addresses. Despite appearing professional, these impersonators’ true goal is to deceive and exploit others for personal gain. Phishing Attacks: Similar to traditional web attacks, phishing in Web3 involves emails, social media messages, or websites designed to mimic trusted platforms. The goal is to deceive users into entering their wallet credentials or recovery phrases, handing complete control over to the attacker. Random Messages and Cold Contacts : Unexpected texts like “How are you?” or “I found your number” should always raise red flags. These messages are often the first step in more complex scams. Scammers hope to create a false sense of familiarity and slowly reel victims in. How to Shield Yourself from Crypto Scams Alderoty stresses that online safety isn’t about fear, it’s about being equipped. By adopting a few simple yet effective habits, users can substantially reduce their risk of falling victim to digital threats, even as they continue to evolve. Here are the six safety tips every XRP holder and crypto user in general should follow: Keep Your Private Key Offline : Share your public address freely, but never expose your private key or recovery phrase. Think of your private key as the master key to your vault—if someone has it, they control your funds. Scrutinize Every Link : Be wary of random links, especially those in emails, DMs, or social media posts. Always verify the sender and hover over the URL to ensure it leads to a legitimate site. We are on twitter, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) July 15, 2023 Watch Out for Urgency Tactics : Scammers often try to rush you with lines like “limited-time offer” or “act now.” These high-pressure tactics are designed to bypass your judgment. Take your time and investigate before taking any action. Do Your Research: When considering a crypto investment, research the project’s development team, review its whitepaper, assess community feedback, and evaluate its reputation. Don’t be swayed by hype or anonymous endorsements. Trust Your Instincts, but Check the Facts : If something seems off—misspelled names, unofficial logos, or overly generous promises—stop and verify. Gut feelings are often your best early warning system. Avoid Unsolicited Messages : Ignore random DMs, texts, or emails from unknown individuals. Scammers often use unsolicited messages to initiate contact, whether posing as a new friend, a promising opportunity, or a fake support agent. Crypto Is About Empowerment, But Caution Is Key While the decentralization and control that come with crypto are empowering, Alderoty reminds users that personal responsibility is the cornerstone of digital safety. “Crypto gives people more control, more access, and more opportunity. But that means nothing without trust and safety,” he emphasized. He also noted that, according to a wide-reaching survey conducted by his organization, fewer than 1% of U.S. crypto holders have experienced fraud or breaches—a far lower figure than the 34% who have faced banking scams or the 40% who’ve encountered fraud on dating apps. This proves that when used wisely, crypto can be safer than many traditional online systems. Alderoty encourages newcomers to be “crypto curious,” but also vigilant. With habits such as two-factor authentication, cautious clicking, and secure key storage, users can confidently navigate the digital finance world. Bottom Line The rapid evolution of the crypto space brings both opportunities and risks. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, but so are the tools and practices that can keep you safe. With the right awareness, crypto doesn’t have to be a risky endeavor; it can be a powerful tool for financial freedom. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Ripple CLO Issues Urgent Warning to XRP Holders appeared first on Times Tabloid .