SCAM LIBRARY · MONEY & PAYMENT

The celebrity crypto giveaway

A scammer impersonates a famous person and promises to multiply your money through cryptocurrency, but the goal is to steal your cash.

Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-06

How it works

You see a message on social media or email claiming a celebrity is giving away free cryptocurrency or offering a special investment opportunity. You're told the offer is limited-time only and encouraged to send money or cryptocurrency right away to receive your 'reward.' Once you send funds, the scammer disappears and you never receive anything in return.

Red flags

• A celebrity or well-known figure personally offering you money or investment returns—real celebrities do not solicit strangers this way.
• Pressure to act fast or miss out, with promises of guaranteed profits or large returns.
• Requests to send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency first as a 'deposit' or 'verification fee.'

What to do

• Do not send money, cryptocurrency, or personal information. Legitimate giveaways never ask you to pay first.
• Verify directly: visit the real celebrity's official website or verified social media account and ask them about the offer—do not use links in the message.
• Report the scam at reportfraud.ftc.gov so authorities can help protect others.