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Pump and dump: How to recognise and avoid these schemes

As the year comes to a close and the 60 days of January fast approach, the allure of quick profits can sometimes cloud investors’ judgement, making them susceptible to nefarious practices such as pump and dump schemes.

These manipulative tactics involve artificially inflating the price of a cryptocurrency through orchestrated hype, only to sell off rapidly and leave unsuspecting investors with substantial losses.

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In this article, we delve into essential strategies on how to safeguard yourself from falling victim to a pump and dump scheme.

From recognising red flags and conducting thorough research to exercising caution in the face of enticing promises, understanding the dynamics of these schemes is crucial for navigating the crypto market responsibly.

By arming yourself with knowledge and adopting a discerning approach, you can fortify your defenses against the pitfalls of pump and dump schemes and make more informed investment decisions in the digital asset landscape.

What is pump and dump and how it works

A pump and dump is a manipulative scheme in the financial world, particularly prevalent in the cryptocurrency market, where someone artificially inflates the price of a particular security (often a low-value, low-volume cryptocurrency) before quickly selling their holdings at a profit, leaving other investors with significant losses. Here’s how it works:

Pump:

The manipulator (pumper) secretly accumulates a large amount of the target security at a low price.
They then use various tactics to create hype and excitement around the security through social media, online forums, fake news, or paid promotions. This might involve spreading misleading information about the security’s potential or exaggerating its value.
This increased attention and hype drives up the demand for security, causing the price to rise rapidly.

Dump:

Once the price reaches a desired point, the manipulator quickly sells their own holdings at the inflated price, making a significant profit.
With the manipulator selling and no genuine demand to sustain the inflated price, the price crashes back down, leaving other investors who bought at the peak with substantial losses.

In essence, pump and dumps are a form of securities fraud designed to exploit uninformed investors. They are illegal and unethical, but unfortunately, they remain a common problem in the cryptocurrency market due to its relative lack of regulation compared to traditional financial markets.

Here are some key characteristics of a pump and dump:

Sudden and unexplained price spikes: If a cryptocurrency’s price rises rapidly without any apparent reason or accompanying news, it could be a sign of a pump and dump.
Excessive hype and promotion: Be wary of anything that sounds too good to be true, especially if it’s accompanied by aggressive promotion or celebrity endorsements.
Low market cap and volume: Small-cap, low-volume coins are more susceptible to manipulation, as a relatively small amount of money can significantly impact their price.

By being aware of these red flags and doing your research before investing in any cryptocurrency, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to a pump and dump scheme.

Crypto pump and dump schemes are a cunning way for manipulators to inflate the price of a cryptocurrency artificially before dumping it and leaving unsuspecting investors with significant losses. Here are some tips to avoid falling victim to these scams:

Do your research:

Low market cap, low volume: Be wary of coins with a low market capitalisation and trading volume. These coins are more susceptible to manipulation, as a relatively small amount of money can significantly impact their price.
Unproven tech/team: Research the team behind the project and the technology it’s based on. If there’s little to no information available or the claims seem too good to be true, proceed with caution.
Sudden price spike without news: If a coin’s price suddenly spikes without any apparent reason or accompanying news, it could be a pump-and-dump scheme in the making.

Beware of hype and FOMO:

Celebrity endorsements: Don’t invest based on celebrity endorsements or social media hype. These can be paid promotions or part of the pump-and-dump scheme itself.
Guaranteed returns: Stay away from promises of guaranteed returns or “get rich quick” schemes. These are classic hallmarks of scams.
Exclusive investment groups: Be wary of exclusive investment groups or channels that require membership fees or promise insider information.

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Invest responsibly:

Diversify your portfolio: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your investments across different cryptocurrencies and asset classes to minimise risk.
Invest only what you can afford to lose: Remember that the crypto market is volatile, and you could lose all your investment. Only invest what you can afford to lose without jeopardising your financial stability.
Use reputable exchanges: Stick to well-established and regulated cryptocurrency exchanges with a good track record.

Additional tips:

Use technical analysis tools: While not foolproof, technical analysis tools can help you identify potential pump-and-dump patterns.
Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with news and developments in the crypto space. This will help you spot red flags and make informed investment decisions.
Report suspicious activity: If you suspect a pump-and-dump scheme, report it to the relevant authorities.

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By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to a crypto pump and dump scheme. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always do your research and invest responsibly.

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