2025 Coin Scam Surpasses 3 Trillion Won, 15-Fold Increase in One Year

Last year, the scale of coin scams has reached a level where it affects the entire economy. The statistics on virtual asset-related solicitation scams released by the National Investigation Headquarters of the Korean National Police Agency show that the amount surged approximately 15 times from 213.6 billion won in 2024 to 3.1282 trillion won in 2025. This clearly demonstrates how quickly investment scams using virtual assets are spreading within just one year.

Police Warning: 4 Common Coin Scam Methods in 2025

The coin scam patterns that the police have recently been actively warning about can be broadly categorized into four types.

First, promising high returns on investments by claiming that a self-issued coin will be listed on major exchanges. This scam exploits the ‘certain future’ of listing to stimulate investors’ psychology.

Second, promising to pay high-interest returns in the form of coins if coins are deposited. While it appears to abuse the concept of interest familiar from traditional finance, in most cases, the funds do not actually come back.

Third, operating coin trading rooms (coin lending rooms) and urging investments by claiming they can manipulate market prices. They try to gain investors’ trust by citing ‘insider information’ or ‘expert advice.’

Fourth, proposing investments in virtual asset exchange platforms that guarantee high profits. The core lure is exaggerated and unrealistic return rates.

What to Check Before Investing

To prevent damage from coin scams, any proposal should start with ‘suspicion.’ For investment products promising high returns, first verify whether the promises have a legal basis and whether the operating company has received official authorization. Most importantly, taking sufficient time and carefully reviewing before making an investment decision is the most reliable defense.