32 Fund Scheme Scripts Exposed: Essential Fraud Tactics Every Investor Must Know

In recent years, countless funds schemes claiming to be blockchain projects have emerged, with thousands of new ones each year. The reason these schemes are so confusing is their carefully crafted packaging and highly organized marketing tactics. If investors can recognize these common fund scheme phrases, they can greatly reduce the risk of being scammed.

Why Fund Schemes Frequently Succeed: Insights from Classic Cases

The core operation of fund schemes is essentially a game of “empty-handed grabbing a white wolf,” where more participants join, the fund pool grows larger, but the project’s value remains illusory.

Some of the most representative historical cases reveal this nature:

PlusToken was the largest fund scam, involving over 20 billion yuan. OneCoin was a global Ponzi scheme covering many countries and operating for the longest time. Qubit APP conducted pyramid schemes under the guise of consumer rebates. Newton Exchange attracted many participants due to its rapid launch. VDS creatively designed resonance modes to attract investments. Snail Star Interstellar Mining Machine became the largest overseas mining machine scam to be pursued abroad. These cases formed a “playbook” for fund schemes, which later imitators continued to copy for new scams.

Common Phrases and Tactics to Watch Out for in Fund Schemes

Scheme operators and managers have developed systematic responses to participant questions. Depending on the level of investor doubt, they choose appropriate phrases to guide them. Here are the 32 most common categories of fund scheme phrases:

Price Promise Phrases:

• “Hold tight if you trust me; if not, sell now” (creating herd pressure)
• “Reach $1,000 by year-end, or I’ll eat dirt on live” (extreme promise)
• “You’ll never see this price again” (creating urgency)
• “The coin is severely undervalued” (hinting at doubling potential)
• “A hundredfold increase is not a dream” (extreme promise)

Team and Partnership Phrases:

• “We have top international market management teams” (faking strength)
• “We just talked to major exchanges, it’s about to list” (faking progress)
• “We’ve partnered with several offline companies” (faking collaborations)

Market Adjustment Phrases:

• “The team is working; don’t look at the price, hold on” (diverting attention)
• “Just a shakeout, big moves are coming” (glossing over dips)
• “The exchange is dumping your coins, withdraw quickly” (shifting blame)

Project Outlook Phrases:

• “Good news next month” (continuously delaying promises)
• “We will use time to turn everything around” (拖延 tactics)
• “99% of projects will fail; we are the 1%” (creating selective fear)

Profit Claim Phrases:

• “Invest 70,000 yuan, earn 10.4 million in 2 years” (exaggerating returns)
• “High static income, 30% monthly yield” (impossible returns)
• “Walking makes money; token economy is the future” (mythical profits)
• “There are 10 million out, the boss guarantees six figures monthly” (hierarchical temptation)

Participation Phrases:

• “Just follow instructions, success is guaranteed” (overstating certainty)
• “My success can be copied” (false promises)
• “My courses can improve financial IQ” (covert sales)
• “Follow the company and system, live a prosperous life” (spiritual promise)

Public Opinion Guidance Phrases:

• “Reduce viewing negative news; it affects development” (eliminating doubts)
• “Some distort blockchain, but our team abides by laws” (self-exemption)
• “Blockchain industry is a great training ground; you can learn a lot” (diverting focus)

Urgency Phrases:

• “Blockchain is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; if you miss it, you’ll regret” (FOMO creation)
• “Endorsed by celebrities” (e.g., Li Xiaolai, Sun Yuchen, etc.)

Common Tactics Before Fund Scheme Exit: System Upgrades and Hacker Attacks

The final act of fund schemes often involves cover-ups before retreat. On the eve of closure, operators typically use routine tactics to buy time for escape.

First, periodic system upgrades. Initially, once a month, then more frequently as investors get used to it. Next, excuses like hacker attacks—claiming data theft and the need for maintenance. Maintenance periods are usually half a month, but this time often becomes an opportunity for fund diversion. Ultimately, group chats are dissolved, operators vanish, and investors’ funds disappear.

Some investors still hold onto illusions, thinking it’s just system maintenance, but the long-term inability to reopen confirms the truth: the fund scheme has already run away.

How to Distinguish Genuine Blockchain Projects from Fund Schemes

The most effective way to identify fund scheme phrases is to understand the characteristics of genuine blockchain projects. Legitimate projects like Bitcoin have been operating for over a decade, with networks that never require downtime. Even during upgrades, users can operate normally without system risks.

The reliability of blockchain lies in its decentralization; as long as there is internet access, it can be used anywhere. Fund schemes, on the other hand, rely on centralized platforms—once the platform decides to run away, all interactions are immediately cut off.

Avoid fund scheme phrases and understand their true nature—this is the smartest choice for investors in this era.