Across 1,000+ cases reviewed by Lionsgate Network this last quarter, a clear pattern has emerged: behind the promises, there are familiar tactics — and they’re only getting more sophisticated. Here’s a breakdown of the most common scam types we’ve seen over the past 12 weeks:
📊 Breakdown by Scam Type:
- 42% – Fake Investment Platforms
Promises of “automated trading,” guaranteed returns, and flashy branding. It often starts with a friendly message — and ends in significant financial loss. - 26% – Romance Scams (“Pig Butchering”)
A long-term emotional connection, usually with a profile of an attractive-looking woman – targeting mostly males, gradually leading to a shared “investment.” The average loss: over $350,000. - 15% – Wallet Theft via Phishing
One wrong click, and your assets vanish. Includes fake “airdrop scams” that ask users to connect their wallets. - 9% – Rug Pulls & NFT Scams
Projects that seem exciting — until the creators disappear overnight. Common in Telegram groups that suddenly go silent. - 8% – Impersonation of Financial Services
Fake messages from “trusted companies,” including impersonation of well-known crypto exchanges asking for verification. Coinbase is the most frequently impersonated cryptocurrency company in the United States. Scammers often claim that the victim’s account has been compromised and instruct them to transfer their assets to a so-called “secure” wallet — which is, in fact, controlled by the perpetrators.
📈 Trends We’ve Identified:
- A 68% increase in cases involving fake romantic relationships, especially via WhatsApp, Facebook Dating and Instagram.
- Scammers are targeting professionals – doctors, engineers, and freelancers – with losses often in the hundreds of thousands, especially on Linkedin.
- First-time appearance of deepfake videos used to impersonate business partners and investors.
🔍 We’re Here to Investigate – Not Just Recover.
Lionsgate Network leads the crypto forensic investigation space – helping victims, empowering law enforcement, and bringing more transparency to the market.
Want to check if a suspicious situation affects you? Send us the details – we offer a free preliminary analysis.
