New Crypto Scam Scheme: Inter-Exchange Arbitrage with Fake Domains , How Not to Fall for It

One of the most popular is the so-called "inter-exchange arbitrage" or "mainnet network testing," where victims are offered to earn 4-5% on each transaction between different exchanges. This scheme, which seems simple and profitable, is actually a classic scam aimed at beginners seeking "easy money." According to analysts, such frauds lead to losses of millions of dollars annually, and in 2025, they have taken on new forms thanks to artificial intelligence and fake domains.

How the Scheme Works: Step by Step

Scammers usually initiate contact in private messages on social networks, Telegram, or Discord. They pose as "experts" or "assistants" who supposedly earn on price differences (spreads) between exchanges or on network rewards for transactions. To convince the victim, they send a video demonstrating a "money button" a simple process where money supposedly flows from one exchange to another with profit.

They start by offering a test round with a small amount, like $10. The victim creates an account on the exchange and shares their nickname. Here's the trick: the scammer quickly registers a domain name like "your_nickname.exchange.com" or similar, mimicking a real exchange. You send funds to this fake domain, thinking it's a legitimate transaction. For test amounts, the scammer returns the money with a small "profit" to build trust.

After that, the victim is "warmed up" for larger investments – from hundreds to thousands of dollars. The scammer promises recommendations on tokens and exchanges, taking 20% of the "profit." But when it comes to big sums, the transactions "get stuck," the scammer blocks you, deletes the correspondence, and the money disappears forever. This scheme is not new, it has existed for years but still catches beginners who don't know that real transactions between exchanges don't happen via nicknames or UIDs without verification.

From our research, similar schemes are often disguised as AI arbitrage bots. For example, platforms like Lendex promise 4-100% profits using artificial intelligence, but they are actually Ponzi schemes that collapse when new investments stop. Similarly, YouTube is full of videos with instructions for "MEV-bots" (Maximal Extractable Value), which supposedly automatically trade on price differences, but actually contain malicious smart contracts that steal Ethereum from wallets. The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has already warned about such AI scams, noting that no technology can guarantee profits without risk.

Reddit communities like r/CryptoScams are full of victim stories: one user lost ETH by investing in the fake platform Eedly.com, where after the first withdrawal, they demanded additional deposits for "unlocking." Another described a "professor and assistant" who lured them into arbitrage with fake profits. In 2025, such schemes spread through thousands of fake sites and apps, often with multi-level referral programs resembling pyramids.

How Not to Fall for the Hook?

To avoid such frauds, follow simple rules:

1. If a stranger messages you in DMs with a promise of earnings – it's 100% a scam. Block them immediately. Real experts don't seek clients in chats.
2. Always use official exchange sites (e.g., binance.com, not something like binance-fake.com). Scammers often register similar domains for phishing.
3. Even if the first transaction is successful, it's part of the "warm-up." Real arbitrage requires deep knowledge and doesn't offer guaranteed 4-5% without risk.
4. Verify information on official sites like DFPI Crypto Scam Tracker or CFTC. Avoid YouTube videos with "secret bots" - many contain malicious code.
5. Read about common schemes like "pig butchering" (where scammers build "romantic" relationships for investments) or rug pulls. In 2025, AI makes scams more convincing, so be skeptical of promises of "passive income."

Experts predict that with the growth of the crypto market in 2025-2026, scams will become even more sophisticated, using AI for fake voices and videos. If you've become a victim, report to the police and platforms like Chainalysis or local regulators.