What is a crypto doubling or giveaway scam?

A scam that promises to send back double whatever crypto you send, usually impersonating a celebrity, exchange, or brand through fake livestreams, posts, or hacked accounts. Nothing is ever sent back.

Can I get my crypto back after a giveaway scam?

Once sent, crypto is very hard to recover, but reporting quickly to police and the relevant authorities helps investigators and warns others. Never pay a recovery service that guarantees to get your money back.

I connected my wallet to a giveaway site — what now?

Revoke the token approvals you granted (for example at revoke.cash) and move any remaining funds to a new wallet immediately, as a malicious approval can let scammers drain your wallet over time.

Scam guide

Crypto giveaway & doubling scams: how they work and what to do

A giveaway or "doubling" scam promises to send back double whatever crypto you send — impersonating celebrities, exchanges, or brands, often through fake livestreams and hacked accounts. No one ever sends anything back.

If this happened to you, it is not your fault. These scams use real logos, real footage, and urgency to short-circuit your caution. Here's how they work — and what to do now.

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What is a giveaway or doubling scam?

It's a scheme that asks you to send crypto to an address with the promise you'll instantly receive more back. It often appears as a fake celebrity or exchange "giveaway," a hijacked YouTube livestream, or a post from a hacked or impersonated account. A related version asks you to "connect your wallet" for a free airdrop, then drains it.

How the scam unfolds

1.You see the "event." A fake livestream, a post from a "celebrity" or "exchange," or a DM announcing a limited-time giveaway.
2.The hook. "Send any amount to this address and we'll send back double" — with a countdown and a fake feed of "happy winners" to create urgency.
3.You act fast. You send crypto, or you "connect your wallet" and approve a transaction for the "airdrop."
4.Nothing comes back. Your crypto is gone, or the approval you signed quietly drains your wallet.

Warning signs

🚩Anyone asking you to send crypto first to "receive more" — this is always a scam.
🚩A celebrity or brand "giveaway" with a countdown and pressure to act now.
🚩Links from livestream descriptions, comments, or DMs.
🚩A request to "connect wallet" and approve/sign for a "free" airdrop.
🚩Slightly-wrong account handles impersonating a real person or company.

If you just sent funds or connected a wallet — do this first

•Stop — don't send "a bit more" to "qualify." Nothing will come back.
•If you connected your wallet or signed anything, revoke approvals at revoke.cash and move remaining funds to a new wallet now.
•Screenshot the post, stream, or site, the receiving address, and your transaction.
•Report the impersonating account to the platform so it gets taken down.

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How to report it

•Your local police — file an official report and keep the reference number.
•Your national fraud body (see the full reporting directory).
•Report the account, video, or stream to the platform (YouTube, X, Instagram, etc.).
•Report the scam wallet address on Chainabuse.

⚠️ Beware the second scam

"Recovery experts" may contact you promising to get your money back for a fee. The majority are scammers targeting victims a second time. Never pay anyone who guarantees recovery or asks for an upfront fee. Read the red flags →

You're not alone

These scams are engineered to trigger fast, emotional decisions using trust in a familiar name. Acting quickly under that pressure is exactly what they're designed for. Reach out to someone you trust and consider a moderated victim community for support.

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Answer 4 quick questions and get a tailored checklist, the right reporting links, and a ready-to-use evidence summary. Nothing is saved.

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