After an earthquake hit Turkey and Syria last Monday (6), the death toll reached 35,000 people. However, scammers worry about other numbers and take advantage of the tragedy to steal cryptocurrencies.
According to information from Bleeping Computer (BP), scammers are creating fake campaigns on social networks to collect donations, both in cryptocurrencies and via PayPal.
“We saw scammers abuse Twitter and flood comments with their illegal Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency addresses.”
In the first example, the BP points to a user with few followers. According to the website, the scammer’s tactic is to publish their cryptocurrency addresses in comments to major profiles, such as Elon Musk and Dogecoin.
“Help Turkey Earthquake Victims”writes the profile and reposts the same message multiple times.
Furthermore, BP also points out that some accounts use addresses linked to suspicious websites, such as adult content on Russian social networks, and promises that this money will be used to help Turks affected by the quake.
“Friends, we have started a relief effort for those who experienced the earthquake in Turkey”another user writes and posts previously used Bitcoin and Ethereum addresses for dubious purposes.
Cryptocurrency brokers have already sent BRL 63 million to Turkey
On the other hand, more serious campaigns actually help Turks and Syrians. According to data from analytics company Elliptic, updated on Monday morning (13), donations organized by brokers already exceed US$12.2 million, or R$63 million, in direct conversion.
Also according to Elliptic, brokers BtcTurk, Binance, Bitmex, Bybit, Bitfinex, Bitget, Gate.io, Huobi Global, Kucoin, OKX, Crypto.com and Bitget are some who try to help earthquake survivors.
Finally, to avoid falling into scams like those mentioned at the beginning of this article, investors can use some of these platforms to make donations in various cryptocurrencies. Are they:
BtcTurk: BTC, ETH, USDT, TRX
AHBAP: ERC20, BEP20, AVAX
Binance Charity: BNB, BUSD, ETH, XRP, BTC
Paribu: ETH, BTC, WAVES, TRX, AVAX, DOT and others
Financial Times seizes moment to criticize cryptocurrencies
While some throw blows and others look for solutions, there is a third group: the critics. In an article published on Friday (10), the Financial Times took the opportunity to decry cryptocurrencies.
Even noting that more than $10 million worth of cryptocurrencies have already found their way to Turks and Syrians, the FT does not want to admit that cryptocurrencies are useful.
“The intent of cryptocurrency proponents may be admirable, but the simple fact is that while cryptocurrencies succeed in enabling near real-time transactions, they fail in real-world utility”points to the FT, noting that establishments do not accept Bitcoin, as it is necessary to convert it into local currency.
Finally, while cryptocurrencies have not reached the level “required” by the FT, they once again serve as an aid to yet another sad event.
Last year, for example, donations to Ukraine quickly exceeded R$250 million, while the country was invaded by Russia without major impediments, used to purchase military equipment.
Source: Live Coins
Barry Siefert is an accomplished journalist and author at The Nation View. He is known for his expertise in the field of cryptocurrency, and has written extensively on the topic. With a background in finance and economics, Barry has a deep understanding of the underlying technology and market forces that drive the crypto industry.
