73% of Cryptocurrency Investors Encounter Scams, 1 in 6 Suffer Financial Loss — Beginners Repeatedly Targeted, Survey Reveals

Clabo Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Ikuma Ueno) conducted a survey titled 'Survey on Exposure to Cryptocurrency Scams and Prevention of Financial Loss' targeting 298 individuals in Japan with cryptocurrency investment experience.

The results revealed that 73.1% of cryptocurrency investors have experienced incidents suspected of being scams, with 17.1% (approximately 1 in 6) having suffered actual financial losses. Notably, among those with less than six months of investment experience, 44.2% reported encountering scams 'multiple times,' highlighting that novice investors are repeatedly targeted.

This report provides detailed insights into key defense points derived from real data, including the most common scam method, 'SNS/DM impersonation' (49.3%), the top contact channel, 'email/SMS' (56.0%), and the decisive factor in avoiding victimization—'warnings from peers or social media' (39.6%).

View the full survey report

Survey Findings

73.1% of cryptocurrency investors encountered scam-related incidents, with '1–2 times' being the most common (45.6%)

Among the 298 respondents, 45.6% (136 people) reported encountering scam incidents '1–2 times,' while 27.5% (82 people) said 'multiple times,' totaling 73.1% who had encountered scams in some form. Only 24.8% (74 people) reported no encounters, revealing that most cryptocurrency investors are routinely exposed to scam risks.

30s have the highest encounter rate at 75.6%; 50s show a sharp contrast with 43% reporting no encounters

By age group, those in their 30s had the highest encounter rate at 75.6%, followed closely by those in their 40s. In contrast, 43% of those in their 50s reported no encounters—significantly higher than other age groups—indicating a clear generational gap in scam exposure.

17.1% experienced financial loss, meaning about 1 in 6 suffered actual harm

Among those who encountered suspected scams, 40.3% (120 people) reported 'immediately disengaging,' while 34.9% (104 people) admitted they 'almost fell for it.' A total of 17.1% (51 people) suffered actual financial losses, meaning approximately 1 in 6 experienced real harm.

Top scam method: 'SNS/DM impersonation' at 49.3%, followed by fake websites/apps at 38.3%

When asked about scam methods encountered, 'SNS/DM impersonation' ranked highest at 49.3% (147 people), followed by 'fake websites/apps' (38.3%, 114 people) and 'phishing scams' (35.9%, 107 people). 'High-return investment schemes' accounted for 33.2% (99 people), indicating that SNS-based tactics remain dominant.

Top contact channel: 'Email/SMS' at 56.0%, surpassing SNS at 39.9%

Regarding initial contact channels, 'email/SMS' was the most common at 56.0% (167 people), followed by 'SNS' (39.9%, 119 people) and 'search results (ads/SEO)' (31.2%, 93 people). While SNS-based scams are prominent, initial contact primarily occurs via email or SMS.

Key to avoiding victimization: 'Warnings from peers or social media' at 39.6%, followed by 'intuitive red flags' at 37.9%

Reasons for successfully avoiding scams included 'warnings from peers or social media' (39.6%, 118 people), 'intuitive red flags based on experience' (37.9%, 113 people), and 'suspicious content' (36.6%, 109 people). 'Cross-checking with official sources' accounted for only 32.2% (96 people), indicating that peer warnings and intuition play a larger role than direct verification.

Most sought-after information: 'Scam identification checklist' at 43.0%

When asked about desired future information, 'scam identification checklist' had the highest demand at 43.0% (128 people), followed by 'real scam cases and avoidance methods' (23.5%, 70 people) and 'latest scam ranking' (21.5%, 64 people). There is particularly high demand for practical, checklist-style information.

Survey Overview

Survey Date: February 24, 2026

Method: Online survey

Target: Men and women residing in Japan with cryptocurrency investment experience

Valid Responses: 298

Conducted by: Clabo Inc.

View the full survey report

Disclaimer on Cryptocurrency Investment

This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or solicitation. Cryptocurrency investments carry high risks. Investment decisions must be made at your own risk. We make no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the content. Final investment decisions should be made independently, and professional advice should be sought when necessary.

Clabo Inc. also offers consultations on security measures, asset preservation procedures, and wallet recovery related to cryptocurrency.

If you have concerns regarding cryptocurrency, please utilize our free initial consultation service.

We also accept consultations on fraud and other issues, but we recommend considering the following public and governmental consultation channels.

Consultation Channels (Experts and Public Institutions)

Consultation with Clabo (Free First Session): https://www.clabo-inc.co.jp/contact

Police Consultation Hotline: #9110

Consumer Hotline: 188

Fraudulent Investment Consultation Dial: 0570-050-588

Guidelines for Citation and Reproduction

You may freely cite or reproduce this survey data as long as the following source is clearly credited (including link).

If citations without source links or data tampering are detected, we may request removal or correction based on copyright protection (e.g., DMCA takedown).

Survey Conducted by: Clabo Inc.

Official Report: https://www.clabo-inc.co.jp/media/articles/crypto-scam-exposure-financial-loss-survey

Press Release: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000057.000178703.html

Consultation with Clabo (Free First Session): https://www.clabo-inc.co.jp/contact

Company Overview

Clabo Inc.

Address: Ark Hills South Tower, 1-4-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032

CEO: Ikuma Ueno

Established: July 2025

X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/clabo_inc