The year 2025 has been marked by an alarming growth in fraud involving cryptocurrencies, as revealed byFBI Annual Report on Internet CrimesAccording to the report, global losses have exceeded the mark of$11.4 billionIn Brazil, where the crypto asset market already moves billions of reais annually, experts warn that the scenario may be even more critical given the growing adoption of digital assets by the population.
FBI warns: Cryptocurrency fraud will hit record by 2025
The FBI data, released recently, shows that losses from cryptocurrency scams hit a record in 2025, with an increase of more than 30% from the previous year.False investment opportunities, Phishing on Trading Platforms e Crypto ATMs (crypto ATMs)In Brazil, the Federal Revenue had already recorded a 280% increase in reports of cryptocurrency scams between 2022 and 2024, which reinforces the need for stricter measures.
According to the FBI, victims over the age of 60 were the most affected, accounting for 39% of the total losses. However, the report highlights that the age group of 20 to 40 has also been a frequent target, especially in schemes that promise high returns with investments in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The entity recommends that users always check the platforms' origin and avoid sharing personal data or passwords.
South Korea adopts real-time surveillance to curb fraud
While Brazil is still looking for solutions to combat cryptocurrency scams, aSouth KoreaHe recently announced an innovative measure to increase security in the market. The country has ordered cryptocurrency exchanges to check customers’ balances each time.five minutesThe decision was made after an inspection revealed that many exchanges had slow balancing systems and failures in suspension mechanisms for suspicious transactions.
The new rule requires exchanges to implement real-time monitoring systems capable of detecting suspicious movements and stopping suspicious transactions immediately.The Atlantic OperationIt is an initiative led by security agencies from several countries to dismantle gangs that act with phishing and approval of fraudulent transactions.
The Atlantic Operation, for example, has resulted in the arrest of more than 200 people in different countries, including Brazil, where the Federal Police has acted in conjunction with foreign agencies to combat schemes involving cryptocurrencies.
Can India take similar measures?
In Brazil, regulation of cryptocurrencies is still under discussion, with bills like thePL 4,401 and 2021In order to establish clearer rules for the industry, however, the lack of effective regulation has left the market vulnerable to scams. According to data from the Brazilian Association of Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain (ABCB), more thanR$2.5 billionThey were lost in fraud involving cryptocurrencies between 2022 and 2024.
For the lawyer and digital law specialist,by Rafael Padilla“Brazilian exchanges are already required to report suspicious operations, but many still do not have adequate systems for real-time monitoring. The implementation of artificial intelligence technologies to detect suspicious movements could significantly reduce cases of fraud,” said Padilha.
Another step that could be taken is to strengthen partnerships between the government, exchanges and law enforcement authorities. In 2024, the Federal Police disbanded a gang that operated with cryptocurrency scams, resulting in the arrest of 15 people and the recovery of R$12 million.
Impact on the Brazilian cryptocurrency market
The rise in cryptocurrency fraud has generated distrust among Brazilian investors, especially among those who are entering the market.The Federal RecipeThe number of individuals reporting gains with cryptocurrencies has grown by 45% by 2024, but insecurity with the scams could slow that growth.
Brazilian exchanges, theThe Bitcoin Market, Foxbit e by BitPreco, have already implemented additional security measures, such as the mandatory two-step authentication and the stricter identity verification (KYC).
For the Market Analystby Felipe Pereira"Without clear rules and effective regulation, the Brazilian cryptocurrency market is at risk of suffering from investor escape and loss of credibility. Countries like South Korea and the United States are already moving forward in this direction, and Brazil needs to keep up with this trend," Pereira said.
Conclusion: The path to a safer market
The FBI report and the measures taken by South Korea make it clear that fighting cryptocurrency fraud is a global challenge. In Brazil, the combination of stricter regulation, adoption of real-time monitoring technologies and greater international cooperation may be the key to reducing the losses caused by fraud.
Meanwhile, Brazilian investors should remain alert, adopting security practices such as verifying platforms’ origin, using secure wallets and not disclosing sensitive data.
With the growing adoption of digital assets in Brazil, security should be a priority not only for regulators but also for users themselves.prevention and supervision are essential for a more transparent and reliable market.