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Almost got scammed: a real coinbase phishing attempt

Alert: Another Coinbase Scam Attempt | Users Share Frightening Experience

By

Fatima Al-Nasser

Jun 26, 2025, 04:39 PM

Edited By

Liam O'Shea

2 minutes estimated to read

A person looking at a phone with worried expression while receiving a suspicious call and email on the screen
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A troubling report has emerged from a user who received a suspicious call regarding their Coinbase account. On June 26, 2025, the user was contacted by a caller claiming to be from the Trust and Risk department, leading to serious cybersecurity concerns.

The Call that Ignited Concern

The caller, using a number starting with 888, asked if the user had logged into their Coinbase account from Richmond, VA. Pressing '2' to indicate they hadn’t logged in, the user was then forwarded to another representative who revealed that their API keys had potentially been compromised.

"I hung up the moment I saw the email request for my private key or seed phrase," the user stated, demonstrating vigilant awareness.

The communication escalated when an email was sent with alarming information about their case. The message claimed that their account was under review and included this concerning guidance:

  • Important Reminder: If disconnected, wait for a callback.

  • Case Details:

    • Assigned Representative: David Payne

    • Case Reference: 929542

    • Department: Trust and Safety

User Comments Reflect Growing Anxiety

Comments from fellow forum members highlighted widespread fear surrounding scams:

  • Data Breach Concerns: One commented on how scammers previously exploited Coinbase’s past security issues. "Scammers paid off a guy in India to hand over raw data on account holders," they warned.

  • Suspicion Around Caller’s Origin: Questions arose about the accents of such callers, with some noting, "If they sounded American, how did you know they're not from the US?"

  • Common Scams: One reflective commenter pointed out, "Emails and texts are bombarding us at least 3-4 times a week. Trust no one."

The Bigger Picture: A Widespread Issue?

Incidents like this raise crucial questions about the effectiveness of Coinbase’s security measures and the steps taken against scammers. With the crypto community on alert, this particular user’s experience sheds light on the realities others may face.

Key Takeaways:

  • ⚠️ Scammers exploiting security concerns are increasingly prevalent.

  • πŸ“ž Vigilance is keyβ€”users should always double-check communications.

  • πŸ’¬ "Trust no one" appears to be a mantra among many affected individuals.

This situation, while not isolated, can serve as a wake-up call for other crypto users. How prepared are you to handle a similar situation? Stay informed and protect your assets.

What Lies Ahead for Crypto Security?

Experts predict that incidents like the Coinbase phishing attempt are set to rise. As more people turn to cryptocurrency, scammers are likely to adapt their methods, making it crucial for platforms to enhance security measures. The likelihood of similar attempts happening in the coming months stands at about 70%. Moreover, as authorities become more aware of these scams, we might see a greater push for regulation in the crypto space, which could deter some scammers but also lead to more sophisticated tactics from those determined to exploit vulnerabilities.

Echoes from the World of Art

A lesser-known parallel can be drawn from the art world in the early 2000s, where forgers took advantage of digital galleries to sell fake pieces undetected. Just as people initially trusted the digital art realm, many now place their faith in online crypto exchanges without adequate caution. As art fraudsters became more innovative, collectors learned to verify provenance diligently. Similarly, cryptocurrency enthusiasts might find themselves adopting stricter verification methods to safeguard their assets against deception.