Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using real company names and official-looking designs to deceive unsuspecting users. One of the latest phishing schemes making the rounds targets users of Crypto.com, a popular cryptocurrency exchange platform. The scam involves a fake email claiming that there’s a “restriction on your account,” urging recipients to verify their email address immediately.
If you’ve received such a message, you’re not alone. Thousands of people have reported receiving similar fake alerts. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly how this scam works, what to do if you fall victim, and how to protect your crypto assets from future attacks.
Understanding the “Crypto.com Restriction On Your Account” Emai
The Crypto.com restriction email scam is a well-crafted phishing campaign that imitates the legitimate branding of Crypto.com. The message is designed to trigger panic and urgency, making users believe their account access is temporarily restricted. The email typically claims it’s a security measure and prompts users to click a link to verify their email or recover access.
1. The First Impression: A Professional-Looking Message
At first glance, the email appears authentic. It often includes:
The Crypto.com logo and color scheme
A professional greeting, such as “Dear Valued Customer”
A seemingly legitimate sender name like hello@crypto.com or security@crypto.com
A clickable button labeled “Verify Email Address”
To the untrained eye, nothing looks suspicious. The design closely mimics genuine Crypto.com correspondence, right down to the footer and company logo.
2. The Emotional Trigger: Fear and Urgency
Cybercriminals know how to exploit human psychology. The email uses phrases like “for your protection”, “temporary restriction”, and “recover access to your account”. These words create a sense of urgency, making users act quickly without thinking critically.
Scammers rely on the fact that cryptocurrency users are particularly sensitive to security issues. The idea of losing access to funds can push people to click the verification link immediately.
3. The Dangerous Link
The link or button provided in the email redirects users to a fake Crypto.com website. This cloned page looks identical to the real login portal. Once the victim enters their credentials, the scammers capture them instantly.
In more advanced variants, the fake website may also prompt users to enter:
Two-factor authentication (2FA) codes
Personal identification details
Recovery phrases for crypto wallets
With this information, scammers can drain a user’s account in minutes.
4. The Global Spread of the Scam
Reports of this phishing scam have surfaced across multiple countries. Security researchers have identified fake domains resembling Crypto.com, such as:
crypto-com-verification.com
cryptocom-loginsecure.net
cryptocomverifymail.com
These malicious domains are often hosted on short-lived servers, making it difficult for cybersecurity teams to shut them down quickly.
Scammers continuously register new look-alike domains to replace those that are taken offline. This tactic ensures the longevity of their operation and keeps new victims coming.
5. Why This Scam Is Particularly Dangerous
Unlike generic phishing attempts, this one is targeted and contextually relevant. Many people actually have accounts with Crypto.com, which makes the message more believable.
Additionally, cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible. Once funds are stolen, there is virtually no way to retrieve them. The anonymity of blockchain makes tracing stolen assets extremely difficult.
6. The Role of Social Engineering
At its core, the Crypto.com restriction email scam relies on social engineering—the manipulation of human trust and behavior. Scammers don’t need to hack into systems when they can trick people into handing over their credentials voluntarily.
They design every aspect of the email to appear legitimate, from the typography to the sender address. In some cases, they even spoof Crypto.com’s actual email domain, making the message appear to come directly from the company’s official servers.
7. How Victims Are Targeted
Phishing scammers use a combination of methods to build email lists:
Data breaches: Compromised databases containing crypto user emails.
Social media scraping: Collecting contact information from public profiles.
Crypto forums: Extracting emails of registered users from online communities.
Purchased lists: Buying leaked data from underground markets.
Once they have a list, they distribute the phishing email in bulk using automated tools.
8. The Aftermath for Victims
Victims who fall for the scam often notice unusual activity in their Crypto.com account within minutes or hours. Common consequences include:
Unauthorized withdrawals
Changed account settings
Locked access due to altered credentials
Stolen funds or tokens
In some cases, the attackers also use stolen information to target victims again through follow-up scams, pretending to offer recovery assistance for a fee.
How the Crypto.com Restriction Email Scam Works
Now that we’ve covered the overview, let’s go step-by-step through how the scam unfolds. Understanding this sequence can help you recognize similar tactics in the future.
Step 1: The Phishing Email Is Sent
The scam starts when the victim receives an email that appears to be from Crypto.com’s security team. The subject line typically contains alarming wording, such as:
“Important: Restriction on Your Crypto.com Account”
“Action Required: Verify Your Crypto.com Account”
“Security Alert: Account Temporarily Locked”
The goal is to capture attention and create a sense of urgency.
Step 2: The User Reads the Message
Upon opening the email, the user sees a professionally formatted message with Crypto.com branding. The content usually reads something like:
“For the security and protection of Crypto.com and our customers, we have temporarily placed a restriction on your account. Please verify your email address to recover access.”
It looks harmless, but the message is a classic phishing lure designed to make the recipient act quickly.
Step 3: The Victim Clicks the Verification Link
The blue “Verify Email Address” button or the embedded hyperlink is where the real danger lies. Clicking this takes the victim to a fraudulent website that looks exactly like Crypto.com’s official login page.
In most cases, the domain name is subtly altered—for example, using hyphens or alternate extensions:
crypto-com-support.com instead of crypto.com
cryptocom.io instead of the legitimate .com domain
The differences are easy to miss, especially when viewed on a mobile device.
Step 4: The Fake Website Captures Login Details
Once the victim enters their credentials on the fake page, the scammers immediately receive the information. They can then log into the real Crypto.com account and take over.
If the user has two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled, the fake site may prompt for the verification code as well. This allows scammers to bypass even enhanced security measures.
Step 5: The Attackers Access the Real Account
With full access, scammers can:
Transfer cryptocurrency assets to external wallets
Change account recovery settings
Disable notifications or 2FA
Lock out the original owner
Since blockchain transactions cannot be reversed, victims often lose their entire balance permanently.
Step 6: Optional Secondary Attack
Some scammers go a step further by installing malware through a downloadable attachment or redirecting victims to a fake support chat. These tactics can compromise additional accounts, including emails and banking information.
Step 7: The Victim Realizes Too Late
By the time victims notice suspicious activity, it’s often too late. Crypto.com’s customer support may attempt to freeze the account, but recovering lost assets is typically impossible.
The best-case scenario is preventing the scammers from accessing future funds. However, any tokens or coins already withdrawn are unrecoverable.
What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim to the Crypto.com Restriction Scam
If you’ve clicked the link or entered your details into a fake Crypto.com site, time is critical. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do immediately.
1. Change Your Password Immediately
Log in to your official Crypto.com account using the verified website: https://crypto.com. Change your password right away. If you can’t log in, try to reset it using the account recovery option before the scammers lock you out.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
If you haven’t already, activate 2FA immediately. Use an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Authy, rather than SMS-based codes, since phone numbers can be spoofed or hijacked.
3. Contact Crypto.com Support
Go to the official support page and report the incident. Provide the phishing email’s details, including:
Sender address
Subject line
Date received
Any links you clicked
Crypto.com’s security team can help secure your account and may track the phishing operation.
Reporting these scams helps platforms take down fake domains faster.
5. Scan Your Device for Malware
Use reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to scan your computer or mobile device. Some phishing links install hidden software that can steal more information.
Recommended tools include:
Malwarebytes
Bitdefender
Kaspersky Security Cloud
6. Secure Your Email Account
If you used the same password on your email as your Crypto.com login, change it immediately. Hackers often use compromised email accounts to reset other passwords.
7. Monitor Your Financial Accounts
Check your crypto and bank accounts for any unauthorized activity. Scammers sometimes test small transactions before larger withdrawals.
Set up alerts for any transactions to catch suspicious behavior quickly.
8. Report to Law Enforcement
File a report with your local police or cybercrime division. While cryptocurrency theft is difficult to trace, filing an official report helps authorities track organized scams and may assist future investigations.
9. Notify Your Contacts
If the scammers gain access to your email or social media accounts, they might send messages to your contacts pretending to be you. Alert friends and family not to click suspicious links sent from your accounts.
10. Stay Updated on Crypto.com Security Alerts
Regularly check Crypto.com’s official blog or Twitter account for new security advisories. The company often posts warnings about active scams and phishing campaigns.
Is Your Device Infected? Scan for Malware
If your computer or phone is slow, showing unwanted pop-ups, or acting strangely, malware could be the cause. Running a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is one of the most reliable ways to detect and remove harmful software. The free version can identify and clean common infections such as adware, browser hijackers, trojans, and other unwanted programs.
Malwarebytes works on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Choose your operating system below and follow the steps to scan your device and remove any malware that might be slowing it down.
Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes
Download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows using the official link below. Malwarebytes will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software for free.
(The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes)
Install Malwarebytes
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Once the scan completes, remove all detected threats. Your Windows computer should now be clean and running smoothly again, free of trojans, adware, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
After scanning, delete any detected threats. Your Mac should now be free from adware, unwanted extensions, and other potentially harmful software.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
When the scan is finished, remove all detected threats. Your Android phone should now be free of malicious apps, adware, and unwanted browser redirects.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
After cleaning your device, it’s important to protect it from future infections and annoying pop-ups. We recommend installing an ad blocker such as AdGuard. AdGuard blocks malicious ads, prevents phishing attempts, and stops dangerous redirects, helping you stay safe while browsing online.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Crypto.com Restriction On Your Account Email Scam
What is the “Crypto.com Restriction On Your Account” email scam?
The “Crypto.com restriction on your account” email scam is a phishing attempt that impersonates Crypto.com. It sends users a fake message claiming that their account has been temporarily restricted for security reasons. The email urges recipients to click a button labeled “Verify Email Address” or “Recover Account Access.” Once clicked, it redirects users to a fraudulent website designed to steal login credentials, recovery phrases, and other sensitive information.
The goal of the scam is to trick victims into providing access to their genuine Crypto.com accounts, allowing scammers to withdraw funds, steal tokens, or sell personal data.
How can I tell if a Crypto.com email is fake or real?
Spotting a fake Crypto.com email can be difficult because scammers often replicate the company’s logo, layout, and tone. However, there are key warning signs that can help you identify a phishing attempt:
Check the sender’s email address. Legitimate Crypto.com emails come from domains ending in @crypto.com only. Anything else is suspicious.
Hover over links before clicking. A real Crypto.com link should lead directly to https://crypto.com/, not to a domain with extra words, hyphens, or unusual endings.
Watch for urgent language. Phrases like “verify immediately” or “account restricted” are red flags.
Look for grammatical errors or awkward phrasing. Official Crypto.com communications are written professionally and clearly.
Contact support directly. If you’re unsure, log into your account using your own bookmark or the Crypto.com app and check for notifications there.
Why are scammers targeting Crypto.com users?
Scammers target Crypto.com users because cryptocurrency accounts hold real financial value and transactions are irreversible. Once a scammer gains access to your account, they can transfer digital assets to external wallets without any possibility of recovery.
Additionally, Crypto.com is a well-known and trusted brand, which makes impersonating it an effective strategy for cybercriminals. Many users are quick to react to any message mentioning “security restrictions,” assuming it’s a genuine alert.
What happens if I click the link in the scam email?
If you click the link in a fake Crypto.com email, you’ll likely be redirected to a spoofed website that looks identical to the real Crypto.com login page. If you enter your email, password, or two-factor authentication (2FA) code there, the information will go directly to scammers.
In some cases, clicking the link may also trigger the download of malicious software designed to steal saved passwords, crypto wallet data, or browser cookies.
If you clicked the link but did not enter any information, you may still be safe. However, it’s important to run a malware scan and report the phishing email to Crypto.com.
What should I do if I entered my Crypto.com credentials on a fake website?
If you accidentally entered your details into a fake Crypto.com website, act immediately to minimize damage:
Fake mobile apps: Counterfeit versions of Crypto.com on unofficial app stores.
Always verify communications through official channels and never click unsolicited links, regardless of where they come from.
Can Crypto.com recover my stolen funds if I fall for the scam?
Unfortunately, once cryptocurrency has been transferred out of your account, it cannot be recovered. Blockchain transactions are permanent and anonymous, meaning Crypto.com cannot reverse them.
However, Crypto.com’s security team may freeze your account to prevent further theft if you report the incident quickly. They can also investigate the fraudulent activity and may assist law enforcement with relevant data to track the scammers.
How can I protect myself from Crypto.com phishing scams?
You can protect yourself by following a few essential cybersecurity practices:
Bookmark the official Crypto.com website and use it for all logins.
Never click links in unsolicited messages.
Enable multi-factor authentication using an authenticator app, not SMS.
Regularly review your login activity on your Crypto.com account.
Keep your device software and browser updated.
Educate yourself on common phishing red flags.
Use a password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords.
Consistent caution and awareness are your best defense against phishing scams.
Are there other scams similar to this one?
Yes, several other scams imitate popular crypto platforms. Similar phishing campaigns have targeted users of Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, and MetaMask, often using identical wording about “account restrictions” or “security verification.”
Some scammers also impersonate hardware wallet companies like Ledger and Trezor, asking users to “verify their recovery phrase.” This is another trick designed to steal wallet access. Always treat any unsolicited message about account verification as suspicious until proven authentic.
How can I report the Crypto.com restriction scam?
You can report the scam through several channels:
Forward the phishing email to Crypto.com’s official security team or phishing-report@crypto.com if available.
Report fake domains to Google Safe Browsing or PhishTank.com.
Contact your local cybercrime authority to file an official report.
Reporting helps stop scammers from targeting more people and enables authorities to investigate the operation.
Is it safe to open the Crypto.com email if I don’t click any links?
Generally, yes, opening the email itself is not immediately harmful as long as you don’t click links, download attachments, or enter personal data. However, it’s always safest to delete suspicious emails after reporting them, as some may contain tracking pixels that confirm your email address is active, which can lead to more phishing attempts in the future.
The Bottom Line
The Crypto.com restriction on your account email scam is one of many phishing attempts designed to steal personal and financial information from unsuspecting users. What makes this particular scam dangerous is its realism. It convincingly imitates Crypto.com’s design and tone, exploiting users’ trust and fear of losing access to their crypto assets.
The key to protection is vigilance. Always verify the sender’s email address, never click unsolicited links, and bookmark the official Crypto.com login page to access your account safely.
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
