
Fake bitcoin mining sites are a growing concern, and it's essential to understand the risks involved. These sites promise unusually high returns on investment, but they're often nothing more than scams.
They can be set up to look legitimate, with fake mining equipment and convincing websites. However, the reality is that they're designed to steal your money.
Some fake sites even use fake reviews and testimonials to build trust with potential investors. But the truth is, there's no real mining operation going on, and your investment will be lost forever.
Intriguing read: Invest in Bitcoin Mining
Fake Cloud Mining Sites
Some companies pretend to provide mining services using a bitcoin mining cloud, taking your money but never mining any bitcoin for you.
People often fall for the scam because they want to get their hands on the bitcoin cryptocurrency.
Cloud mining scams like Hashbiter, Xminer, Miner Plus, Pageminer, Nhash, Muxminer, USDminer, and Star Miner exhibit some combination of red flags.

USDminer claims to have registered 36 million users on a website that is less than a month old, raising suspicions about its legitimacy.
Brave New Coin began investigating cloud mining scams in March 2021 after people claiming to be from XMiner and Miner Plus asked to run a sponsored article about their cloud mining services.
These scams often target people who are eager to get involved in bitcoin mining, but lack the knowledge to spot the warning signs.
See what others are reading: Cloud Mining
Recognizing Scams
Some companies pretend to provide mining services using a bitcoin mining cloud, taking your money but never mining any bitcoin for you.
Be cautious of websites with suspiciously low registration ages, like USDminer's website, which is less than a month old yet claims to have 36 million users.
Legitimate services don't exhibit a combination of red flags, such as those found in cloud mining scams like Hashbiter, Xminer, Miner Plus, Pageminer, Nhash, Muxminer, USDminer, and Star Miner.
Spotting a Cloud Mining Scam

Spotting a cloud mining scam involves being aware of some red flags. These scams often exhibit a combination of unrealistic promises and suspicious behavior.
Companies that pretend to provide legitimate mining services may take your money but never mine any bitcoin for you. People often fall for these scams because they want to get their hands on the bitcoin cryptocurrency.
Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true, like USDminer claiming to have registered 36 million users on a website that is less than a month old. This is a clear indication of a scam.
Legitimate cloud mining services do not offer interest rates far in excess of what other crypto investment schemes are offering. An offer of 408% annual APY is typical of a scam.
If a company claims to have a high return on investment, do your research and verify their claims. In the case of USDminer, their offer was later deleted, which is a clear sign of a scam.
Media Responsibility

Crypto scams are at an all-time high, so it's crucial to be cautious. Bad actors make up a large part of the cryptocurrency world and their activity has picked up significantly during the year.
We've had our own experiences with advertisers who, after conducting due diligence, we decided to err on the side of caution and not run their campaigns. This is a reminder that even reputable sources can be fooled by scammers.
Some media outlets have run articles, sponsored posts, and press releases about known scams without proper disclaimers. This includes articles about XMiner, Miner Plus, and other scams mentioned earlier.
It's essential to conduct your own due diligence, even if you're getting information from media you trust. We include ourselves in this, as we've had to identify and write about scams that have appeared on our website and YouTube channel via Google Ads.
Exchange Scams
Exchange scams are a major concern for bitcoin holders. They often lure in victims with very low fees, which can be tempting but are usually too good to be true.

Scam exchanges use the wallet ID and password you provide to steal your money. This is a common tactic used to deceive unsuspecting bitcoin holders.
Be cautious of exchanges that promise unusually low fees, as they may be trying to steal your money. Always research the exchange thoroughly before making a transaction.
Background and Impact
The cryptocurrency market is a hotbed of activity, with over 25,000 various cryptocurrency projects and a total market capitalization of around $1 trillion.
This unregulated market makes it an attractive playground for scammers and cybercriminals, who are taking advantage of the ease of use and global reach of cryptocurrencies.
The amount of money being stolen in cryptocurrency scams is staggering, with the FTC reporting retail investors losing over $1 billion in 2021, and that number rising to $4.3 billion the following year.
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Cloud Mining Scam Background
Cloud mining scams have been a problem for some time, with companies pretending to provide mining services using a bitcoin mining cloud, taking people's money without actually mining any bitcoin.

Some people fall for these scams because they want to get their hands on the bitcoin cryptocurrency, and while there are legitimate services out there, some are fraudulent.
Companies like Hashbiter, Xminer, Miner Plus, Pageminer, Nhash, Muxminer, USDminer, and Star Miner have been found to exhibit red flags, indicating they may be scams.
USDminer, for example, claims to have registered 36 million users on a website that is less than a month old, which raises suspicions about its legitimacy.
For more insights, see: Bitcoin Miner Script
Why Does It Matter?
The crypto market is a hotbed of scams, with the amount of money being stolen growing exponentially. In 2021, retail investors lost over $1 billion, and that number rose to $4.3 billion the following year.
The ease of use and global reach of cryptocurrencies make them an ideal asset for state-sponsored threat actors. North Korea, for instance, uses stolen cryptos to fund its missile operations.
The total market capitalization of the crypto industry is roughly $1 trillion, with over 25,000 various cryptocurrency projects. This lack of regulation creates an environment ripe for fraudsters and cybercriminals.
The FTC reports that retail investors are losing billions in scams, and the numbers are only getting worse.
Related Scams

Mining scams are a type of fake bitcoin mining site, where companies pretend to provide mining services using a bitcoin mining cloud.
They take your money but never mine any bitcoin for you, often leaving victims with financial losses.
Some people fall for these scams because they want to get their hands on the bitcoin cryptocurrency.
Legitimate services do exist, but they're often hard to find among the many fraudulent ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which site is legit for Bitcoin mining?
For reliable Bitcoin mining, consider reputable websites like Genesis Mining, Hashflare, and NiceHash, but always research and start small to ensure trustworthiness. Thorough research and user reviews are key to finding a trustworthy platform for your Bitcoin mining needs.
How do I know if a Bitcoin site is legit?
Check if a Bitcoin site is registered with FinCEN at fincen.gov/msb-registrant-search, but remember that registration alone doesn't guarantee legitimacy. Verify a site's registration status to reduce the risk of scams, but always do your own research and due diligence
Sources
- https://www.globalantiscam.org/mining-dapp-scam
- https://usa.kaspersky.com/blog/bitcoin-cloud-mining-scam/28029/
- https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/what-is-bitcoin-mining
- https://bravenewcoin.com/insights/cloud-mining-scams
- https://www.techradar.com/news/thousands-of-fake-cryptocurrency-sites-trap-users-in-fake-reward-schemes
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