$12.5B
FTC-reported fraud losses in 2024
FTC says consumers reported losing $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024.
Coinbase customer support impersonator scam
Scammers pose as Coinbase support agents via phone calls, social media, or fake support websites to trick users into sharing login credentials or granting remote access to their devices.
“impersonation scam”
↑ 604%Key indicators
Usually targetsCryptocurrency investors
Often hitsInvestors and traders
Common regionUnited States
Last updated2026-04-04
Estimated impact
$1.4K
median reported loss
Typical range$90 – $18K
Recovery rate~15%
Annual reports330,000
Scam breakdown
1
Scammers place fake Coinbase support phone numbers in Google ads or social media posts so victims searching for help find them first.
2
When users call, the scammer poses as a support agent, claims the account is compromised, and asks the victim to install remote access software.
3
With remote access, the scammer navigates to the victim's Coinbase account and transfers cryptocurrency to wallets they control.
What to do first
Coinbase support will never call you first, ask for your password, or request remote access to your device.
Related terms
fake Coinbase support callCoinbase help desk scamcrypto support impersonationBrand impersonation scamsCoinbaseSurgingCryptocurrency investorsOlder adultsNew crypto usersInvestors and tradersRetirees and seniorsNonprofit and charity workersUnited StatesCanadaUnited Kingdomfake Coinbase support callCoinbase help desk scam
Real-world example
How this scam plays out in practice
Based on reported patterns. Names and details are illustrative.
The setup
Daniel, 35, a cryptocurrency investors, encountered what appeared to be a legitimate brand impersonation scams situation while using Coinbase. Scammers place fake Coinbase support phone numbers in Google ads or social media posts so victims searching for help find them first.
Step 2
What happened next was calculated: When users call, the scammer poses as a support agent, claims the account is compromised, and asks the victim to install remote access software.
Step 3
The pressure escalated quickly: With remote access, the scammer navigates to the victim's Coinbase account and transfers cryptocurrency to wallets they control.
The outcome
Daniel realized something was wrong when you receive an unsolicited phone call from someone claiming to be coinbase support. By that point, significant damage had already been done — money sent, personal information shared, or trust exploited.
The lesson
Coinbase support will never call you first, ask for your password, or request remote access to your device. Daniel's experience shows why you receive an unsolicited phone call from someone claiming to be coinbase support and the 'agent' asks you to install remote access software like anydesk or teamviewer are the clearest early warning signs.
How to identify it
- You receive an unsolicited phone call from someone claiming to be Coinbase support
- The 'agent' asks you to install remote access software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer
- They request your password, 2FA codes, or ask you to share your screen while logged into Coinbase
- Pause before paying, clicking, or sharing information. Scammers rely on speed.
- Verify the sender, company, or agency using a phone number or website you already know is legitimate.
- Treat secrecy, urgency, and off-platform payment requests as strong scam signals.
What to do now
- ✓Coinbase support will never call you first, ask for your password, or request remote access to your device.
- ✓Contact Coinbase only through the in-app help feature or at help.coinbase.com.
- ✓If you granted remote access, disconnect immediately, change all passwords, and contact Coinbase through official channels.
What to save before reporting
- ✓Save the message, profile, phone number, email, or URL that was used.
- ✓Keep payment confirmations, receipts, and account alerts before you dispute or delete anything.
- ✓Write down the timeline while the details are still fresh.
How big is this problem
You are not alone — this scam affects millions of people.
These numbers come from government agencies and official reports. If you have been affected, know that this is a widespread problem — not something that only happens to careless people.
FTC 2024 fraud losses
Imposters
Most common FTC fraud category in 2024
FTC says imposter scams remained the most commonly reported fraud category in 2024.
History and evolution
- This scam family tends to persist because the social-engineering pressure works even when the exact scripts, platforms, and payment methods change.
- The specific packaging evolves over time, but the core pattern usually stays the same: create urgency, control the channel, and push action before verification.
- Coinbase disclosed that social engineering attacks targeting its customers resulted in significant losses in 2023, prompting them to enhance their support security protocols.
Recovery and follow-up
- ✓Save the messages, receipts, account alerts, and transaction details before you block or delete anything.
- ✓Report the scam through the official platform or government channel that best matches where it happened.
- ✓Coinbase support will never call you first, ask for your password, or request remote access to your device.
- ✓Contact Coinbase only through the in-app help feature or at help.coinbase.com.
- ✓If you granted remote access, disconnect immediately, change all passwords, and contact Coinbase through official channels.
Why this pattern keeps working
Even when the story changes, most scams still use the same pressure pattern: urgency, authority, and a request to move money or data fast.
Coinbase disclosed that social engineering attacks targeting its customers resulted in significant losses in 2023, prompting them to enhance their support security protocols.
OpenScam research
Where to report it
If you have been targeted by this scam, reporting it helps authorities track the pattern and protect others. United States has dedicated agencies that handle fraud reports.
ReportFraud.gov
Federal Trade Commission
Central U.S. consumer fraud reporting portal.
File an IC3 complaint
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
FBI portal for internet-enabled crime reports.
Start identity theft recovery
IdentityTheft.gov
Official U.S. identity theft recovery plan builder.
Explore further
Understand the bigger picture
Who is most at risk
Who this scam targets
Primary targets
Cryptocurrency investors, Older adults, New crypto users
Geographic concentration
United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia
Primary channel
Coinbase — Brand impersonation scams
Why this group is vulnerable
Cryptocurrency investors are particularly vulnerable because this scam exploits trust in familiar brands, authority figures, and time-sensitive decisions. The rapid increase in reports suggests that awareness among this demographic remains low.
Sources and methodology
How we verify this information
OpenScam tracks scam patterns using a combination of government consumer protection databases (FTC, IC3, Action Fraud), platform-specific fraud reports, and verified consumer complaint data. Each entry is cross-referenced against at least two independent sources before publication.
Severity ratings are based on financial impact potential, reversibility of damage, and volume of reports across multiple reporting channels. Trend velocity reflects the rate of change in report volume over the most recent 90-day window.
This page was last verified on 2026-04-04. Red flags, recovery steps, and reporting resources are reviewed quarterly against current agency guidance.
Evidence and indicators
- Coinbase disclosed that social engineering attacks targeting its customers resulted in significant losses in 2023, prompting them to enhance their support security protocols.
Source notes
- OpenScam research
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about coinbase customer support impersonator scam
How does the coinbase customer support impersonator scam work?+
Scammers place fake Coinbase support phone numbers in Google ads or social media posts so victims searching for help find them first. When users call, the scammer poses as a support agent, claims the account is compromised, and asks the victim to install remote access software. With remote access, the scammer navigates to the victim's Coinbase account and transfers cryptocurrency to wallets they control.
What are the warning signs of coinbase customer support impersonator scam?+
You receive an unsolicited phone call from someone claiming to be Coinbase support The 'agent' asks you to install remote access software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer They request your password, 2FA codes, or ask you to share your screen while logged into Coinbase
What should I do if I encounter coinbase customer support impersonator scam?+
Coinbase support will never call you first, ask for your password, or request remote access to your device. Contact Coinbase only through the in-app help feature or at help.coinbase.com. If you granted remote access, disconnect immediately, change all passwords, and contact Coinbase through official channels.
Who is most at risk for coinbase customer support impersonator scam?+
This scam primarily targets Cryptocurrency investors, Older adults, New crypto users. It is most commonly reported in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and typically appears on Coinbase.
Is coinbase customer support impersonator scam getting worse?+
Coinbase customer support impersonator scam is currently surging — reports are increasing rapidly. It has been reported across US, CA, UK, AU. Last updated 2026-04-04.
Related scams
Similar scams to watch out for
Smishing
↑ 27%Bank verification text phishing scam
A text message claims a suspicious bank event happened and pushes the victim to a fake login page before they stop to verify the sender.
What to do first
Do not tap the link from the text.
Targets
Mobile banking users
Seen in
Global
Identity theft
↑ 17%Medical billing identity fraud
Stolen identity details are used for medical claims or treatments, leading to fraudulent bills and corrupted records for the victim.
What to do first
Review insurance explanations of benefits regularly.
Targets
Families
Seen in
U.S.
AI impersonation
↑ 52%Fake lawyer court date payment call
A caller pretending to be a lawyer uses cloned voices and legal jargon to say you missed a court date and need to pay immediately to avoid arrest.
What to do first
End the call and contact the court through its public website or number.
Targets
Older adults
Seen in
U.S.
Help someone avoid this scam.
Scammers succeed because people do not talk about it. If you or someone you know has been affected, there is no shame in it — it happens to millions of people every year. Share this page with friends and family so they know what to look for.