BlackRock has issued a warning to investors about social media scams involving fake representatives offering investment opportunities. The company emphasized that it never requests payments or offers investments through social media platforms.
Points
- Social Media Scams: Fake BlackRock representatives targeting investors.
- Fraudulent Investment Sites: Scammers directing users to fake crypto investment platforms.
- Company Stance: BlackRock does not solicit investments through social media.
On July 29, BlackRock, a global investment management corporation, issued a stern warning to investors about the rising threat of social media scams. These scams involve individuals posing as BlackRock representatives offering investment education or opportunities on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Rising Threat of Scams
BlackRock highlighted the increasing prevalence of fraudulent activities targeting cryptocurrency ETF investors. Scammers often direct users to fake investment sites, claiming to represent BlackRock, to lure victims into making payments or sharing personal information. The company stressed that it never contacts individuals through social media for investment purposes.
“We urge caution in dealing with individuals, websites, or social media platforms using our brand and offering training or investments,” the company stated.
Legal Actions and Protective Measures
In one notable incident, a fraudulent filing for an XRP exchange-traded fund （ETF） called “BlackRock iShares XRP Trust” temporarily drove up the price of XRP before BlackRock clarified that the filing was fake. Such incidents underscore the need for investors to verify the authenticity of investment opportunities and be cautious of unsolicited offers.
BlackRock’s Market Presence
Despite the rise in scams, BlackRock’s cryptocurrency ETFs, particularly its Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, continue to gain traction. The iShares Bitcoin Trust （IBIT） has attracted approximately $19.7 billion worth of Bitcoin since its launch, making it the leading Bitcoin ETF in terms of total inflows.
Industry-Wide Concerns
The rise in scams targeting BlackRock investors is part of a broader trend affecting the cryptocurrency industry. Centralized crypto institutions remain prime targets for fraud, with Ethereum being the most exploited blockchain during the recent quarter, followed by the BNB chain and Arbitrum. These findings highlight the importance of heightened security measures and awareness among cryptocurrency investors.
Conclusion
Investors are urged to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of investment opportunities, especially those presented via social media. BlackRock’s warning serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks in the cryptocurrency market and the importance of due diligence in protecting against fraud.
解説
- Social Media Scams: Increasing use of social media platforms by scammers to pose as legitimate investment representatives.
- Investor Caution: Emphasis on the need for investors to verify the authenticity of offers and avoid unsolicited investment opportunities.
- BlackRock’s ETFs: Despite scams, BlackRock’s Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs continue to attract significant investment.