Decentralized finance has a lot of promise for investors but it is also full of dangers. Here’s what you need to know and how to avoid getting scammed.
Decentralized finance – referred to as “DeFi” – refers to the shift from traditional, centralized financial systems to peer-to-peer finance made possible by decentralized technologies based on the Ethereum blockchain. From lending and borrowing platforms to stablecoins and tokenized BTC, the DeFi ecosystem has launched a vast network of integrated protocols and financial instruments.
While the DeFi ecosystem has opened up a world of new possibilities for crypto users, it has also given rise to several scams and bad actors. So, let’s explore some of the most common DeFi scams and how to avoid them.
Ponzi schemes
Ponzi schemes have been around for centuries, but they’ve taken on new life in the DeFi space. In a Ponzi scheme, early investors receive returns on capital raised from subsequent investors, making the project appear profitable when in fact it is insolvent. You should read our coin on the BitConnect Ponzi scheme if you want to know more about how it works.
Exit scams
Exit scams occur when a project raises funds from investors and then disappears, taking the money with them. This scam is particularly common in the Cryptocurrency ICO space but can also happen in the DeFi space.
hacks
Since DeFi protocols are built on the Ethereum blockchain, they are also susceptible to Ethereum-based attacks. In November 2021, DeFi lending platform bZx was hacked, resulting in the loss of over $55 million worth of cryptocurrency. The attack exploited a flaw in the bZx protocol that allowed the attacker to take out a loan, post collateral, and withdraw the collateral, effectively “borrowing” the funds without ever having to repay the loan.
How to Invest in DeFi Safely
To avoid being scammed, it is essential to do your research before investing in a DeFi project. Be sure to read reviews and check out a project’s code before investing, and always be aware of the risks involved with any crypto investment.
So how can you safely invest in DeFi? Here are a few tips :
- Diversify your portfolio across a variety of DeFi protocols to mitigate risk.
- Pay attention to the network effects of the protocols you invest in. Stronger network effects tend to lead to more resilient protocols.
- Keep an eye on gas charges and use optimized protocols for low charges.
- Stay up to date on the latest developments in the DeFi space. New protocols and features are released all the time, and keeping up with the latest news will help you identify new opportunities and avoid potential pitfalls.
Staying Safe in DeFi
You should also be aware of signs of a scam, such as promises of guaranteed returns or unrealistic claims. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. By being aware of the risks and taking precautions, you can safely participate in the DeFi space and potentially earn high returns on investment.
As with any investment, there are always risks. However, following the tips outlined in this article can help minimize these risks and increase your chances of success when investing in DeFi. Remember, you should only invest in projects that you understand and have a strong track record.