The cryptocurrency market is becoming more complex, and with the expansion of stablecoins such as Tether (USDT), fraud methods have also become more sophisticated. One of the common threats in cryptocurrency trading is fake Tether and flash Tether; tools that exploit users’ trust and cause capital loss, and even on sites such as Divar, advertisements related to this type of fraud have increased significantly.
Counterfeit Tether is a type of fake token that looks similar to the original Tether, but is not issued by Tether Limited and is not backed by any dollar. These tokens may be displayed in a wallet or blockchain explorer, but are not tradable on reputable exchanges. Experts emphasize that checking the smart contract address and the number of token holders is one of the most important ways to distinguish real Tether from fakes.
Flash USDT is also a type of fake Tether that temporarily appears in a user’s wallet and has no real value. By sending these tokens on the Ethereum and Tron networks, scammers try to trick users into sending real currency or clicking on phishing links. Unlike fake Tether, there is no real transfer possible in Flash Tether and the balance is only displayed to deceive the user.
Experts emphasize that being vigilant, using official explorers like Etherscan and Tronscan, and carefully checking the token contract address are the only ways to ensure that Tether is genuine. Also, using reputable and well-known exchanges, especially in face-to-face or over-the-counter (OTC) trading, can prevent many scams.
It is worth noting that the fake Tether and Tether Flash threats mainly target new users or those who need to transfer money urgently. In many scenarios, scammers trick victims into sending real currency by displaying a fake transaction in their wallet. Closely checking transactions and not trusting receipts or screenshots sent are the most important prevention tips.
However, if a user realizes they have received a fake Tether, the first step is to remain calm and stop any further transactions. They should then review the transaction in a blockchain explorer and verify the authenticity of the token.
If the transaction is suspicious, it is recommended to contact the exchange or wallet support and block the sender address. Using the advice of cryptocurrency experts can also facilitate the follow-up process and prevent further losses.
Finally, experts warn that technical awareness and accuracy are the main tools to combat this type of fraud. Users should check the authenticity of the token received before making any transaction and, if in doubt, refrain from continuing the transaction.
