'Guaranteed APY' Staking / Yield Scam
A platform promises fixed, high 'guaranteed' returns for staking or 'liquidity mining' your crypto — then disappears or blocks withdrawals.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
You are offered guaranteed high yields (for example, a fixed daily or annual percentage) for locking up crypto in a staking or 'liquidity mining' pool. Real yields fluctuate and carry risk; a guarantee of high fixed returns is a hallmark of a scam. After you deposit, the operators either vanish ('rug pull'), block withdrawals, or demand fees to release funds. Some connect your wallet to a contract that drains it.
What it usually looks like
- Fixed, high 'guaranteed' yields with little risk.
- A staking, yield, or liquidity-mining platform pushed to you.
- Requests to lock funds or connect your wallet.
- Referral bonuses to recruit others.
Common warning signs
- Guaranteed high returns (real yield is variable and risky).
- Pressure to deposit or connect your wallet quickly.
- New platforms with anonymous teams.
- Withdrawal problems after depositing.
Example wording scammers use
“Earn a guaranteed 2% daily by staking with us — risk-free, withdraw anytime.”
“Connect your wallet to start liquidity mining and lock in fixed APY.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Your crypto deposit into their pool.
- Wallet-connection access to drain funds.
- To rug-pull once enough deposits arrive.
What to do
- Treat 'guaranteed' high yields as a scam signal.
- Never connect your wallet to unknown platforms.
- Research the team, audits, and history before depositing.
- Assume you can lose everything you deposit.
What to do if you already responded
- Disconnect wallet permissions and move remaining funds to a safe wallet.
- Preserve records; report to ic3.gov and reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Do not pay 'fees' to withdraw.