Exchange "support" messaged you first? It's a scam: how to spot it
Short answer
No, it isn't real. Real exchange support never messages you first, never asks you to move money to a "safe account", and never asks for your password, codes or private keys. Anyone who contacts you as "support" is a scammer: don't click their links, don't send money, block them.
- Trust only the official website and app. One wrong letter in the address means it's fake.
- Anyone who asks for your password, codes, recovery phrase or private key is a scammer.
- Scammed? Lock your account, keep the evidence, report it. Ignore anyone offering to "recover" your money.
Our only official accounts
- Bot @FairRebateBot: the only way to reach us
- Channel @FairRebate: updates only
We will never
- message you first
- ask you to transfer money or pay an "unlock fee"
- ask for your password, codes, private keys or seed phrase
Five warning signs
- They contact you first, saying your account is “unusual”, “frozen” or “needs an upgrade”, and push you to act now.
- They ask you to send money to a “safe account” or “verification account”, or to pay an “unlock fee” first.
- They ask for your password, codes, recovery phrase or private key, or want you to log in by scanning a QR code.
- They want you to install something: remote-control software such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer, or an app file they send you.
- The address is wrong: it isn’t the exchange’s official domain, or it’s a search ad at the top of the results.
The four most common tricks
- “Support” in your DMs on Telegram, WhatsApp or Facebook.
- Copycat websites that look exactly like the real one, with an address one or two letters off.
- Fake apps that read what you type, or empty your account once you log in.
- Fake group admins posting “airdrop” or “compensation” links that ask you to connect a wallet or log in.
How to check official channels
| Exchange | Official site | App developer (as shown in the app store) |
|---|---|---|
| Binance | binance.com | — |
| OKX | okx.com | — |
- Type the address yourself or use a bookmark. Don’t tap links other people send.
- In the App Store or Google Play, check the developer name.
- Only reach support through the help centre on the official site or in the app.
- We have one way to contact us: our Telegram bot @FairRebateBot.
Already scammed? Do these four things first
- Stop the damage: change your password, reset 2FA and freeze your account in the exchange app.
- Tell the exchange: only through the help centre on its official site. Send the scammer’s address and your transaction records.
- Keep the evidence: screenshots of the chats, transaction records (transaction hashes), the scammer’s accounts and web addresses.
- Report it: in the US, to the FBI’s IC3; in Australia, to ReportCyber; in Canada, to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Anywhere else, go to your local police.
FAQ
Will exchange support ever call or message me?
Not out of the blue. Real support only talks to you through the help centre on the official site or in the app, and never asks for your password, codes or a transfer.
I gave someone my verification code. What now?
Change your password and reset 2FA right away, freeze your account in the app, then contact the exchange through the help centre on its official site. If money has already left your account, report it to the police as well.
Will your bot ever message me first?
No. The bot only replies after you message it. It never asks you to send money, and never asks for passwords, codes or private keys.