Cryptocurrency scams are evolving fast, and one of the latest and most dangerous ones is the Coinbase Alert Text Scam. This scam targets Coinbase users through convincing SMS messages that claim there’s “suspicious activity” or a “withdrawal attempt” on their account. The goal is simple, steal your login credentials, drain your crypto wallet, and vanish.
In this review, we’ll break down exactly how the Coinbase alert text scam works, what red flags to look out for, and how to protect yourself from becoming the next victim.
What Is the Coinbase Alert Text Scam?
The Coinbase Alert Text Scam is a phishing scam that uses fake text messages (SMS) pretending to come from Coinbase, the popular cryptocurrency exchange. The messages often say things like:
“Coinbase Alert: Unusual login attempt detected. Verify immediately: [fake link]”
“Coinbase Security: Your account has been temporarily locked. Click here to secure it.”
At first glance, these texts look official, the wording sounds urgent, and the links sometimes even contain “coinbase” in the URL. But they’re not from Coinbase at all.
Once you click the link, you’re redirected to a spoofed website designed to look exactly like the real Coinbase login page. Enter your details there, and the scammers instantly gain access to your real Coinbase account.
How the Coinbase Alert Scam Works Step-by-Step
Here’s how the scam usually unfolds:
- You receive a fake Coinbase text message warning of suspicious activity.
- The text contains a malicious link that looks similar to the official Coinbase website.
- When you click, you’re taken to a phishing site that mimics Coinbase’s login page.
- You enter your credentials, thinking you’re securing your account.
- Scammers instantly log into your real account and transfer your crypto out before you even realize what’s happening.
In some cases, the scam site also asks for two-factor authentication codes or recovery phrases, giving scammers full control over your wallet.
Signs You’re Dealing With the Coinbase Text Scam
Even though the messages are convincing, a few details can help you spot the scam right away:
- Unsolicited messages – If you didn’t recently sign in or make a transaction, any alert is suspicious.
- Unusual URLs – Always check the web address. The real Coinbase domain is coinbase.com. Anything else (like coinbase-alerts.com, coinbase-support.net, etc.) is fake.
- Urgent or threatening language – Scammers use panic to make you act fast. Coinbase will never ask you to “verify now or lose access.”
- Grammar mistakes – Many scam texts have small spelling or punctuation errors.
Real Experiences From Users
Many users have shared their experiences online. Some said the texts appeared within minutes after logging into Coinbase from a new device, making them believe it was legitimate. Others clicked the link and lost thousands of dollars in crypto.
Coinbase itself has issued multiple warnings on its official blog and Twitter, confirming that these messages are not from them and urging users to avoid clicking suspicious links.
How to Protect Yourself from the Coinbase SMS Scam
If you use Coinbase or any crypto exchange, here’s how to stay safe:
- Never click links in text messages or emails. Always go directly to the Coinbase app or type the URL manually.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) using an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Authy), not SMS.
- Bookmark the official Coinbase website so you don’t accidentally visit a fake one.
- Report phishing attempts to Coinbase’s official phishing email: [email protected].
- Use hardware wallets for large crypto holdings, these can’t be accessed remotely.
If you’ve already clicked a phishing link, immediately change your password and contact Coinbase Support to freeze your account.
Conclusion
The Coinbase Alert Text Scam is a sophisticated phishing campaign designed to exploit crypto investors’ trust. It’s not from Coinbase, and no legitimate company will ever text you to “secure your account” through a link.
Stay skeptical, verify before clicking, and remember:
If it feels urgent, it’s probably a scam.
Protect your funds, don’t let scammers steal your crypto in seconds.
From the foregoing, it is crystal clear that it is a scam like the Kelly Services scam,