Quick thread on 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗺𝘀, because it bears repeating.
Scams are designed to separate your from your hard-earned sats. Never assume you’re immune.
If you know what scammers target, you’ll know what to protect.
What do scams attempt to achieve?
1. Capturing your login credentials or identity docs for custodial services
2. Capturing your private keys in the case of self-custody
Scams take different paths depending on the target.
But you can greatly reduce the attack vectors by taking custody of your bitcoin (not keeping them on an exchange).
*note that scams require active participation and are different from hacks/attacks
What strategies do scams employ to achieve this?
1. Unsolicited emails/texts asking you to upload identity docs, confirm login details 2. Apps, websites that ask you to manually enter your private key 3. Investment offers, giveaways that require a ’deposit’
So keep an eye out for these warning signs and always remember the golden rule-
For a deeper understanding on why we tend to fall for scams-
Satoshi Nakamoto cites eight references in the Bitcoin white paper that influenced the Bitcoin protocol's design.
This thread explores each one and its significance.
For context, the Bitcoin protocol combines several existing tools, technologies, and procedures in a novel way.
1/ ‘b-money’ by Wei Dai is the very first reference listed:
“efficient cooperation requires a medium of exchange (money) and a way to enforce contracts. I describe a protocol by which these services can be provided.”
Dai would also be one of the first people Nakamoto contacted regarding the proposal of Bitcoin.
As #Bitcoin adoption continues its relentless march, so too does the onslaught of misconceptions, red herrings, and illogical arguments. The result of ignorance, malice, or fear.
A thread of the most common regurgitated fallacies:
"Bitcoin is a radical break from the past. Understanding the way traditional money works doesn’t help you understand bitcoin.
If anything, it hinders it.
The people who understand bitcoin the least are monetary economists. They cannot wrap their heads around it."
—Andreas M. Antonopoulos
There appears to be an endless list of critiques and criticisms levied against bitcoin. But they generally fall into three distinct buckets.