How to Keep Your Crypto and Money Safe This December
December is a month of excitement holidays, travel, shopping, gifting, and plenty of movement. But while people relax and spend more freely, scammers become even more active. Every year, December records some of the highest cases of fraud because people are distracted and making quick financial decisions.
Whether you’re sending money home, shopping online, or trading crypto, here’s how to keep your crypto and your money safe this December.
1. Avoid “urgent” messages, fake giveaways, and pressure tactics
December scams are designed to make you panic:
- “Your account will be closed in 30 minutes!”
- “You won a Christmas giveaway!”
- “Flash promo — limited slots!”
These messages aim to get you to act fast without thinking. Remember, no legit crypto exchange, wallet app, or bank will ask you to confirm sensitive information under pressure.
Tip:
If a message feels rushed or emotional, pause. Verify directly from the official website or app.
2. Be careful with public Wi-Fi
Airports, malls, hotels, and cafés are crowded this season and so are their free Wi-Fi networks. But public Wi-Fi is one of the easiest ways for hackers to intercept your data.
Accessing your bank app or crypto wallet on unsecured Wi-Fi can expose passwords, private info, and even transaction details.
Tip:
Use your mobile data or a trusted hotspot for anything involving money. Public Wi-Fi is for browsing, never for banking.
3. Look out for fake apps and cloned websites
December comes with increased online shopping and more app downloads. Scammers take advantage by creating:
- Fake crypto wallet apps
- Look-alike exchange websites
- Duplicate “customer support” pages
These clones can steal your login details or trick you into depositing crypto into the wrong wallet.
Tip:
Always download apps from official stores and confirm the developer’s name. Bookmark your real exchange website so you don’t fall for a fake link.
4. Secure your wallet — especially your seed phrase
Scammers become extra creative during festive seasons. Some pretend to be support agents or run promotions asking for:
- Seed phrases
- Private keys
- OTPs
- Login codes
The rule is simple: If you share your seed phrase, you lose your wallet.
Tip:
Write your seed phrase offline and store it safely. Never type it into any website or form. No support team will ever need it.
5. Double-check every transaction before sending money
December is full of payments, shopping, bookings, gifts, donations. Because we are rushing, mistakes happen:
- Sending to the wrong wallet address
- Choosing the wrong network (e.g., ERC20 instead of TRC20)
- Sending to scammers pretending to be a business page
Tip:
Cross-check the details twice before you send. For large transactions, call the official number to confirm.
6. Avoid “December pressure” investment schemes
End-of-year greed traps always reappear:
- “Turn ₦20k into ₦200k before Christmas!”
- “Guaranteed crypto profit, no risk!”
- “One-time-only December investment!”
These scams are designed to look urgent and high-return, exactly what people fall for when they want extra cash during the holidays.
Tip:
Stick to trusted crypto platforms. If anyone promises guaranteed profit, it’s fake.
Final Thoughts
This is a season for enjoyment, not regrets. Staying alert, double-checking details, and protecting your wallet can save you from unnecessary losses. December should bring celebration, not financial headaches.
Stay smart, stay secure, and keep your crypto and money safe. Use Zabira
