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Exit Scam

Definition

An exit scam occurs when project developers or operators abscond with user funds or investments, abandoning the project. This fraudulent activity is common in the cryptocurrency domain, particularly with newly launched tokens, initial coin offerings (ICOs), or decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. Perpetrators often build initial trust and attract capital through deceptive marketing, then disappear with the collected assets, leaving investors with worthless digital holdings. The pseudonymous nature of many crypto projects can facilitate these schemes, making recovery of funds exceptionally difficult.