High riskCrypto & Investment Scams

Cloud Mining Scam

A fake cloud mining or staking platform promises daily crypto returns in exchange for buying a 'mining contract' or making a deposit. A dashboard shows growing earnings to build confidence, but when you try to withdraw, the platform blocks the request or demands extra fees, taxes, or a bigger deposit to release your funds.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Investment fraud
Main red flag
Fixed daily or guaranteed crypto returns for buying a mining or staking 'contract' with a deposit.
What to do first
Pause before depositing. Be especially careful if withdrawing requires you to pay a fee first.

What this scam usually looks like

A fake cloud mining or staking platform promises daily crypto returns in exchange for buying a 'mining contract' or making a deposit. A dashboard shows growing earnings to build confidence, but when you try to withdraw, the platform blocks the request or demands extra fees, taxes, or a bigger deposit to release your funds.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Join our cloud mining program and earn 5% daily with zero hardware needed. Buy a starter contract for $300 and watch your balance grow every day. Withdraw anytime. Get started here: [unfamiliar link].'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • Fixed daily percentage returns are promised, such as a set profit every day with no risk.
  • You must buy a 'mining contract' or deposit crypto before you can see any returns.
  • A dashboard shows steadily rising earnings that you cannot actually withdraw.
  • When you request a withdrawal, you are asked to pay a fee, tax, or upgrade first.
  • The platform pushes referrals, bonuses for recruiting friends, or pressure to reinvest profits.

What to do

  • Be sceptical of any platform promising fixed daily crypto profits, as returns cannot be guaranteed.
  • Search the platform's name with terms like 'withdrawal problem' or 'scam' before depositing.
  • Test claims carefully and avoid increasing your deposit just because the dashboard shows gains.
  • Keep records of the site, your account, and any transactions in case you need to report it.

If you already clicked or replied

  • Stop depositing immediately, and do not pay any 'release', 'tax', or 'upgrade' fee to withdraw.
  • Contact your bank, card provider, or exchange to ask whether any payment can be disputed.
  • Be wary of anyone who later offers to recover your money for a fee, as this is a common follow-up scam.
  • Report the platform to your local fraud reporting service and the exchange you used.

What not to do

  • Do not pay extra fees that the platform claims are needed before you can withdraw.
  • Do not reinvest or top up because the on-screen balance looks like it is growing.
  • Do not share your wallet seed phrase or private keys with the platform or anyone connected to it.

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Frequently asked questions

Is cloud mining always a scam?
Not every cloud mining service is fraudulent, but the model is frequently used in scams. Fixed daily returns and blocked withdrawals are common warning signs to take seriously.
My dashboard shows profits. Why can't I withdraw?
An on-screen balance can be entirely made up. Being unable to withdraw, or being told to pay a fee first, is a pattern often seen in these schemes.
They want a fee to release my withdrawal. Should I pay it?
Paying a fee to unlock your own funds rarely results in a payout and often leads to further demands. It is generally safer to stop and report it.
How can I check a platform before depositing?
Search independently for reviews and withdrawal complaints, and be cautious of guaranteed returns and heavy referral incentives. If something feels rushed, take your time.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.