Crypto Exit Scams: How to Spot and Avoid Fraud in Music and Blockchain

When someone walks away with millions after promising a crypto exit scam, a fraudulent scheme where developers abandon a cryptocurrency project after raising funds. Also known as rug pull, it’s when the team disappears with investors’ money—no product, no explanation, just silence. This isn’t just happening in blockchain labs. It’s creeping into concert ticket sales, fake VIP packages, and even livestreaming platforms that claim to be "official."

Think about it: you see a TikTok ad for a "Taylor Swift VIP meet-and-greet" that costs $2,500. It looks real. The site has a .com, fake testimonials, and a countdown timer. But it’s not Ticketmaster. It’s not even connected to Live Nation. That’s a concert ticket scam, a deceptive practice where fake vendors sell non-existent or invalid concert access. It uses the same playbook as a crypto exit scam, a fraudulent scheme where developers abandon a cryptocurrency project after raising funds. Both rely on hype, urgency, and trust in branding. The only difference? One steals your crypto wallet. The other steals your credit card and your chance to see your favorite artist live.

And it’s not just tickets. Some platforms claim to be the "new Nugs.net" or "Spotify for live concerts," but they’re just ICOs in disguise. An ICO, a method of raising funds by selling digital tokens to the public. Also known as initial coin offering, it was once the wild west of blockchain funding—now it’s a favorite tool for fraudsters. If a company asks you to buy tokens to "unlock" concert access or "invest" in a streaming service that doesn’t exist yet, walk away. Legit platforms like nugs.net or Peacock don’t need you to buy crypto to watch a show.

These scams thrive because they copy what’s real. They use the same language: "exclusive," "limited time," "backstage access," "VIP only." They steal images from official sites. They mimic the design of Pollstar or Ticketmaster. But real concert data comes from verified sources. Real VIP packages are sold through official channels. Real blockchain projects have public code, transparent teams, and a track record. If it sounds too good to be true—like a $500 Taylor Swift meet-and-greet or a "guaranteed" Eras Tour livestream—it’s a scam.

You don’t need to be a tech expert to avoid this. Just ask: Is this sold on the artist’s official site? Does the platform have a physical address or customer service you can call? Is payment made with credit card or crypto? If it’s crypto-only, it’s a red flag. If it’s not linked to Live Nation, Ticketmaster, or a known streaming service, it’s not real.

Below, you’ll find real guides on how to buy safe concert tickets, spot fake VIP deals, and understand what streaming platforms actually offer. No crypto. No scams. Just the facts you need to see the show you paid for—and keep your money where it belongs: in your pocket, not in a fraudster’s wallet.