22 May 2025, 08:25

5 red flags you’re being shilled: Don’t buy the hype

What is shilling in crypto? At its core, shilling is the act of artificially promoting a cryptocurrency or token, often with exaggerated claims, to increase its price or popularity. But what’s the goal? Hype it up, get others to buy in, and then cash out, leaving latecomers holding the bag. Shilling can come from anyone: influencers , anonymous accounts or even high-profile figures with political or financial clout. The common thread is manipulation: It’s not about educating you or building real value but pumping hype for personal gain. Unfortunately, the line between enthusiastic promotion and outright deception can be thin, and many fall victim without realizing it. That’s why it’s critical to learn how to spot the signs early. 5 red flags you’re being shilled Beware of crypto red flags like overhyped promises, anonymous teams, influencer shills, missing products and FOMO tactics — if it smells like a scam, it probably is. 1. Overhyped promises You’ve probably seen posts that scream: “100x potential!” “Guaranteed returns!” “This is your ticket to financial freedom!” These are classic shill tactics. Real, credible projects don’t promise life-changing profits. Why? Because there are no guarantees in crypto or in any investment. When a project leads with grandiose financial claims rather than actual product value or utility, it’s likely a ploy to stir FOMO and attract unsuspecting investors. The truth is, if something sounds too good to be true, it almost always is. Remember: The bigger the promise, the bigger the red flag. 2. Anonymous or suspicious teams In crypto, anonymity isn’t always bad, but when you’re trusting people with your money, transparency matters. It’s a major red flag when a project has: No identifiable team members Fake names or aliases Stock photos on its website No LinkedIn or professional history. The simple rule is “No face, no funds.” Scammers often hide behind anonymity because they know they’ll eventually vanish and there’ll be no one to hold accountable. Even worse, some use fabricated credentials or hire actors to pose as team members. Before investing, check whether the founders or developers have any verifiable history. Do they have prior experience in blockchain or startups? Have they launched anything successful before? 3. Influencer spam and paid promotions One day, no one’s talking about a particular coin — the next, your feed is flooded with influencers hyping it up. Sound familiar? This sudden burst of attention is often coordinated with a paid promotion campaign disguised as “genuine enthusiasm.” Many influencers fail to disclose sponsorships, even though it’s required by law in many countries. The US Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have cracked down on this in recent years. Take, for example: Kim Kardashian, who was fined $1.26 million in 2022 for promoting EthereumMax without proper disclosure. Floyd Mayweather Jr., who was sued for endorsing the same project at a paid event. BitBoy (Ben Armstrong), who faced legal action in multiple lawsuits for promoting scam tokens to his audience. If you notice multiple influencers promoting the same project in a short time, especially without using labels like #ad or #sponsored, it’s a strong indicator of a shill campaign. Don’t mistake volume for value. Hype doesn’t equal legitimacy. 4. No real product or roadmap If you visit the project’s website, it looks sleek, maybe even impressive. But where’s the product? Where’s the code? Shilled tokens often rely on flashy marketing but have no working application, no GitHub code and no actual use case. Everything is either “coming soon” or buried behind vague promises. Ask yourself: Can I use the platform or app today? Is there a white paper that makes sense? Do they have public repositories or open development? If all you’re seeing is a landing page and a vague roadmap that’s been “coming soon” for months, that’s a major red flag. 5. Pressure tactics and FOMO Time pressure is a psychological weapon, and shillers know how to use it. Watch out for lines such as: “Presale ends in 2 hours!” “Only 1,000 spots left!” “If you don’t buy now, you’ll miss out forever!” These tactics prey on your fear of missing out (FOMO) and push you into making impulsive decisions without research. But crypto isn’t a sprint; it’s a long-term game. Anyone trying to rush you into buying likely has something to hide. Solid investments don’t need fake urgency. Take a breath, step back, and ask yourself: Am I buying because I believe in this project or because I’m being manipulated? Did you know? The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) secured a $128-million judgment against Ryan Mitchell Pope, Daniel Samuel Bishop and their company EmpiresX for operating a fraudulent forex and cryptocurrency investment scheme that defrauded over 12,500 victims. Is shilling illegal in crypto? Can influencers be sued? Shilling isn’t just unethical in many cases — it’s also illegal. In the world of crypto, undisclosed promotions are a major legal risk. If someone is paid to promote a token or project but fails to reveal that financial connection, they could face fines, lawsuits or even criminal charges. This is especially true if the promoted token is later classified as a security under US law. Regulators like the SEC, FTC and CFTC have all cracked down on this behavior. Their targets have included: Influencers who failed to disclose paid promotions Promoters who misled investors with false claims Individuals who ran pump-and-dump schemes using social media. Francier Obando Pinillo, a pastor from Miami, was indicted on 26 fraud counts for running a crypto scam through “Solano Fi,” defrauding investors of millions from 2021 to 2023. He allegedly used his church, social media and false promises of 34.9% monthly returns to lure victims. The platform showed fake gains but blocked withdrawals, while funds were diverted for personal use. Pinillo was arraigned in Richland, Washington and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. As crypto becomes more mainstream, expect stricter regulations and more consequences for shillers. Did you know? Argentine President Javier Milei has dissolved the special task force investigating the LIBRA cryptocurrency scandal , a project he promoted in February 2025 that surged to a $4.5-billion valuation before crashing by over 97%. The task force, created by Milei himself, was disbanded via Decree 332/2025, citing that it had fulfilled its purpose. However, critics argue that no official findings were released, and judicial investigations into Milei and his associates continue. How to protect yourself from shilling scams Do your own research, verify the team and utility, ignore hype and influencers, and stay alert to pump-and-dump schemes to avoid crypto shilling traps. Let’s understand how you can protect yourself from shilling scams in crypto: Do your own research (DYOR): Always research the project, the team behind it and the data supporting the claims. Don’t rely solely on hype or influencer recommendations. Look into onchain data, GitHub activity and the project’s utility to make informed decisions. Verify the team: A legitimate crypto project should have a transparent and credible team. If the developers are anonymous or have no professional profiles (like LinkedIn), that’s a red flag. Always check the team’s past projects and credibility before investing. Look for real utility: Does this project actually solve a problem? A genuine project should have a working product or solution, not just promises. Avoid projects that lack real-world utility or are still in “coming soon” stages for extended periods. Ignore the hype: If a token is suddenly trending on social media or being aggressively promoted, don’t let FOMO influence your judgment. Shillers often rely on emotions to push their agenda, so it’s essential to evaluate projects based on their merits, not just popularity. Stay skeptical of influencers: Influencers with large followings may be paid to promote certain tokens. Before taking their advice, ask yourself, What’s their incentive? Verify the promotion is legitimate and disclosed as paid or sponsored. Always cross-check the information with independent sources. Watch for pump-and-dump schemes: Be cautious of sudden price spikes followed by rapid drops. These are often signs of pump-and-dump schemes where the token’s value is artificially inflated by coordinated buying and then quickly sold off, leaving investors with losses. Always monitor price trends and be wary of sudden, unexplained increases in value.

22 May 2025, 08:12

Ripple (XRP) vs SEC: Expert Details What Could Force Judge Torres Reverse Verdict

In a recent development surrounding the ongoing legal battle between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), legal commentator Ashley Prosper has outlined specific circumstances under which Judge Analisa Torres may choose to withdraw her previous decision in the case. Judge Torres recently declined a joint request from both Ripple and the SEC seeking an “indicative ruling” that would permit settlement discussions to proceed based on revised terms. The proposal aimed to replace the previously ordered $125 million penalty and permanent injunction against Ripple with a significantly reduced $50 million fine and no injunction. Her rejection of the motion was not based on the content of the agreement but rather on procedural deficiencies in the request submitted to the court. While the parties are anticipated to file a corrected version of the motion shortly, Prosper has suggested that certain high-level interventions or disclosures could alter the trajectory of the case, potentially leading Judge Torres to vacate her prior judgment. Circumstances That Could Justify a Reversal According to Prosper, one possibility is the submission of confidential evidence showing that XRP holds strategic relevance to the federal government. This may include classified documentation from agencies such as the U.S. Treasury or the Department of Justice (DOJ). #XRP #XRPCommunity What Could Force Judge Torres to Vacate her Judgment? A. Classified or Confidential Federal Interest If either the SEC or Ripple presents sealed evidence (e.g., ex parte communications from the U.S. Treasury, Fed, or DOJ), Judge Torres would be required to… — Ashley PROSPER (@AshleyPROSPER1) May 21, 2025 For instance, internal memos indicating XRP’s potential role in a proposed national digital currency infrastructure, or security assessments warning that the continuation of the lawsuit could negatively affect financial or diplomatic stability, could compel the court to reconsider. Such materials would likely be presented under seal due to their sensitive nature. Prosper noted that courts sometimes adjust or vacate rulings when matters of national interest are credibly demonstrated, particularly if high-ranking government agencies are involved. We are on twitter, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) July 15, 2023 Executive Branch Involvement Could Influence Outcome Another pathway to reconsideration, Prosper added, would be direct involvement from the federal executive branch. If entities like the Treasury Department or the Federal Reserve were to submit an amicus curiae brief urging the court to reconsider its position, this could introduce significant legal weight. These agencies might argue that XRP plays a critical role in the national or international financial system. Prosper further explained that the court could apply the principle of Chevron deference, which allows judicial bodies to give weight to federal agencies’ interpretations of ambiguous legislative provisions, especially in matters falling within their expertise. Although infrequent, similar interventions have led to judicial reversals in past financial and regulatory cases. Implications and Community Response If either classified documentation or federal agency participation redefines XRP as essential to government financial strategy, Judge Torres could vacate her original ruling. Such a decision could mark a shift in how XRP is legally classified and utilized, potentially positioning it as a key tool in national financial infrastructure rather than a conventional crypto asset. Nevertheless, some voices within the cryptocurrency community have expressed skepticism, arguing that the scenarios proposed are largely speculative and improbable. Despite this, Prosper maintains that these legal avenues remain viable, depending on the direction taken by both Ripple and the U.S. government in the coming months. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Ripple (XRP) vs SEC: Expert Details What Could Force Judge Torres Reverse Verdict appeared first on Times Tabloid .

22 May 2025, 08:06

King Dollar Falls, Bitcoin Marches Toward Sound Money Highs

Bitcoin's BTC dollar high succumbed on Thursday as the largest cryptocurrency rose past $111,800 , a remarkable 50% gain from its April low near $75,000, but when measured against traditional stores of value like gold and silver, BTC — often dubbed "digital gold" — still has room to advance. The bitcoin-to-gold ratio stands at 33.27 ounces, below its January peak of over 40 oz. BTC has also not reached an all-time high against silver, though it has just breached the 3,300 oz. level, compared with the record 3,530 oz. The digital gold moniker reflects bitcoin's fixed supply and decentralized nature, and it's increasingly living up to the name. In recent weeks, it has outperformed U.S. equities, which remain sluggish for the year despite recovering from their April tariff-tantrum induced downturn. In fiat terms, bitcoin is nearing significant psychological milestones across other currencies too. It currently trades around 82,500 British pounds, just shy of its all-time high of 88,300 pounds, and at 91,500 Swiss francs, versus a previous peak just under 100,000 francs. These levels hint at imminent breakthroughs as bitcoin gains further strength. Notably, BTC has already achieved all-time highs relative to major financial instruments like the Nasdaq 100 and the iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT). Its continued outperformance of both bonds and tech stocks underscores a broader trend. The final frontier remains precious metals. Surpassing gold and silver benchmarks will mark a complete reversal of monetary dominance.

22 May 2025, 07:56

Wall Street Ponke Raises Over $300K in Hours, Poised to Be the Next 100x Meme Coin

Wall Street Ponke ($WPONKE) has captured the spotlight in record time, raising more than $300,000 just hours after launching. As the crypto market braces for its next bull run, early investors are hunting for undervalued gems—and Ponke is fast becoming the standout contender. A Hidden Opportunity: 1232% Staking Rewards Signal Massive Potential Offered at a presale price of just $0.00026, $WPONKE is drawing in savvy investors with one of the highest staking APYs in the market—an eye-popping 1232%. This isn’t just another meme token; it’s a forward-thinking project aiming to transform how users engage with meme coins. Built-In AI Security: A New Standard for Safe Crypto Investing What sets Wall Street Ponke apart is its AI-powered protection system. Every new token introduced to the platform is scanned and assessed for risk. This AI watchdog helps shield users from scams, fake liquidity, and rug pulls—making it an invaluable tool for both new and experienced traders. Combining Meme Culture with Real Utility Wall Street Ponke is the first meme coin to merge AI-driven security with tangible financial incentives. Its staking program is designed to encourage long-term holding rather than speculative flipping—addressing one of the biggest issues in meme coin ecosystems. Education Meets Innovation: Empowering a Smarter Investor Base The Ponke platform includes a full educational hub, teaching users how to navigate the crypto space with confidence. Whether it's understanding gas fees or analyzing charts, this learning center creates informed investors who contribute to sustainable token growth. Still Undervalued, But Not for Long Despite its innovations and momentum, $WPONKE remains a high-potential, undervalued asset. With a growing community and demand ramping up, it’s only a matter of time before the token gains mainstream traction. How to Get In Early: Buying $WPONKE Getting started with $WPONKE is easy: Visit wallstreetponke.com Connect your Trust Wallet or MetaMask Purchase with ETH, USDT, BNB, or a credit/debit card Official Links and Community Channels 🌐 Website: https://wallstreetponke.com 🐦 Twitter (X): https://x.com/Wallstreetponke 💬 Telegram: https://t.me/wallstreetponke Disclaimer: This is a sponsored article and is for informational purposes only. It does not reflect the views of Crypto Daily, nor is it intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice.

22 May 2025, 07:55

Anticipated Vote Takes Place: Another Piece of Good News for Bitcoin Follows ATH

The Texas House of Representatives passed the bill, SB 21, which would allow the state to directly invest in cryptocurrencies, on its third ballot by a vote of 101-42. The bill would establish a new special fund called the “Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve,” which would be managed by the state comptroller to invest in crypto assets with a market value of at least $500 billion. By law, the Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve will focus solely on large-scale, high-market-cap cryptocurrencies. The fund aims to diversify the state’s financial assets to increase potential returns and capitalize on the rising value of digital assets. Related News: 50-year Veteran Analyst Peter Brandt Reveals What He Expects After Bitcoin's Record: He Gives a Price and Date for the Peak The bill is currently awaiting approval from the Governor of Texas. If signed by the Governor, Texas would become one of the first states in the US to allow direct cryptocurrency investment. Bitcoin price broke its all-time high price record today. *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: Anticipated Vote Takes Place: Another Piece of Good News for Bitcoin Follows ATH

22 May 2025, 07:38

White House crypto czar David Sacks says stablecoin clarity could trigger trillions for US debt

The White House’s push for stablecoin regulation could trigger trillions of dollars in Treasury demand “practically overnight,” Trump advisor David Sacks says. David Sacks, President Donald Trump’s top advisor on crypto and artificial intelligence, said the administration expects the U.S. Senate to pass the GENIUS Act, a stablecoin regulation bill that he claims could drive massive new demand for U.S. Treasuries. In an interview with CNBC on Wednesday, Sacks said there are already over $200 billion in stablecoins, though currently unregulated, adding that providing legal clarity and a proper framework could create “trillions of dollars of demand for our Treasuries practically overnight, very quickly.” The bill, officially known as the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act, cleared a key Senate hurdle this week when 66 senators voted to advance it, including 15 Democrats, giving the legislation enough support to avoid a filibuster. Sacks said the administration now has every expectation that the bill is going to pass, though he didn’t respond to a question about potential conflicts of interest involving Trump and his family’s crypto businesses. You might also like: With the Genius Act vote nearing final passage — who wins, and who loses? Critics have pointed to Trump’s financial ties to the crypto sector as the Trump family is backing World Liberty Financial, which recently launched a stablecoin called USD1. It’s backed by U.S. Treasuries and dollar deposits. Abu Dhabi’s MGX fund invested $2 billion in USD1 in Binance, a cryptocurrency exchange that admitted to violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws in a $4.3 billion plea agreement. The GENIUS Act would create a federal framework for stablecoin issuers and bring dollar-backed digital currencies under U.S. oversight. Sacks framed it as an economic opportunity, saying that stablecoins offer a “new, more efficient, cheaper, smoother payment system — new payment rails for the U.S. economy.” Still, the bill’s final passage could be delayed. A last-minute amendment from Sen. Josh Hawley that caps credit card late fees could create friction with banking groups. Read more: Hong Kong passes Stablecoins Bill to regulate fiat-backed stablecoins