This is cryptocurrency's dark side, which sometimes gets lost in the hype over the rocketing value of bitcoin and its brethren. But just as digital currency has turned into a hot new investment vehicle, it's given hackers and cybercriminals new opportunities for exploitation.
Even old-school cons have taken a new blockchain twist, with consumers excitedly buying new forms of cryptocurrency only to find they're little more than hot air and false promises.
"With cryptocurrency, it's like choose-your-own adventure," said Rick Holland, a cybercrime researcher at security company Digital Shadows. "People can pick so many routes to target victims now."