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Shitcoin - How to Identify a Scam Token Before Listing and Avoid Losing Money

08/01/2025

Shitcoin - How to Identify a Scam Token Before Listing and Avoid Losing Money

Find out what a shitcoin is, how to recognize a shitcoin before listing, and how to analyze the exchange rate of shitcoins. A complete guide to investing safely in cryptocurrencies.

The world of cryptocurrencies is developing too fast, and it is not always easy to distinguish a promising project from a scam. The word "шиткоин" often pops up on forums and social networks, but not everyone understands what it really means. And most importantly - how to identify such a token before it hits the exchange, before it has a chance to lure investors with loud promises and aggressive advertising. If you don't delve into it, you may find yourself in a situation where instead of the long-awaited profit, you are left with bitterness from losing your deposit.

What is a "шиткоин"

Let's break it down. A "шиткоин" is a cryptocurrency that either lacks real value or is initially created for market manipulation. To avoid confusion, let's clarify right away: not every young token is a "шиткоин." Sometimes projects start from scratch and only gain popularity over time. The problem lies elsewhere - many coins are issued for the sake of hype and quick profits for the creators.

Definition and main characteristics of a "шиткоин"

When trying to understand what a "шиткоин" is, it is important to pay attention to a combination of factors. No single criterion by itself makes a token bad, but together they signal a high probability of problems.

Here are the key characteristics:

  • Lack of a unique idea. The token replicates someone else's concept without any improvements.

  • Weak or anonymous team. If developers hide their identities or lack experience in the industry, it is a worrisome sign.

  • Lack of clear utility. The coin exists "just because," without a specific area of use.

  • Exaggerated promises. They promise a "revolution" but show no technologies or partnerships.

  • Lack of liquidity. Even if the token gets listed on an exchange, trading volumes are minimal.

As you can see, the scheme is simple: the more empty words and the less specifics, the higher the chance that you are dealing with a "шиткоин."

How to recognize a "шиткоин" before listing

This stage is the most important. After listing, it may be too late - the price is often artificially inflated, and investors rush into the project hoping to catch the rise. A week later, the token may be worth ten times less, and recovering the investment becomes impossible. To avoid such situations, you need to learn how to analyze a project before listing.

Team and developers analysis

The first thing experienced investors pay attention to is the people. Behind every project is a team, and they are the ones who determine whether the coin will have a future.

There are several points to check:

  • Transparency of profiles. Team members should be listed on the website and in the documentation.

  • Experience in the industry. If developers have previously worked on well-known crypto projects or IT companies, it's a plus.

  • Public activity. Genuine teams engage with the audience, attend conferences, and conduct AMA sessions.

  • Biography inconsistencies. If a person's LinkedIn profile lacks evidence of past work, but in the project, they are suddenly the "lead developer" - it's a reason to be cautious.

Remember a simple rule: the more mystery surrounding people, the higher the chance they are hiding from future claims.

Technical documentation and whitepaper review

Whitepaper is the business card of any crypto project. It should clearly outline why the token was created, what problem it solves, and what technologies are used.

Be wary if:

  • The document is too short or written in general terms.

  • There is no description of the architecture or even hints at technical implementation.

  • There is too much marketing and too little specifics.

  • The "token economics" section includes unrealistic profit promises.

A genuine whitepaper always provides an insight into the future product. And if it's only slogans and pretty pictures, the project is likely a scam.

Evaluation of marketing activities and social networks

Even if the team and documentation seem convincing, it's worth checking how the project behaves in the public domain. For many young investors, social networks are the main source of information, which is both a plus and a minus.

Red flags to watch for:

  • Fake activity. A Telegram chat may have 50 thousand subscribers, but messages are scarce. This means the numbers are inflated.

  • Overly aggressive PR. When promises of "X100" and "incredible profits" are everywhere, it's likely a trap.

  • No discussions on independent platforms. If the project is only talked about on its own pages, there is no real audience interest.

  • Bots instead of a live community. Likes and comments under posts are repetitive, indicating they are bought.

A good project doesn't hide. It openly answers questions, provides development updates, and attracts attention through partnerships, not spam in messengers.

Understanding "шиткоин" price - how to assess and avoid losses

When a project finally reaches listing, the most noticeable thing for an investor is the price. This is where the real roller coaster often begins. Understanding how a "шиткоин" price behaves can help avoid serious mistakes.

Typical price fluctuations of a "шиткоин"

"Шиткоин" almost always follows the same pattern: rapid rise, followed by a sharp fall. The reason is simple - at listing, the team and early holders actively sell tokens while demand is fueled by advertising.

Typical scenarios look like this:

  • Swift rise on the first day. Sometimes the coin shows +200% in a matter of hours.

  • Decline in the following days. The price drops by 3-5 times, leaving late buyers at a loss.

  • Short-term pumps. Organizers may "pump" the price several times, fueling the interest of newcomers.

  • Complete fade-out. Within a couple of weeks, trading volumes tend towards zero.

Experienced investors call this "roller coaster without a safety belt." First adrenaline, then disappointment.

Risks and warning signs

The cryptocurrency market itself is risky, but with "шиткоины," the dangers multiply several times. To avoid falling into a trap, keep a few red flags in