SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Division of Securities is warning Utah investors that popular cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin are risky investments and common vehicles for fraud. The division is releasing information and investor tips to alert consumers that cryptocurrency schemes may target their retirement savings in the near future.

“Virtual currencies such as Bitcoin and other crypto-currencies have received a lot of headlines in the news and on social media but most of us still don’t understand how it works,” Francine A. Giani, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce said. “The Utah Division of Securities asks that we take time to research where our money is really going before jumping into any investment.”

What is cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrencies are a medium of exchange that are created and stored electronically in the blockchain, a distributed public database that keeps a permanent record of digital transactions. Current common cryptocurrencies include bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin.

Unlike traditional currency, these alternatives have no physical form and typically are not backed by tangible assets. Consumers need to be alert that these investments are not insured or controlled by a central bank or other governmental authority, cannot always be exchanged for other commodities and are subject to little or no regulation.

With Utah’s growing economy and consumer spending, state regulators fear that the Beehive State could be targeted for cryptocurrency pitches.

“Utah’s reputation as a technically savvy and connected state makes our population ripe for crypto-currency fraud,” Keith M. Woodwell, Utah Division of Securities director said. “While it’s a compliment to our population for being plugged into what’s trending, internet hype can lead to rash decisions.”

What are investor risks if investing in cryptocurrency?

Bitcoins can be lost or stolen. Bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies are stored electronically in a virtual wallet and are traded through unregulated exchanges. There have been multiple cases of individual wallets or entire exchanges being “hacked.” Thousands of consumers have lost millions of dollars’ worth of bitcoins with no recourse or method of recovery.

The value of bitcoins fluctuates wildly. While the dramatic rise in the value of bitcoins has generated many headlines in the past year, cryptocurrencies can (and do) lose value just as rapidly. After reaching an all-time high of almost $20,000 per bitcoin in mid-December, the price fell by more than 25 percent in just ten days. Cryptocurrencies are not a stable store of value and involve an extremely high level of risk.

Bitcoins and Initial Coin Offerings are being used by fraudsters. The Utah Division of Securities is currently investigating Ponzi schemes and other frauds linked to cryptocurrencies. The fact that cryptocurrencies are unregulated and difficult to track makes them attractive to fraudsters.

Investors should be extremely wary of promoters who promise high returns through bitcoin arbitrage or trading strategies or the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a growing phenomenon through an initial coin offering where investors receive new cryptocurrencies in exchange for their investment.

Bitcoins do not work like a government currency and are not regulated or controlled by any government, bank or company. While many fans of bitcoin view the fact that bitcoin is not dependent upon any government or monetary authority as an advantage, this lack of regulation also creates serious problems.

While some companies and individuals will accept bitcoin as a form of payment, many do not. Cryptocurrencies cannot be deposited in a bank and have no form of protection comparable to deposit insurance.

Remember to watch for red flags of fraud

• “Guaranteed” high investment returns. There is no such thing as guaranteed investment returns, and there is no guarantee that any cryptocurrency will increase in value. Be wary of anyone who promises a high rate of return with little or no risk.
• Unsolicited offers. An unsolicited sales pitch may be part of a fraudulent investment scheme. Cryptocurrency investment opportunities are promoted aggressively through social media. Be very wary of an unsolicited communication – meaning you didn’t ask for it and don’t know the sender – about an investment opportunity.
• Sounds too good to be true. If the project sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Watch out for exaggerated claims about the project’s future success.
• Pressure to buy immediately. Take time to research an investment opportunity before handing over your money. Watch out for pressure to act fast or “get in on the ground floor” of a new tech trend.
• Unlicensed sellers. Many fraudulent investment schemes involve unlicensed individuals or unregistered firms. The Utah Division of Securities can help investors research the background of those selling or advising the purchase of an investment here.

Investors should do business with licensed securities brokers and advisers and report any suspicion of investment fraud to the Utah Division of Securities by calling 801-530-6600; toll free at 800-721-7233 or clicking here.

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