Leading crypto data provider CoinMarketCap (CMC) has issued a formal warning to the global cryptocurrency community: it does not have its own token or coin, and any promotion or listing for “CMC tokens” or “CMC-branded coins” is a scam designed to deceive investors and steal funds. Crypto users are being urged to remain vigilant and verify all projects against official sources.
Official Warning from CoinMarketCap
CoinMarketCap posted a clear statement on social media and in public announcements that it does not issue, endorse, or manage a token or coin of its own. Any promotional materials, websites, or social posts claiming the existence of a “CoinMarketCap Token,” “CMC Token,” “CMC Coin,” “CMC20,” or similar are fraudulent and potentially part of wider phishing or financial scams.
CMC emphasized that scams often spike during market upswings when less experienced investors enter the space. The company urged users not to trust unofficial tokens purporting to be linked to the CMC brand or intellectual property.
Why These Scams Work
Scammers commonly use the names and logos of trusted brands to lure crypto users into fake projects. This tactic — known as brand impersonation — tricks victims into buying worthless tokens, connecting wallets to phishing sites, or revealing private keys.
Examples of similar deceptive tactics include:
- Fraudulent wallet-connect prompts on compromised sites claiming to be official, which attempt to drain connected wallets.
- Fake social media accounts or direct messages posing as platform support staff, urging users to provide sensitive information.
- Scam tokens falsely claiming endorsement or issuance by reputable crypto companies.
These schemes can result in immediate financial loss and compromised wallet security if users interact with them.
How to Protect Yourself
Crypto users can take proactive steps to avoid falling victim to scam tokens or fraudulent promotions:
- Verify official channels — check project announcements only on verified websites and official social media accounts of the platform.
- Do not trust unsolicited links — avoid clicking links in DMs, comments, or unverified ads claiming to offer tokens or airdrops.
- Never share private keys or seed phrases — legitimate services will never ask for your private wallet credentials.
- Use trusted tooling — confirm token legitimacy via on-chain explorers (such as Etherscan) and reputable aggregators.
- Report suspicious tokens to the crypto community and security platforms to help protect others.
Why It Matters for Crypto Markets
CoinMarketCap is a widely used resource that aggregates price data, market caps, exchange information, and token statistics for thousands of digital assets. Its reputation has been exploited by fraudsters hoping to benefit from brand recognition.
Users who mistakenly invest in a fake “CMC token” risk total loss of funds since these tokens have no association with the real CoinMarketCap platform — they are created and managed by malicious actors with no legitimate project backing.
Final Takeaway
There is no official CoinMarketCap token. Any token or coin claiming to be issued by or affiliated with CMC is a scam. Crypto investors should always verify tokens against official project sources and exercise extreme caution with new or unfamiliar tokens — especially those that mimic well-known brands.
