Today, we are excited to welcome David Abner as Gemini’s Global Head of Business Development. 

David will spearhead the expansion of Gemini’s institutional business and bolster our reputation as a trusted and secure cryptocurrency exchange and custodian. He will manage a team focused on cultivating Gemini’s relationships with major institutional partners and high-net-worth individuals on a global scale. 

David joins us after launching Dabner Capital Partners, a boutique advisory and investment firm focused on exchange traded funds (ETFs) and digital assets, following more than a decade at WisdomTree Asset Management. He served as Executive Vice President of WisdomTree and CEO of WisdomTree Europe, where he oversaw a significant expansion in assets under management as it became the ninth largest ETF provider in Europe. Prior to WisdomTree David was managing director and head of ETFs at both BNP Paribas and Bear Stearns. David also authored *The ETF Handbook* and is an educator in the ETF industry. 

The cryptocurrency industry continues to experience tremendous growth and 2020 saw more institutions pour resources into the new asset class, setting the stage for wider adoption and stronger use cases globally. David will work to ensure that Gemini remains the partner of choice for institutions seeking knowledge and guidance as they look to engage with cryptocurrencies in a secure and regulated manner. 

David is the latest addition to an incredibly accomplished group of senior leaders who have joined Gemini over the past few years, including [David Damato](https://gemini.com/blog/gemini-welcomes-david-damato-as-chief-security-officer) as Chief Security Officer and [Sydney Schaub](https://gemini.com/blog/welcoming-our-general-counsel) as Chief Legal Officer (formerly General Counsel).

Welcome to the team, David!

If you are interested in joining David and his team as Gemini expands across the globe, please stay tuned for openings on our [careers page](https://gemini.com/careers) – we’re hiring!

Onward and Upward,

Noah B. Perlman  
Chief Operating Officer

Gemini Welcomes David Abner as Global Head of Business Development

The safety and security of customers has been paramount to Gemini since our inception and as the popularity of cryptocurrencies grows, the amount of attempted fraudulent activity in the space grows in parallel. In this blog post, we highlight some common online scams and provide suggestions for how to avoid becoming a victim. *Note: these scams do not uniquely target cryptocurrency users  so whenever you go online, keep these best practices in mind.*

## Tech Support Scams
Tech support scams prey upon people’s fear that their computer is broken or has been compromised.

__The Fake Phone Call__

In this scam, a criminal will call or email a target and state that their computer has a serious problem such as a virus. The criminal will then ask for remote access to the victim’s computer in order to run a fake diagnostic test and from there can easily steal information. 

__The Fake Pop-Up__

In a pop-up attack a criminal will deploy a pop-up window on a victim’s screen stating there is a problem with the computer that needs to be urgently fixed and request payment to resolve the non-existent issue.

__The Fake Website__

Criminals may also create fake support websites for well-known companies listing a fake support number. When the victim calls, the criminal will pose as a support employee and request remote access, allowing them to easily loot the victim’s account. 

## Get Rich Quick Scams
Get rich quick scams present potential victims with fake investment opportunities that promise large returns in a very short period of time with minimal effort (these schemes often are classified as pyramid or ponzi schemes).  

__The Foreign Prince__

Criminals contact a victim, usually via email or a phone call, and request a small investment or loan for an exotic and seemingly reliable opportunity in exchange for a high rate of return in the near future. 

__The (Swamp)land Deal__

Criminals may also post fake advertisements online that promise a small initial investment will yield outsized returns and wait for victims to contact them.

__Bank of Nowhere__

In a more elaborate get-rich-quick scam, criminals create fake investment platforms that similarly promise victims significant returns in exchange for a nominal investment. These platforms look legitimate and often include fake testimonials from people with inflated bank accounts. Once the victim makes an initial investment on the platform, they will be able to see their portfolio but unable to withdraw their money. When the time comes to pay a return on the investment, the criminal will make excuses as to why the funds can’t be paid and often ask the victim to pay an additional fee to release them.

## Romance Scam
Criminals pose as an interested romantic partner in order to take advantage of those looking to find companionship. 

__Catfishing for Dollars__

A criminal will create a fake dating profile using stolen pictures, then establish a close relationship with a victim over a long period of time taking great pains to avoid in-person interactions. Once the criminal senses the victim is comfortable, they will request money, often giving a reason with great urgency to induce payment (ex. medical expenses, frozen bank account, etc.).

## SIM Swap Scam
Criminals will acquire a victim’s name and phone number through fraudulent means and use that information to hack into systems connected to the victim’s phone. 

__Identity Theft__

Hackers continue to build sophisticated methods to target online accounts. One of the more common attacks is called SIM swapping, when an unauthorized individual tricks a mobile carrier into switching an existing phone number to a different device. The unauthorized individual can then intercept texts and calls, including two-factor authentication (2FA) confirmations sent via SMS. 

## Spotting Online Scams

__Do Your Homework__

Before making an investment, take the time to conduct thorough and careful research focusing on reputation, qualifications and credentials. If the opportunity sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Best practice is to check all information with a trusted third party such as a legal or financial professional. 

__Know Who You’re Dealing With__

Legitimate tech companies will not contact you by phone, email, text message, or “pop-up” warning to tell you there is a problem with your computer. If you believe something may be wrong with your computer,  reach out to a legitimate  technical professional or physically take your computer into a store to receive in-person support. 

__Ask Questions__

If you’re concerned with the legitimacy of a person, company, or investment  opportunity ‒ ask questions.  Be skeptical anytime anyone asks you to hand over money immediately. The more rushed an investment opportunity may be, the more likely it may be a scam.  

__Only Share Your Private Information With Trusted Parties__

Sometimes we have to give our pin numbers, passwords and personal information to access systems and services that we use in our daily lives. Make sure to verify that you are indeed communicating with a legitimate representative of a company you know and trust before revealing private information.

__Don’t Download Anything From Questionable Websites__

Is the URL unusually long and complicated or have spelling errors? Does the website seem especially poorly designed, old or amateurish? If so, you may be on a fraudulent website. Pay close attention to where and how you browse the web and never download anything from a questionable website. 

*For Current and Future Gemini Customers:* The best way to avoid losing funds from your Gemini account during a SIM swap scam is to download [Authy](https://gemini24.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115005755446-How-do-I-download-Authy-) for two-factor authentication disabling the [multi-device](https://gemini24.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000053543-Turning-off-Authy-Multi-Device-Support) option. This ensures your device is the only device that can access your Authy account. Please also see [best practices for securing your Gemini account](https://gemini.com/blog/best-practices-for-securing-your-gemini-account).

We hope that this guide to online scams will help you stay safe and secure as you navigate the tools, technologies and systems that power our everyday lives. 

Onward and Upward,

Noah B. Perlman  
Chief Operating Officer

*The preceding examples are not a comprehensive list of all possible risks. Suggestions for avoiding online scams do not guarantee your security. You should always exercise caution online and when transacting in digital assets. Transactions in digital assets may be irreversible, and, accordingly, losses due to fraudulent or accidental transactions may not be recoverable. The nature of digital assets may lead to an increased risk of fraud or cyber attack.  *


Noah B. Perlman

ARTICLES BY Noah B. Perlman

Gemini Welcomes David Abner as Global Head of Business Development

Common Online Scams and How to Avoid Them

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