Rachel Conlan, Chief Marketing Officer, Binance 
Sadly, this is not an isolated case. Almost daily, I am tagged on social media reporting scams where impersonators use my name, likeness, and Binance’s reputation to lure unsuspecting victims into financial traps. They target people via WhatsApp, Telegram, and other platforms, pretending to offer exclusive investment opportunities.
Seeing individuals lose their hard-earned money to these scams is heartbreaking. I always try to respond and clarify that neither I nor Binance will ever ask for money or offer investment advice. However, with deepfake scams becoming more advanced, the fear and confusion many feel are understandable.
How do we stay safe in a world where the truth is so easily manipulated? The first step is to understand what Binance is—and what it isn’t.
What Binance Is and What It Isn’t
One of the main reasons scams succeed is a misunderstanding of Binance’s true purpose. As the world’s largest cryptocurrency ecosystem, Binance is well-known globally, including in South Africa, where crypto adoption is growing. Some people mistakenly believe that Binance is a financial advisory service that can manage their investments.
Here’s the truth: Binance is a technology company that provides secure tools to help individuals buy, sell, and manage digital assets. Our goal is to empower South Africans with access to crypto and financial education, helping them make informed decisions.
However, Binance is not a financial advisory firm. We will never:
✅ Promise guaranteed returns
✅ Offer investment recommendations
✅ Reach out asking for funds
At Binance, we believe in empowering, not directing. Our mission is to give you the knowledge and resources to take control of your financial future.
Rachel Conlan, Chief Marketing Officer, Binance
How to Spot and Avoid Scammers
Scammers prey on the trust people place in Binance. With AI and deepfake technology, they can create convincing impersonations of Binance executives, making it even harder to tell real from fake.
But scammers don’t rely on technology alone—they succeed because they exploit confusion and misplaced trust. They convince people that Binance representatives personally reach out with “exclusive investment opportunities.”
Here’s how to stay safe:
- Be skeptical of anyone contacting you about crypto investments. Binance employees will never message you directly for financial transactions
- Verify information via official Binance channels. Always check Binance’s website or official social media accounts before taking action
- If in doubt, ask: Is this person empowering me with knowledge or pressuring me to invest? Scammers push urgency—legitimate companies provide education.
A South African Perspective
South Africa’s crypto adoption is on the rise, and with that comes increased targeting by scammers. Whether you’re an investor in Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban, it’s crucial to recognise the red flags.
Think of Binance as your crypto guide, not your financial manager. We equip you with the tools to explore the space, but the decisions are yours to make. Scammers, on the other hand, promise shortcuts to wealth but lead straight to financial loss.
Stay Vigilant, Stay Empowered
At Binance, we understand the emotional and financial toll that scams take on individuals. That’s why we are committed to educating and protecting our users.
Remember: Binance is here to empower you, not direct you.
In a world where digital deception is evolving rapidly, knowledge is your best defense. By staying informed, verifying information, and thinking critically, you can build a personal firewall that no scammer can breach.
Stay safe, South Africa. The power to protect yourself lies with you. DM
Author: Rachel Conlan, Chief Marketing Officer, Binance
For official updates, security tips, and support, visit Binance’s website.