Coinbase Pairing Scam

Scammers impersonate Coinbase and send fake alerts claiming that your Coinbase account has been paired with an external service (such as Ledger Live) without your authorization. The message pressures you to call a fake support number where scammers attempt to steal your login details, 2FA codes, or crypto assets.

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Primary example

How this scam works

  1. 1

    Step 1: The victim receives a text or email pretending to be from Coinbase, warning that their account was paired with another service.

  2. 2

    Step 2: The message provides a phone number and urges the victim to call immediately if they did not initiate the action.

  3. 3

    Step 3: If the victim calls, scammers impersonating 'Coinbase Support' pressure them to provide sensitive information such as login credentials, API keys, or remote access.

  4. 4

    Step 4: Once the scammers gain access, they attempt to drain the victim’s crypto funds or steal personal information.

✓ Do this

  • Verify any account alerts directly in the official Coinbase app or website.
  • Contact Coinbase only through their official support channels.
  • Enable strong two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Coinbase account.
  • Report suspicious texts, emails, or calls to Coinbase’s fraud team.

✗ Avoid this

  • Do not call phone numbers listed in unsolicited texts or emails.
  • Do not share your login credentials, recovery phrases, or 2FA codes with anyone.
  • Do not click on suspicious links or download unknown files claiming to be from Coinbase.

Quick tip: Verify independently

Don’t call numbers or click links in unexpected messages. Go directly to the company’s official site or app and contact support from there.

See common red flags