Self-proclaimed experts peddling conspiracy theories about extraterrestrials and promising cryptocurrency riches seem to lurk around every corner of the internet these days. While their amazing claims may excite our imagination and their financial advice seem conveniently timed, people would do well to approach these characters with ample caution before buying what they’re selling. Too often this latest incarnation of “UFO experts” end up at the center of massive scams and predatory behavior aimed at exploiting people’s curiosity to line their own pockets.
A recent YouTube video documented an all-too-typical case involving one prominent figure in the space alien and crypto guru scene—Billy Carson, founder of the organization 4biddenknowledge. Carson spends his days promoting out-there conspiracy theories about ancient aliens building the Giza pyramids and hinting he has secret insider information about UFO technology. He also heavily advertises his paid “4BK TV” membership promising to reveal these galactic secrets.
However, Carson also touts himself as a successful cryptocurrency investor and has encouraged followers to purchase educational courses offering to teach his crypto investing “secrets.” This is where things get sketchy.
The Harvard Alien Crypto Scammer
Contrary to his claims of being a Harvard graduate, investigations have revealed Billy Carson never even attended Harvard, let alone graduated. Follow-up research into his background shows a long history of embellishments and questionable credentials.
For instance, Florida’s state Attorney General accused Carson’s vacation rental companies of overcharging customers and refusing refunds until legal threats forced reimbursements.
This obvious history of dubious expertise and predatory business practices is a massive red flag. Yet the woman featured in the video apparently still invested $8,000 in Billy Carson’s cryptocurrency education scheme. She based this significant financial decision primarily on taking the word of a man who talks about ancient aliens for a living.
Unfortunately, outlandish stories like this woman’s bad bet have become all too common. The out-there world of UFO research has always attracted eccentric characters. But the arrival of cryptocurrencies seems to have supercharged the most unscrupulous into full-fledged con men. For fraudsters, the combination of fantastical fringe subject matter and complex, unregulated financial systems is the perfect playground.
Rampant Reports of Abuse and Cons
Dozens of self-styled UFO and alien authorities have been called out for shady behavior and alleged scams in recent years:
- George Noory of Coast to Coast AM sold a $300 “timeshare” crypto token promising insider information that never materialized. Over 6,000 people bought in.
- Sean David Morton, popular on Ancient Aliens TV show, got arrested for lying about psychic powers to scam seniors out of $6 million through crypto and stocks. Victims lost life savings.
- Bitconnect crypto founder Glenn Arcaro plead guilty to conning investors out of $2.5 billion with fake promises of alien technology powering token profits
These examples likely only scratch the surface of the problem. Most cases go unreported as victims are too ashamed to come forward.
However, tracking of social media and crypto-related fraud gives a hint at the potential scale. FTC data shows that since October 2020:**
- Reports of crypto investment scams have increased over 1,000%
- Median losses per scam skyrocketed from $1900 to $11,500
- TOTAL damages exceeded $1 billion by 2021
With Billy Carson and other UFO truthers continuing to push sketchy crypto projects, these figures could just mark the beginning.
So How Can You Avoid Falling Victim to Such Scams?
While exciting ideas about aliens, enormous profits, and secret information can tug at our curiosity and greed, don’t let these emotions override better judgment. Here is a full guide to avoiding crypto con men masquerading as extraterrestrial experts:
1. Vet All Self-Proclaimed Experts Thoroughly First
- Search names + “scam” to uncover complaints
- Verify credentials like degrees & past experience
- Look for solid proof backing claims of insider access
No legitimate insider would spread secrets freely online.
2. Research Crypto Projects Extensively Before Investing
- Review code commits & audit history
- Join chat groups to gauge dev team and community
- Check for common scam red flags
Anonymous teams and pressure to invest are dead giveaways.
3. Listen to Mainstream Financial Experts Over Alien Enthusiasts
- Seek advice from reputable investment advisors
- Legitimate professionals MUST pass certification
- Askhard questions and watch for dismissals
No expert would reject scrutiny.
4. Tap Into Psychology To Resist Manipulation
- Fraudsters exploit herd mentality and confirmation bias
- Write down reasons to say no before being pressured
- Visualize life consequences of potential losses
This can diffuse emotional decision making.
5. Report All Suspected Scams and Predatory Behavior
- File complaints with FBI IC3, FTC, SEC, CFTC
- Contact state authorities and attorneys general
- Spread word of cons on social media to help others
Coming forward protects society.
For the full guide with tips to avoid misinformation and 10 more research-backed steps visit www.AlienCryptoScams.info.
Why Are UFO Grifters and Bad Crypto Projects So Prevalent Anyway?
With decades of lore about government coverups, crashed alien saucers, and secret technology, the UFO community has always traded in fantastic stories. And as the saying goes, if something seems too good to be true it probably is.
Yet the recent explosion of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies has opened up new realms of possibilities but also provided the perfect environment for exploitation. Consider that:
- Cryptocurrency market cap soared over $3 trillion in November 2021
- Over 21 million Americans currently invest in digital assets
- Decentralized Finance (DeFi) loans surged 680% YOY by July 2022
However, this monumental growth has outpaced regulation and oversight. Coin crooks and con artists thrive in such uncertainty. For instance, crypto hacking losses hit $3 billion in 2021, up a staggering 516% from 2020.
- DeFi hacks in 2022 already exceed 2021 totals
- Scams account for 37% of major crypto volume
- Over 80% of major DeFi projects show signs of fraud
Faced with so much rampant fraud in crypto, the lack of accountability in fringe UFO circles makes for even shakier ground with less chance of rescue once the floor gives out.
History Warns Us New Technologies Often Enable Old Tricks
For centuries, the arrival of revolutionary technologies has enabled enterprising scam artists, hucksters, and snake oil salesmen to exploit uncertainty and greed.
- Early industrialization saw cure-all tonics soak the sick
- Railroad stock frauds corrupted Gilded Age wealth
- Dotcom bubble internet scams stole billions in the 90s
Today, cryptocurrency cons combine aspects of past schemes powered by the reach of social media and the promise of blockchain.
UFO grifters touting alien secrets to pushing crypto coins targeting followers online only continues this long tradition separating fools from their money. However, armed with awareness and skepticism, we don’t have to become the next victims.
Moving Forward by Filtering Scams Without Crushing Innovation
Fantastic claims about crashing alien saucers unlocking blockchain secrets to unlimited wealth may tickle our imagination about amazing futures. But we must balance dreams with due diligence.
Awareness, accountability, and skepticism offer tools for filtering out frauds while still advancing ideas. The same critical thinking that roots out scammers also drives innovation forward.
By inoculating ourselves against the Billy Carsons of the world pitching too-good-to-be-true alien crypto wins, we create space for ethical projects truly pushing boundaries. The potential exists for technology to transform life unlike ever before if guided by wisdom.
Just don’t hand over your money to any UFO expert promising secrets until you watch them pass through the vetting portal first.
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