Shady crypto coins persist due to speculative trading, loyal communities, and aggressive marketing despite lacking real utility or regulatory oversight, as highlighted by ZachXBT’s critique of Token2049 sponsors.
-
ZachXBT exposed poor sponsor vetting at Token2049, revealing that platinum sponsorships do not guarantee legitimacy.
-
Coins like Spacecoin and JuCoin survive on hype, speculative interest, and event sponsorships despite controversies and regulatory scrutiny.
-
Red flags include anonymous teams, low liquidity, and listings on obscure exchanges, which often signal manipulation and risk.
Shady crypto coins persist despite risks; learn how Token2049 sponsors face scrutiny and how traders can spot risky projects. Stay informed with COINOTAG.
Why Do Shady Crypto Coins Continue to Survive?
Despite lacking strong fundamentals, shady crypto coins endure in the market due to factors like speculative trading, dedicated communities, and low liquidity. These elements create an environment where price manipulation and hype sustain interest, even when real utility is absent.
Speculation and Community Support Fuel Longevity
Speculative traders are attracted to volatile price movements, while loyal communities often driven by memes or nostalgia keep these projects afloat. Limited liquidity allows insiders to influence prices, and periodic hype from social media or influencers temporarily boosts visibility.
Five Shady Coins That Refuse to Die
ZachXBT highlighted several Token2049 sponsors that remain active despite questionable practices and controversies. These coins exemplify how hype and marketing can overshadow legitimacy.
Spacecoin (SPACE)
-
Launched by Gluwa, Spacecoin claims to build a decentralized satellite network for global 5G internet access but lacks verifiable audits and satellite launch proof.
-
ZachXBT labeled it “botted” and unreliable, raising concerns over transparency and legitimacy.
-
Its survival is driven by strong promotions, event sponsorships, and speculative trading despite limited real-world validation.

JuCoin
-
Originating from Singapore, JuCoin has undergone multiple rebrands and ownership changes, raising regulatory concerns.
-
Flagged as sketchy due to lack of regulation in major markets and aggressive marketing tactics.
-
Speculative interest and promotional efforts sustain its trading activity.
Weex
-
A Singapore-based crypto futures platform known for anonymous trading and bonuses.
-
Unregulated status and user complaints about frozen accounts and KYC issues raise red flags.
-
High-yield speculation and promotions maintain user engagement.
DWF
-
Market maker active on over 60 exchanges, with little public information and accusations of wash trading and a recent “rug pull.”
-
Its sponsorship at Token2049 and promotional narratives help maintain minimal trading interest.

Bitunix
-
Crypto exchange registered in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, offering spot and futures trading.
-
Scrutinized by South Korea’s Financial Intelligence Unit for operating without proper registration.
-
Low regulatory oversight and unclear structure challenge its credibility.
Past Examples of Sketchy Sponsors Leveraging Event Credibility
Some projects have exploited sponsorships at major events to appear legitimate, only to collapse later, causing massive investor losses.
JPEX
JPEX paid $70,000 to be a platinum sponsor at Token2049 but abandoned its booth after regulatory warnings. It later halted withdrawals, imposed exorbitant fees, and faced fraud allegations with over 1 billion Hong Kong dollars lost by investors.

HyperVerse
HyperVerse hosted extravagant events to promote itself as a leading crypto-metaverse platform but was later exposed as a $1.89 billion Ponzi scheme. Key promoters faced charges for fraudulent activities, highlighting the risks behind flashy marketing.
What Should New Crypto Traders Watch Out For?
New investors can protect themselves by carefully evaluating projects using these guidelines:
-
Research the team and history for transparency and reputable partnerships.
-
Be wary of aggressive marketing, unrealistic promises, and meme-driven hype.
-
Check liquidity and ownership concentration to avoid price manipulation.
-
Analyze tokenomics for fair supply and clear burning mechanisms.
-
Verify exchange listings focus on reputable platforms.
-
Investigate any past controversies or regulatory warnings.
-
Use onchain analytics and diversify investments to mitigate risks.
Legitimate projects often undergo audits by firms like CertiK or Hacken, while sketchy coins may skip audits or claim unverifiable internal reviews, increasing user risk.
Conclusion
Shady crypto coins persist due to speculative trading, community loyalty, and aggressive marketing despite lacking fundamental value or regulatory compliance. Awareness and thorough research are essential for traders to avoid losses and navigate the volatile crypto landscape safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a crypto coin appear shady to investors?
Coins with anonymous teams, poor tokenomics, listings on obscure exchanges, and aggressive hype often appear shady, signaling potential manipulation or scams.
How can I avoid investing in fraudulent crypto projects?
Conduct thorough research, prioritize projects with transparent teams and audits, avoid coins with unrealistic promises, and diversify your portfolio to reduce risk.
Key Takeaways
- Shady coins persist: Speculation, community loyalty, and marketing keep questionable projects alive despite risks.
- Token2049 sponsors scrutinized: ZachXBT revealed poor sponsor vetting and highlighted several sketchy platinum sponsors.
- Trader vigilance is crucial: Research, skepticism, and diversification help avoid losses from risky crypto investments.
Conclusion
Understanding why shady crypto coins endure equips investors with the knowledge to navigate the volatile market. By focusing on transparency, regulation, and fundamental value, traders can make informed decisions and avoid pitfalls in the evolving crypto ecosystem.