Every time Bitcoin starts climbing, the word bull run dominates the headlines. For newcomers, it feels like an invitation to jump in and make money fast. For long-time holders, it’s a mix of excitement and caution.
But there’s another side to bull runs that rarely gets enough attention: scams. In fact, every Bitcoin surge attracts fraudsters looking to take advantage of hype and confusion.
In 2024 alone, $9.9 billion was lost to scams and fraud in crypto markets, according to CNBC. By mid-2025, that number had already crossed $3.1 billion, per Ledger Academy.
The irony is painful. Blockchain was built for transparency, but most people can’t understand what they’re looking at when they open an explorer. Wallet addresses like 0x93ae7f... and transaction hashes mean nothing to everyday users.
This gap between visibility and understanding is exactly why scams thrive. And it’s why solutions like visual trust infrastructure and community-powered scam detection are becoming the backbone of safe participation in Bitcoin’s bull run.
What Exactly Is a Bitcoin Bull Run?
A bull run simply means a period where the price of Bitcoin rises quickly and consistently, fueled by optimism and new investment.
- In 2013, Bitcoin surged from around $100 to over $1,000.
- In 2017, it rocketed from $1,000 to nearly $20,000.
- In 2021, it reached new highs above $60,000.
Now in 2025, we’re seeing early signs of another strong cycle.
Q: Does a bull run mean guaranteed profit?
Not at all. Prices rise, but so do risks. For every investor who makes a fortune, others lose it all—often not from price dips, but from scams that prey on hype.
Why Bull Runs Always Attract Scams
Bull runs attract two groups: eager newcomers and opportunistic fraudsters.
Here’s why scams spike during Bitcoin rallies:
- Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): People rush in without research.
- Overwhelming data: Users can’t read raw blockchain transactions.
- Social proof traps: Fake influencers and groups hype “can’t-miss” projects.
According to Chainalysis, scams and hacks drained more than $24 billion in 2022-2023, with phishing, rug pulls, and fake investments leading the way.
Q: If blockchain is transparent, why do scams still work?
Because transparency without comprehension is useless. The data is public, but it might as well be in another language.
The Transparency Paradox
This leads to what experts call the transparency paradox.
- Yes, blockchains are open. Every transaction is recorded forever.
- But no, people can’t understand it. Wallet strings, contract calls, and hashes overwhelm non-technical users.
It’s like giving someone an MRI scan with no doctor to explain it. The information is all there, but without context, it creates confusion instead of clarity.
This is where visual trust infrastructure comes in. By turning confusing code into simple visuals, it makes blockchain readable for everyone, not just developers.
Blockchain Analytics Made Simple breaks this problem down further.
What Is Visual Trust Infrastructure?
Visual trust infrastructure is a new way of showing blockchain data. Instead of endless codes, you see shapes, colors, and flows that tell the story instantly.
- Rings = Wallets
- Squares = Smart Contracts
- Triangles = Exchanges
- Arrows = Token Flows
- Colors = Safety levels (green = safe, orange = caution, red = scam)
Think of it like a subway map. You don’t need to know the engineering of each train. You just need to see where the tracks lead.
This approach builds trust because people can finally read blockchain data without technical training.
Community-Powered Scam Protection
Scammers often work in groups, coordinating across social platforms and exchanges. To fight back, Hindsight VIP created the Samaritan Network, a crowd-sourced system for fraud detection.
Here’s how it works:
- Users flag suspicious wallets or contracts.
- Reports are shared across the community.
- Verified alerts protect others before they fall victim.
It’s like a neighborhood watch for crypto, a reminder that protecting blockchain users is a shared responsibility.
Real-Time Safety With Lighthouse Alerts
In scams, timing is everything.
That’s why Lighthouse Alerts are so powerful. They send warnings within 30 seconds when suspicious activity touches your wallet.
Instead of waking up to an empty account, you get a chance to stop fraud in real time.
Imagine Alex, a new Bitcoin investor, about to approve a transaction. A Lighthouse alert pops up: “Warning: This contract has been flagged as high risk.”
That single alert could save his life savings.
Spotlight Verification and Legitimacy
Another way to fight fraud is verification. In Hindsight VIP, projects, DAOs, and influencers can verify their wallets through Spotlight Verification.
This gives users a simple visual cue: “Yes, this wallet really belongs to the project.”
It builds trust without requiring blind faith, making it harder for scammers to impersonate legitimate actors.
Why Visual Trust Matters in This Bitcoin Bull Run
Bitcoin’s bull run is pulling in record numbers of newcomers. That means millions of people with little or no blockchain knowledge are suddenly exposed to scams.
Visual trust infrastructure levels the playing field. By making blockchain readable:
- Newcomers gain confidence.
- Businesses can accept Bitcoin safely.
- Educators can teach blockchain without overwhelming students.
- Regulators can monitor without endless code.
It’s not just about safety, it’s about inclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can scammers trick visual trust infrastructure?
Not easily. Because scam reports are community-driven, it’s hard for attackers to fake legitimacy at scale.
Q: Is Bitcoin still safe to invest in?
Yes, but only if you combine research with tools that reveal risks in real time.
Q: Do I need technical skills to use Hindsight VIP?
No. That’s the point. Visuals replace jargon so anyone can use it.
Q: Does this work beyond Bitcoin?
Absolutely. Hindsight VIP is multi-chain, supporting Ethereum, Solana, XRPL, and more.
Beyond Bitcoin, The Future of Safer Blockchains
Bitcoin may dominate headlines, but scams exist across every chain. Bridges, DeFi platforms, and NFT projects all face risks.
Visual trust infrastructure provides a blueprint for safer Web3:
- Education-first: Make blockchain readable.
- Community-first: Crowdsource scam reports.
- Visual-first: Use shapes and flows to cut through noise.
As Grit Daily noted when profiling Chandler Schaak, Hindsight VIP’s founder: “Making blockchain more accessible isn’t hype, it’s the foundation of trust.”
Conclusion: From Chaos to Clarity
Bull runs are exciting, but they’re also dangerous. Scammers thrive on confusion, and Bitcoin’s latest surge is no exception.
The good news? Tools like visual trust infrastructure, Lighthouse Alerts, and the Samaritan Network are shifting power back to the people.
For the first time, everyday users can see scams before they happen, trust verified wallets, and read blockchain data without needing a degree in computer science.
This is how Bitcoin’s bull run becomes not just a financial story, but a story of safety, clarity, and empowerment.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Explore Hindsight VIP today.