Cryptocurrencies promise decentralized finance & financial freedom, but the reality is often far from it. Many crypto projects lack transparency, with anonymous founders and no regulatory oversight. The market is rife with pump-and-dump schemes, where insiders profit at the expense of everyday investors. ICOs can be vehicles for vaporware, leaving investors with worthless tokens. High volatility and lack of consumer protection make it easy for scammers to exploit. Always research and be cautious!