Chainstory's analysis reveals over 60% of crypto press releases show scam indicators, misleading investors into believing in their legitimacy.
A recent study by Chainstory has uncovered that a significant number of crypto press releases are used by dubious projects to create an appearance of legitimacy. The analysis, which scrutinized 2,893 press releases published between June and November 2025, revealed that over 60% of these releases displayed common warning signs associated with scams.
Indicators of concern included anonymous project teams, unrealistic promises, generic website templates, and aggressive marketing strategies. In some cases, the analyzed releases were linked to scams already flagged on blacklists.
Experts noted that many crypto press distribution services often promise exposure on multiple platforms with little to no moderation. This leads to paid publications being mixed with genuine news content, often lacking clear distinctions, which can mislead readers regarding the credibility of the projects involved.
“Chances are that if you see a crypto press release on a news site, the underlying project might have questionable credibility or even be fraudulent,” stated the researchers.
The majority of the 700 press releases examined were found to promote minor developments or token sales, with only about 2% delivering news of genuine importance, like funding rounds or mergers.
The study highlights the role of content distribution services in enabling these questionable practices. Many projects that fail to meet editorial standards resort to these paid services that bypass traditional fact-checking and editorial scrutiny.
To enhance their appeal, these projects often pair their announcements with links to reputable media outlets, creating a false sense of trust among potential investors. For instance, past claims from projects like InfinityStakeChain and FlexyStakes about substantial fundraising and partnerships were later debunked as fabrications, despite initially gaining traction through such press releases.
The findings also suggested that established entities in the crypto space employ similar strategies, contributing to a distorted perception of ongoing activity within the sector. This tactic blurs the lines between genuine reporting and promotional content, as exchanges frequently release news about new token listings, fostering an illusion of constant market engagement.
“The crypto press release industry often relies on the reputation of established distribution networks to bypass traditional newsworthiness filters,” the report concluded.
