In the fast-paced world of crypto, hype often moves faster than facts. While some influencers genuinely aim to educate and inform, others use their platforms to manipulate prices for personal gain leaving everyday investors holding the bag. One of the most common tactics? The pump-and-dump scheme. Here’s how it typically works, especially when influencers are involved: 1. Targeting a Low-Cap Coin It starts with selecting a cryptocurrency that has a low market cap and low trading volume. These coins are easy to manipulate because even a small influx of buyers can move the price significantly. 2. Early Accumulation Before any public mentions, the influencer or a group of insiders quietly buys large amounts of the coin at a low price. This phase is hidden from the public eye. 3. Hype Creation Once they've loaded up, the promotion begins. The influencer starts tweeting, making YouTube videos, or posting on Telegram and Discord about how the coin is “the next 100x opportunity.” T...