Over 60% of Crypto Press Releases Linked to High-Risk or Scam Projects: Report

A new analysis by crypto communications firm Chainstory found that over 60% of press releases in the cryptocurrency sector were linked to high-risk or scam projects between June and November 2025. The study analyzed 2,893 press releases and categorized projects based on risk levels. According to the report, 35.6% of the releases were from high-risk projects, while 26.9% were from confirmed scams.

Press releases were found to focus more on routine updates than on substantive developments. Only 2% of the analyzed releases were tied to major events like funding rounds or mergers and acquisitions. The study revealed that many of the press releases were either promotional or overstated, suggesting that hype is a default style in the crypto PR space.

Industry experts warn that the use of press releases as low-cost marketing tools can crowd out legitimate news and manipulate token prices. Press releases are intended to inform the public about material developments, but in the crypto industry, they often serve as promotional material. This trend raises questions about the credibility of crypto media and the integrity of the information being distributed.

Why the Move Happened

The study found that high-risk and scam projects dominate the volume of press releases in the crypto industry. This is partly because legitimate projects tend to rely less on mass press release distribution. Legitimate projects may attract organic media coverage or prefer targeted communications strategies, while higher-risk projects often flood the wires with announcements.

Chainstory noted that projects flagged as high risk often show multiple red flags such as unrealistic yield promises and copy-pasted websites. These practices suggest that some projects are more focused on generating attention rather than delivering meaningful updates or value to investors.

How Markets Responded

The findings highlight concerns about the credibility of press release distribution platforms used in the blockchain industry. These platforms allow projects to bypass traditional editorial judgment by paying for placement on popular news websites. This practice has created a parallel news pipeline that operates outside the constraints of traditional journalism.

Investors and journalists are increasingly skeptical of press releases that promise specific, high returns or focus solely on exchange listings. These types of announcements are often used to simulate legitimacy and growth, even when the underlying project lacks substance or transparency. For example, a new exchange listing may artificially inflate a token's price before a coordinated dump.

What Analysts Are Watching

Industry analysts are closely monitoring the implications of the study for investors and media outlets. For investors, the trust placed in a press release can lead to significant financial loss, particularly if the announcement is a prelude to a "rug pull" or an artificial price manipulation strategy. According to analysts, this highlights the need for deeper skepticism in investment decisions.

For legitimate journalists and news platforms, the data presents a credibility crisis. Editors must now navigate a landscape where the majority of inbound industry announcements are potentially misleading. This has increased the burden of verification and fact-checking to avoid becoming an unwitting amplifier for fraudulent projects.

Regulators have also taken note of the issue. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have both raised concerns about misleading crypto promotions. The Chainstory analysis provides quantitative evidence supporting these regulatory concerns, showing that problematic promotional tactics have persisted despite increased scrutiny.

Moving forward, the responsibility for rebuilding trust lies with multiple parties. Distribution services must enhance vetting processes, media outlets must intensify verification, and investors must cultivate deep skepticism. The health and maturation of the cryptocurrency sector depend on cleaning up the very news that informs its participants.