Scammers have been caught promoting a fraudulent token presale falsely claiming to be endorsed by the Vatican, authorities and blockchain investigators revealed this week.
The Scam: A Fake Holy Project
The so-called Vatican Chamber Token was advertised online as an exclusive, church-backed digital asset, allegedly intended to fund religious and charitable projects under the Vatican’s guidance. Promotional materials even used forged Vatican seals and fabricated endorsements from high-ranking church officials to appear legitimate.
Investors were lured with promises of privileged access to a “historic” crypto initiative, alongside claims of guaranteed returns. The token presale website collected thousands of dollars’ worth of cryptocurrency from unsuspecting buyers before being taken offline.
No Vatican Involvement
The Vatican has denied any connection to the scheme, issuing a statement condemning the misuse of its name and symbols. “The Vatican has no official cryptocurrency or digital token project, and it has not authorized any such fundraising initiative,” a spokesperson said.
Investigations Underway
Blockchain security firms have traced the scam wallets to several addresses believed to be linked to an organized fraud ring. Law enforcement agencies in Europe are now investigating the operation.
Experts warn that this case underscores the growing sophistication of crypto scams, which increasingly exploit trusted brands and institutions to trick victims.
Public Advisory
Authorities urge investors to exercise caution and verify all claims before participating in token sales or presales, especially those using the names of prominent organizations without clear, verifiable endorsements.
