Molly White Tracks Crypto Scams. It’s Going Just Great

In the chaotic whirlwind of crypto hype, one voice has stood out for reality-checking the industry’s biggest missteps—and that voice belongs to Molly White.

Creating an Unlikely Hero

Back in December 2021, Molly White—a software engineer and long-time Wikipedia editor—launched a side project: Web3 Is Going Just Great. It was born from frustration with the mainstream coverage that often glorified crypto’s get-rich-quick fantasies while glossing over the countless scams, pumping schemes, and hacked projects lurking beneath the surface WIRED Wikipedia.

Despite being intended just for her own amusement, the blog exploded in popularity. Thanks to its viral spread via Hacker News, Reddit, and media coverage, it amassed tens of thousands of followers and a growing reputation for clear-eyed skepticism and rigorous scrutiny The Information Wikipedia.

Tracking the Damage with a “Grift Counter”

One of the blog’s most compelling features: a running “Grift Counter” tallying up total estimated losses from crypto scams and hacks. By May 2023, that counter had already surpassed $12 billion—a chilling reminder of the scale of deception in the space WIRED.

Turning Evidence into Advocacy

White’s work didn’t stop at documentation. Armed with deep technical knowledge and a commitment to transparency, she took on high-profile crypto controversies:

She exposed the dubious Cryptoland project—sparking widespread ridicule and contributing to its collapse The Washington Post World News Era.
She resisted intimidation attempts from operators of allegedly fraudulent platforms, even rejecting bribes to remove critical posts TechCrunch.
Collaborating with advocacy group Public Citizen, she filed a campaign finance complaint alleging that crypto exchange Coinbase violated federal rules by donating to a super PAC while negotiating a government contract DL News Cryptonews.

More Than Just a Watchdog

White’s credibility is built not only on her technical and editorial background but also on her principled stance:

She holds no personal crypto investments, doesn’t accept sponsored content, and pays for site hosting out of pocket—keeping her mission independent and free from bias Molly White.
Her writing is noted for its “dryly funny, almost clinical” tone—precise, sharp, and unwaveringly clear Wikipedia.
She’s been active in shaping broader policy debate, offering statements to the U.S. Treasury and influencing public discussion around crypto regulation WIRED Wikipedia.

Why It Matters

Reality check for average users: White’s blog arms everyday people with the knowledge to question glittering headlines and guard against financial harm Berkman Klein Center WIRED.
Accountability in an unregulated space: Her work highlights how quickly the crypto world can spin out of control—and serves as a public good demanding more oversight.
Hope for better outcomes: Even in an industry driven by speculation and disruption, figures like White show that thoughtful scrutiny can help steer the conversation toward integrity and protections.

Final Thought

Molly White didn’t set out to become a crypto critic—but in tracking fraud, defending truth, and fighting back against shadowy forces, she’s become one of the most important voices calling for accountability. In a world where hype often rules, her work is a crucial reminder: wise skepticism can save more than wallets—it can preserve trust.