Overview
- A Dec. 24 release falsely claimed Circle launched a 'CircleMetals' platform offering 24/7 USDC swaps for gold (GLDC) and silver (SILC) tokens with 1.25% rewards in a token called CIRM.
- Circle stated the announcement and linked site were fraudulent and posted on X urging users to verify requests, especially those asking to connect wallets.
- The promotional website was taken offline and crypto PR distributors removed the content after compliance checks, with Chainwire saying it retracted a post initially brought by PR firm FinaCash.
- Independent checks found no listings for GLDC, SILC, or CIRM on major data platforms and no evidence of backing from legitimate financial institutions.
- The fake release used Circle branding and fabricated executive quotes, and its Christmas Eve timing exploited slower responses across businesses and media.