Leading cryptocurrencies have had a torrid 2018, but some of their rivals have fared even worse. A new low in the hype surrounding cryptocurrencies seems to have been reached.

In early December 2017, Bitcoin was worth about $20,000. Starting into 2019, the cryptocurrency is trading at about $3,850. But at least the coin has survived, despite the odds and the many predictions to the contrary.

And unlike many others: some 1,000 digital currencies that rivaled the bitcoin have disappeared since their conception, according to a a report by «Cointelegraph».

Fraudsters

Investors were faced with complete write-offs and had to contend with the fact that they put their money into the hands of simple fraudsters, lured by the promises of riches as the crypto-boom erupted.

«The Wall Street Journal» (behind paywall) wrote that hundreds of coins and tokes had displayed signs of fraudulent activities, citing a new study.