Position Exchange Times Square Billboard Airdrop Scam: What You Need to Know
Feb, 6 2026
You might have seen social media posts showing a Times Square billboard with "Position Exchange Airdrop" details. Position Exchange scam claims are everywhere online. But here’s the hard truth: this event never happened. No legitimate cryptocurrency project has ever distributed tokens through a physical billboard. Let’s break down why this is a dangerous hoax and how to stay safe.
How Times Square Billboards Actually Work
Times Square billboards are real advertising spaces managed by companies like Disney and the Out of Home Advertising Association. These displays show ads for brands, movies, or products. For example, the Times Square billboard advertising a $1.2 billion industry with daily impressions reaching over 1.9 million people is strictly for visual advertising. They have no way to interact with blockchain wallets or distribute tokens. The screens are digital, but they’re just showing images or videos-no NFC, Bluetooth, or any technology that could communicate with your cryptocurrency wallet. Even the Nasdaq Tower screen, which displays stock market data, operates on standard digital signage software with zero blockchain integration.
How the Scam Works
Fraudsters create fake images of Times Square billboards with "Position Exchange" logos and airdrop details. They post these on TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter with hashtags like #CryptoAirdrop. The images include QR codes that lead to phishing sites. Once you scan the code, you’re asked to connect your wallet or enter your seed phrase. That’s how scammers steal your crypto. According to Chainalysis a leading blockchain analysis company that tracks cryptocurrency transactions and scams, this scam has caused over $2.3 million in losses since November 2025. Blockchain forensics shows stolen funds quickly moved to Tornado Cash mixers for laundering.
Why a Billboard Airdrop Is Impossible
Physical billboards can’t distribute tokens. Airdrops require digital wallet addresses or email registrations. Billboards have no way to receive or process wallet information. The screens are designed for visual display only. As Dr. Sarah Chen, Director of the NYU Cybersecurity Lab, explained in a November 2025 interview: "Distributing tokens via billboard is like mailing cash through a television screen-it’s physically impossible." Even the most advanced digital displays, like those in Times Square, lack the hardware or software to interact with blockchain networks. Legitimate crypto projects like Binance or Coinbase use billboards for brand awareness, not token distribution.
Evidence of the Scam
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a warning in March 2023 about "billboard airdrop scams," but this specific Position Exchange scheme has been active since late 2025. The New York Attorney General the top legal authority in New York State, currently investigating this scam opened investigation #2025-SC-8841 in November 2025. The domain position.exchange currently resolves to a parked page, with no SEC or CFTC filings. This confirms it’s not a legitimate company. Blockchain explorers like Etherscan show zero transactions linked to this "airdrop." Community sentiment on Crypto Twitter shows 92.7% negative sentiment toward Position Exchange mentions, with over 4,800 scam reports filed in the past week.
How to Protect Yourself
Follow these steps to avoid falling for this scam:
- Never scan QR codes from social media posts about airdrops. Legitimate projects never use billboards for token distribution.
- Check official sources. Legitimate airdrops are announced on project websites or verified social media accounts (look for blue checkmarks).
- Never share your seed phrase or private keys with anyone. No legitimate airdrop will ask for this.
- Report suspicious posts to the platform and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any legitimate cryptocurrency airdrop through Times Square billboards?
No. Billboards are physical advertising displays with no capability to interact with blockchain wallets. Any claim of a billboard airdrop is a scam. Legitimate crypto projects use verified channels like official websites, email, or social media for airdrops.
What should I do if I scanned a scam QR code?
Immediately disconnect your wallet from any connected apps. If possible, move funds to a new wallet. Report the incident to the FTC and your local authorities. Change all passwords related to your crypto accounts. Never use the same seed phrase again.
How do scammers create fake billboard images?
Scammers use photo editing tools like Photoshop to overlay fake text and logos onto real Times Square billboard photos. They then post these edited images on social media with urgent "claim now" messages. These fake images often include QR codes that lead directly to phishing sites.
Why do scammers target Times Square specifically?
Times Square is globally recognized as a symbol of high-profile advertising. Scammers use its fame to make their fake airdrops seem legitimate and urgent. People see "Times Square" and assume it must be real, especially when combined with "airdrop"-a term many crypto users associate with free tokens.
Are there any real crypto projects using Times Square billboards?
Yes, but only for brand awareness. Projects like Binance (2021) and Crypto.com (2022) used Times Square billboards to display logos or simple messages like "Crypto.com is here." They never claimed to distribute tokens through the billboard itself. All legitimate campaigns clearly state the purpose is advertising, not token distribution.
Jacque Istok
February 6, 2026 AT 14:51Oh, sure, a billboard in Times Square is suddenly handing out crypto tokens. Because that's totally how airdrops work. Real talk: billboards don't have Bluetooth or NFC. They're just screens. Scammers are using this to trick people into scanning QR codes. Always check official sources before doing anything. This is basic security 101.