Rug pulls, where project developers abandon a project after stealing investor funds, are a growing threat in cryptocurrency. These scams often involve creating a new token, artificially inflating its price, and suddenly withdrawing liquidity. Common tactics include liquidity theft, sell-order restrictions, and token dumps. To protect yourself, conduct thorough research on projects, diversify your investments, and be wary of projects with vague whitepapers or anonymous teams. Utilize blockchain analytics tools to assess project risks and consider using security tools like contract auditors.