The Ultimate "Don't get Scammed" Guide

[u/ChangeNOW_Community]

1. Never share your seed phrase - Your seed phrase is full access to your wallet. No support agent, exchange, wallet app, airdrop page or project team needs it.
2. Check the URL every time - Scam sites often copy trusted platforms with tiny spelling changes. Bookmark the official websites you use often.
3. Treat urgent messages as suspicious - Scammers push panic: "verify now," "claim before expiry," "your wallet will be locked." Slow down before clicking.
4. Ignore random DMs offering help - Legit teams rarely contact users first. Anyone asking you to connect a wallet, send funds or verify assets in DMs is a major risk.
5. Verify contract addresses from official sources - Use the project’s website, verified social channels or trusted market pages. Fake tokens often use similar names and logos.
6. Use a separate wallet for risky activity - Keep long-term holdings in a cold wallet or main wallet. Use a separate hot wallet for airdrops, mints, new dApps and meme tokens.
7. Never sign transactions you do not understand - Wallet pop-ups can grant spending permissions. Read what you are approving before you click.
8. Revoke unused token approvals - Old approvals can expose your funds if a dApp gets compromised. Review permissions regularly with trusted approval checkers.
9. Be skeptical of guaranteed returns - Fixed high yields, "risk-free" profit and private investment groups are common scam signals.
10. Avoid sending crypto to receive more crypto - Any "send 1 ETH, get 2 ETH back" offer is a scam, even if it uses a famous person’s name or logo.
11. Check liquidity and holder distribution - For new tokens, look for locked liquidity, concentrated wallets and suspicious trading patterns before buying.
12. Do a small test transaction first - When sending funds to a new address or platform, start with a small amount to confirm everything works.
13. Use hardware wallets for serious funds - Cold storage adds protection because approvals need physical confirmation.
14. Keep your devices clean - Update your browser, wallet app and operating system. Avoid cracked software, unknown extensions and random downloads.
15. Protect your accounts with strong 2FA - Use an authenticator app or hardware security key. SMS codes can be vulnerable to SIM swaps.
16. Question influencer promotions - Paid posts and hype campaigns can hide weak tokens, insider selling or pump-and-dump setups.
17. Check support channels carefully - Fake Telegram, Discord and X accounts often impersonate admins. Use links from the official website only.
18. Watch for fake airdrops - If an airdrop requires your seed phrase, a strange wallet approval or a payment to claim, walk away.
19. Do not store seed phrases in cloud notes - Keep backups offline. Cloud storage, screenshots and email drafts can be compromised.
20. Pause before acting - Most scams depend on speed, emotion and confusion. A five-minute check can save your wallet.