Who doesn’t love free money?

That’s exactly what crypto airdrops promise — free tokens, no strings attached. Maybe sometimes not entirely free, as some airdrops also require little or tangible funds to get them. But here’s the catch: scammers love them too.

In the web3 world, airdrops are a popular way for projects to attract users and build hype. However, not every airdrop is legit. Many are cleverly disguised scams designed to steal your crypto, personal information, or even full control of your wallet.

In this article, We’ll break down the sneaky tricks scammers use, how to spot them, and — most importantly — how to keep your funds safe. Because when it comes to airdrops, not all that glitters is gold.

Let’s delve into the different tricks these scammers use in carrying out these scams. Here is a list of a few of them;

• Fake social accounts
• Phishing emails
• Clone websites
• Social engineering
• Request for tokens

Fake social accounts

When exploring social media to search for a project or founder, you have to be very careful. In this type of airdrop scam, scammers create social media profiles (e.g., X, Instagram, Discord) that imitate legitimate projects and the profiles of team members. A typical example is the images below; the first image is the real Berachain X profile, while the latter is the fake one.

Some go as far as creating discord accounts for projects and team members to scam people hunting for airdrops.

Things to note:

• Branding of the project/account. There’s always a difference in branding for fake accounts. (You can see in the image above).
• Types of campaigns being conducted in the profile or account.

How to avoid:

• Check the account username well to be certain you are interacting with the right one.
• Do not interact with any suspicious account you come across that’s promoting airdrop.
• Report such accounts if you come across them.

Phishing emails

Phishing has been an OG way of scamming people, and you know what? These scammers are doing it for airdrops too. Have you ever received emails requesting you to claim an airdrop or an email requesting you to claim a whitelist for a token or NFT sale? Those are the types of emails we are referring to. See an example in the image below.

These scammers target random individuals, often focusing on those already participating in the airdrop. This tactic is intended to create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) in these individuals.

Things to note:

• They set a very limited time frame to claim the tokens or whitelist spots.
• Check the email address used in sending the email.
• These crooks create a high sense of FOMO; you need to pay attention here.

How to avoid:

• Do not interact with such emails; instead, delete them as soon as you receive them.
• Always verify information from the official website and social accounts of the project.
• Report the email as phishing.

Social engineering

This trick is one of the sneakiest and most time-consuming of them all. Scammers are patient; they build trust and try to convince you to share sensitive information like your seed phrase or email login. They might pose as legitimate projects, team members, or tech support to convince victims that they are real.

Things to note:

• Engagement on social accounts (e.g. X, Instagram) is often generated by bots.
• Fake support teams might reach out, claiming to help you claim an airdrop.
• They often ask for private keys, seed phrases, login credentials etc.

How to avoid:

• Never share your private key or seed phrase with anyone.
• Double-check URLs and official social media handles before interacting.
• Be sceptical of unsolicited messages offering “exclusive” airdrops.

Clone websites

Scammers also often create fake airdrop claim websites. Imagine a scenario where a scammer successfully lures you to a website through social engineering or a phishing email. They may prompt you to connect your wallet to this site to claim tokens, but these websites are fake and will likely drain your wallet’s assets.

They may post similar airdrop information in the comment sections of legit accounts but include their scam links.

Things to note:

• URL spellings are often weird; verify them carefully.
• The website might prompt you to connect your wallet and approve suspicious transactions.
• These kinds of websites are often promoted via ads, comment sections (e.g. X), or even DMs.

How to avoid:

• Always verify URLs through official project channels.
• Make use of wallet and browser security tools that will alert you immediately you enter a Phishing website or if you want to approve a malicious transaction.
• Avoid clicking on airdrop links from unsolicited messages and ads.

Don’t Trust, Verify

Airdrops serve multiple purposes, from rewarding loyal users and generating buzz around a project to attracting potential end users and encouraging community engagement. But they also attract scammers looking to take advantage of noob users. Fake websites, social engineering tricks, these scams come in many forms, all with the same goal — stealing your assets or personal information.

The best way to stay safe? Be cautious, double-check every link, and never share your private keys or seed phrases. If an airdrop seems too good to be true, it probably is. In crypto, a little skepticism goes a long way!

Disclaimer: This article, including insights on airdrop farming and other DeFi strategies, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice, investment recommendations, or an endorsement of any particular investment or strategy. The cryptocurrency and DeFi markets are highly volatile and unpredictable. Past performance is not indicative of future results. One Click makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided. Readers should conduct their own research and consult with independent financial advisors before making any investment decisions. By using this information, you agree that One Click is not liable for any losses or damages arising from your investment choices.risks will spare you financial loss and disappointment.

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