Warning! The false Airdrop scheme in 2025 caused users to lose $9.9 billion.

Between 2024 and 2025, fake Airdrop scams are targeting popular projects such as Hamster Kombat and Wall Street Pepe, with global encryption eyewash losses skyrocketing to $9.9 billion. How cunning are these scammers? Let's take a look at the 10 common tricks they use:

The Most Dangerous Red Flags 🚩

1. No official channels confirmed - Real Airdrops will be announced on the official website, Discord, or X account. Most strangers DMing you are likely fake.

2. Asking for your private key or mnemonic phrase - This is a huge warning signal. Legitimate projects will never ask for this.

3. You have to pay a “unlock fee” - “Paying 50 bucks in GAS fees can get you 1000 dollars worth of tokens”? Wake up, this is a classic eyewash.

4. There is a problem with the website - Take a close look at the URL, it may be missing a letter, have multiple symbols, or have an incorrect domain suffix.

5. The copy is full of low-level errors - “Hurry up and claim! Last chance!” Accompanied by a pile of typos, it's definitely an eyewash.

6. Comments are all fake accounts - Comments like “I just received $500!” are basically all from bots.

7. The token name is very unfamiliar - No whitepaper, no team information, no official website? Run.

8. Authorization Trap - Be careful not to “approve” transaction permissions casually when connecting your wallet, as some eyecatchers may use this to steal your coins.

9. Connect to Malicious Wallet Vampires - Fake websites will redirect you to the “Wallet Vampire” eyewash DApp, and once connected, you're done.

10. The promise is too outrageous - “Free $2000 tokens”? Benefits without conditions do not just fall from the sky.

Real Case

• Hamster Kombat eyewash: Hackers forged the official website, leading to players' wallets being emptied.
• WEPE Fake Airdrop: Clone the official website to trick users into signing a malicious contract
• LayerZero Phishing: Fake accounts impersonating the official, users are directed to clone websites

Future Airdrops Have Become Smarter

New projects are using AI + on-chain monitoring to identify bots, rewarding real participants. This means: users who genuinely contribute will automatically qualify, making it increasingly difficult for scammers to blend in.

Golden Rules for Protecting Yourself: If you don't understand, don't touch it, confirm on the official website before taking action, and always keep your private key safe.