Crypto users, beware! MetaMask uncovers address poisoning scam

The MetaMask team uncovers a sly new scam where fraudsters “spike” transaction histories by sending worthless tokens to your crypto wallet. These con artists mimic wallet addresses using vanity generators, matching the first and last characters of wallet addresses. 

The bad actors would send tokens worth $0, tricking users into sending funds to the wrong copycat address.

A new scam called 'Address Poisoning' is on the rise. Here's how it works: after you send a normal transaction, the scammer sends a $0 token txn, 'poisoning' the txn history. (1/3)

— MetaMask Support (@MetaMaskSupport) January 11, 2023

 Those who are in the habit of copying their wallet address from their transaction history before sending digital assets could accidentally send their funds to a fraudulent address.

MetaMask reminds users to take extra precautions when sending digital assets. 

• Always double-check your transactions
• Take a closer look at the wallet address to make sure every single character is correct before sending funds
• Stop copying and pasting wallet addresses from transaction history

It’s worth the extra effort.

Moreover, MetaMask suggests that users should use their address books for sending digital assets. A simple yet safe step to ensuring users’ money goes to the right place.