TL;DR
- New scam with fake ENS domains: Scammers register wallet addresses as .eth domains and create fake interfaces to steal cryptocurrencies.
- The fake interface autocompletes the name of the fake .eth domain, which can lead users to send funds to the scammer’s address.
- Users are advised to follow a list of security tips to avoid falling for any kind of scam and protect their funds.
The founder of Uniswap, Hayden Adams, has alerted the community about a new scam that utilizes wallet addresses as fake Ethereum Name Service (ENS) domains. The scam works as follows: scammers register the address of a legitimate wallet as a .eth domain and then use it to create a fake interface resembling that of a popular wallet provider. When a user tries to send cryptocurrency to the legitimate address, the fake interface tricks them into sending the funds to the scammer’s address.
This scam can be very effective because wallet user interfaces often autocomplete ENS domain names. This means that if a user types Adams’ wallet address into the interface, the interface could autocomplete the name of the fake .eth domain. If the user is not careful, they could accidentally send their cryptocurrencies to the scammer’s address.
first time I've seen this scam, so posting it as a heads up for users and interfaces
someone bought the ens "[myEthereumAddress].eth"
so when you paste in my address, the top result in some UIs is an ens match instead of the resolved ENS name
impt for UIs to filter these out pic.twitter.com/0cQAL5tQ0T
— hayden.eth 🦄 (@haydenzadams) February 14, 2024
To protect yourself from this scam, it’s important for users to be very cautious when conducting transactions. Before sending any funds, it’s crucial to verify that the destination address is correct. It’s also important to use a wallet user interface with a good reputation and that doesn’t autocomplete ENS domain names.
In addition to the ENS wallet identity theft scam, there are other common scams that users should be aware of. These include phishing scams, investment scams, and “pump and dump” scams. It is important to be aware of these scams and take steps to protect oneself.
How to Avoid Falling for Any Type of Scam?
Some tips to protect yourself from cryptocurrency scams: Never invest in a cryptocurrency that you haven’t thoroughly researched. Be cautious of websites and applications promising high returns. Never share private keys with anyone. Use a secure and reliable wallet. Stay updated on the latest scams. By following these tips, users can protect themselves from cryptocurrency scams and keep their funds secure.
In addition to the security measures mentioned above, it’s important for users to educate themselves about the different types of scams that exist. There are many online resources available that can help learn about crypto scams and how to avoid them. It’s also important to stay vigilant about news and announcements related to scams, as this helps identify new scams as they emerge.
