High riskCrypto & Investment Scams

Crypto Airdrop Scam

This scam offers a free 'airdrop' of tokens, but to claim them you are told to connect your crypto wallet to a site or approve a transaction, which can grant access that drains your wallet.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Wallet-draining scam
Main red flag
A 'free token' offer that requires you to connect your wallet or approve a transaction to claim it.
What to do first
Do not connect your wallet or approve anything. Be cautious of any airdrop that asks for wallet access to release 'free' tokens.

What this scam usually looks like

This scam offers a free 'airdrop' of tokens, but to claim them you are told to connect your crypto wallet to a site or approve a transaction, which can grant access that drains your wallet.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Congratulations! You're eligible for our exclusive token airdrop. Connect your wallet and approve the claim to receive your free tokens before the window closes: [suspicious link]'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • An unexpected 'free token' or airdrop offer you did not sign up for
  • A site asking you to connect your wallet or approve a transaction to claim
  • Urgent wording about a closing window or limited spots
  • Links shared in random DMs, comments, or lookalike websites
  • A request to sign a transaction you do not fully understand

What to do

  • Do not connect your wallet or approve any transaction to claim tokens
  • Be cautious of airdrops you did not personally sign up for
  • Verify any project through its official, independently confirmed channels
  • Use a separate wallet with no funds for anything experimental

If you already clicked or replied

  • Disconnect the site and stop approving any further transactions
  • Move remaining funds to a new, secure wallet you control
  • Revoke token approvals using a trusted wallet-permission tool
  • Check your wallet activity and report the scam to the platform involved

What not to do

  • Do not enter your seed phrase or private keys anywhere
  • Do not approve transactions you do not understand
  • Do not pay a 'gas' or 'unlock' fee to release the supposed tokens

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Frequently asked questions

Are all crypto airdrops scams?
No, some genuine projects do airdrops, but scammers copy the format. Be cautious of any airdrop that asks you to connect your wallet or approve transactions to claim 'free' tokens.
How can connecting my wallet drain it?
Approving a malicious transaction or token permission can grant access to move your assets. That is why connecting to unfamiliar sites for an airdrop is risky.
I already approved a transaction. What now?
Move any remaining funds to a fresh wallet and revoke token approvals using a trusted permission-checker. Acting quickly can limit further losses.
How do I avoid wallet-draining airdrops?
Never share your seed phrase, verify projects through official channels, and consider a separate empty wallet for testing. Treat unexpected 'free token' offers with caution.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.