{"id":16473,"date":"2023-01-15T08:33:42","date_gmt":"2023-01-15T08:33:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/crowdfundjunction.com\/blog\/metamask-wallet-users-warned-to-be-on-the-lookout-for-address-poisoning-attacks-wallets-bitcoin-news\/"},"modified":"2023-01-15T08:33:42","modified_gmt":"2023-01-15T08:33:42","slug":"metamask-wallet-users-warned-to-be-on-the-lookout-for-address-poisoning-attacks-wallets-bitcoin-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/crowdfundjunction.com\/blog\/metamask-wallet-users-warned-to-be-on-the-lookout-for-address-poisoning-attacks-wallets-bitcoin-news\/","title":{"rendered":"Metamask Wallet Users Warned to Be on the Lookout for Address Poisoning Attacks \u2013 Wallets Bitcoin News"},"content":{"rendered":"

(Originally posted on : Bitcoin News )<\/b>
\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n<\/header>\n
\n<\/div>\n

To avoid becoming victims of an address poisoning attack, Metamask wallet users should ditch the practice of copying and pasting wallet addresses, the crypto wallet app support team has warned. Metamask users should instead \u201cdevelop a habit of thoroughly checking every single character of an address\u201d before sending a transaction.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Scammers Exploiting Users\u2019 Carelessness<\/h2>\n

Metamask crypto wallet users should be wary of a new scammer tactic known as the address poisoning attack, which is dependent on the user\u2019s \u201ccarelessness and haste above all else,\u201d the team behind the software cryptocurrency wallet has warned. The Metamask team added that while the attack method may seem harmless, \u201cit can just as easily result in a loss of funds.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

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)<\/p>\n

\u2014 MetaMask Support (@MetaMaskSupport) January 11, 2023<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

In its Jan. 11 statement<\/a> that explains how scammers use this new tactic to steal from unsuspecting users, the Metamask Support team said cybercriminals and scammers often exploit common behavior among crypto users such as the copying and pasting of wallet addresses. Although this ensures that funds are sent to the correct address, the team warned that scammers are aware that many users are unwilling to memorize their wallet addresses. The statement said:<\/p>\n

\u201cSince they\u2019re so long, crypto wallet addresses are typically shortened. You might see the first lot of characters only, or sometimes you may see the initial 5-10 or so and the final 5-10 or so, skipping the middle. This is how most people recognize addresses: not by knowing every single character, but by becoming familiar with the start and finish. This is the tendency that address poisoning preys on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Users Must Check Every Single Character in a Wallet Address<\/h2>\n

According to the Metamask Support team, scammers often initiate a poisoning attack by sending a negligible amount to a dummy wallet address which closely matches that of a Metamask wallet user. After this, the scammer will wait and hope the targeted user[s] will \u201cinadvertently copy their address from your transaction history and paste it elsewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

Since transactions like these are said to be immutable or irreversible, when funds are sent to an incorrect address, they are lost forever. Therefore, wallet users need to take all precautions including \u201cchecking every single character.\u201d The Metamask Support team said wallet users must try to end the practice of copying addresses from their transaction history.<\/p>\n

Instead, wallet users should \u201cdevelop a habit of thoroughly checking every single character of an address before you send a transaction.\u201d<\/p>\n

What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\n
\n<\/div>\n
\n
\nTerence Zimwara <\/h6>\n

\nTerence Zimwara is a Zimbabwe award-winning journalist, author and writer. He has written extensively about the economic troubles of some African countries as well as how digital currencies can provide Africans with an escape route.

\n
\n
\n<\/a>
\n<\/span>
\n
\n
\n
\n<\/a>
\n<\/span>
\n
\n
\n
\n<\/a>
\n<\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Image Credits<\/b>: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

Disclaimer<\/strong>: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com<\/a> does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n