Edit this postCrypto scams: Clippers
Unfortunately, we have yet another entry for our "Crypto scams" post, where we tell you how scammers take advantage of unsuspecting users. But we'll also tell you how to steer clear of them, too.
What are clippers?
A clipper is harmful software that replaces a user's crypto address with the scammer's when the user goes to copy-paste it.
Say you want to send 100 USDT to someone from your MetaMask wallet. Hacking it is next to impossible; however, infecting it with a clipper is certainly doable. If you download files without running them through an antivirus program, it's possible you've downloaded this malware onto your computer.
1. You hit Ctrl+C to copy your friend's wallet address.
2. When you open your MetaMask wallet, you hit Ctrl+V to paste your friend's address in the recipient address field.
3. This is the moment when the scam mechanism kicks in: When you go to paste your friend's address in the "Send to" field, the clipper instead pastes the scammer's address (not your friend's), sending your crypto to the scammer.
Conclusion:
The first thing you should do for your computer's overall health is to install an antivirus program. Next, try to avoid downloading suspicious files from the internet. As a workaround, using a second device for your crypto activity isn't a bad idea either (and use it only to store and send crypto)
Unfortunately, we have yet another entry for our "Crypto scams" post, where we tell you how scammers take advantage of unsuspecting users. But we'll also tell you how to steer clear of them, too.
What are clippers?
A clipper is harmful software that replaces a user's crypto address with the scammer's when the user goes to copy-paste it.
Say you want to send 100 USDT to someone from your MetaMask wallet. Hacking it is next to impossible; however, infecting it with a clipper is certainly doable. If you download files without running them through an antivirus program, it's possible you've downloaded this malware onto your computer.
1. You hit Ctrl+C to copy your friend's wallet address.
2. When you open your MetaMask wallet, you hit Ctrl+V to paste your friend's address in the recipient address field.
3. This is the moment when the scam mechanism kicks in: When you go to paste your friend's address in the "Send to" field, the clipper instead pastes the scammer's address (not your friend's), sending your crypto to the scammer.
Conclusion:
The first thing you should do for your computer's overall health is to install an antivirus program. Next, try to avoid downloading suspicious files from the internet. As a workaround, using a second device for your crypto activity isn't a bad idea either (and use it only to store and send crypto)
