NFT / Wallet-Drainer Mint Scam
A fake NFT mint, airdrop, or 'claim' site gets you to connect your wallet and approve a transaction that drains all its tokens and NFTs.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
You are hyped to mint a new NFT, claim a free airdrop, or 'verify' your wallet through a link — often from a hacked or lookalike account. Connecting your wallet and approving the prompt actually signs a transaction that grants the scammer permission to transfer your tokens and NFTs, draining the wallet instantly. The malicious approval is disguised as a routine mint or claim. Losses are immediate and irreversible.
What it usually looks like
- A hyped mint, free airdrop, or 'claim your reward' link.
- A prompt to connect your wallet and approve a transaction.
- Urgency ('mint closing,' 'limited airdrop').
- Links from hacked or lookalike project accounts.
Common warning signs
- Wallet-connect prompts from unfamiliar or hyped sites.
- Approval requests you do not fully understand.
- Free airdrops or claims that need a signature.
- Pressure to act before a 'mint closes.'
Example wording scammers use
“Mint live now! Connect your wallet and approve to claim your free NFT before it sells out.”
“You're eligible for an airdrop — verify your wallet to claim your tokens.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- A malicious approval/signature from your wallet.
- To transfer out all your tokens and NFTs.
- Fast action on hype.
What to do
- Do not connect your wallet to unfamiliar mint/airdrop sites.
- Never approve transactions you do not fully understand.
- Use a separate 'burner' wallet for mints; keep valuables in a hardware wallet.
- Verify projects through official, bookmarked links.
What to do if you already responded
- Revoke token approvals and move remaining assets to a fresh wallet immediately.
- Preserve records; report to ic3.gov and reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Assume the compromised wallet is no longer safe.