Safety 101

Stay Safe in Crypto

Crypto gives you control over your assets — but that also means you are responsible for keeping them safe. Start with these basic security rules.

Protect Your Recovery Phrase

• Never share your recovery/seed phrase with anyone.
• Never type it into a website because someone asked you to "verify" your wallet.
• Never send it through Telegram, Discord, email, text, or social media.
• Never store it in a public cloud document or unprotected digital note.
• Keep secure offline backups in locations you control.
• Anyone who obtains your recovery phrase may be able to take everything in that wallet.

Important: Legitimate support should never need your recovery phrase.

Protect Your Wallet

• Use a strong, unique wallet password.
• Lock your wallet when you're finished using it.
• Use biometric security when available.
• Download wallet apps and extensions only from official sources.
• Double-check the developer/publisher before installing anything.
• Never install a wallet from a link sent to you by a stranger.

Your wallet is your responsibility. Treat access to it like access to a bank vault.

Be Careful Connecting Your Wallet

Connecting a wallet to a website can give that site permission to interact with your wallet.

• Only connect to websites you trust.
• Verify the website address before connecting.
• Never connect because someone unexpectedly sent you a link.
• Read wallet approval requests before accepting them.
• Don't approve transactions you don't understand.
• Disconnect from websites when you're finished.
• Periodically review and revoke permissions you no longer need.

Connecting your wallet is not the same as simply visiting a website.

Send a Small Test Transaction

Before transferring a large amount:

• Confirm the destination wallet address.
• Confirm you're using the correct blockchain/network.
• Send a small test amount first.
• Wait for it to arrive.
• Verify everything is correct.
• Then send the remaining amount.

Never rush a crypto transaction. Blockchain transactions can be difficult or impossible to reverse.

Check the Network

The same token may exist on multiple blockchain networks.

Before sending:

• Confirm the token.
• Confirm the blockchain/network.
• Confirm the receiving platform supports that network.
• Confirm the destination address.
• Confirm you have enough of the network's gas token to complete the transaction.

Right token + wrong network can still create a serious problem.

Assume Unexpected Messages Could Be Scams

Be suspicious of messages saying things like:

• "Your wallet has been compromised."
• "You need to validate your wallet."
• "Connect your wallet to claim your reward."
• "Send your seed phrase so we can help."
• "You won an airdrop."
• "Your account will be suspended."

Scammers often create urgency because they don't want you to stop and think.

• Don't click unexpected links.
• Don't download unexpected files.
• Don't trust someone simply because they have an official-looking name or profile photo.
• Verify information independently through official sources.

Watch for Fake Support Accounts

Scammers frequently impersonate:

• Project founders
• Administrators
• Moderators
• Wallet companies
• Exchanges
• Customer support
• Community members

If you ask a question publicly and someone immediately sends you a private message offering "support," be extremely cautious.

Never give them your recovery phrase or private keys.

Turn On Two-Factor Authentication

For exchanges, email accounts, and other important services:

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Prefer an authenticator app or security key when supported.
• Protect the email account connected to your crypto accounts.
• Use a unique password for every important account.
• Never approve an unexpected login request.

Your email account can be one of the keys to your digital life. Protect it accordingly.

Keep Your Devices Secure

• Keep your phone and computer updated.
• Use a device passcode/password.
• Don't install unknown software or browser extensions.
• Be cautious with public or shared computers.
• Avoid performing important crypto transactions on devices you don't control.
• Never allow a stranger to remotely control your computer to "help" with your wallet.

Slow Down

One of the most important crypto security tools is patience.

Before clicking Confirm, ask:

• What am I approving?
• What am I sending?
• Where am I sending it?
• Which network am I using?
• Do I trust this website?
• Did I verify the address?

If you're unsure, don't approve the transaction yet.

The 10 Rules to Remember

1. Never share your recovery phrase or private keys.
2. Never enter your recovery phrase into an unexpected website.
3. Verify websites before connecting your wallet.
4. Read before you approve or sign anything.
5. Check the token, network, and wallet address.
6. Send a small test transaction first.
7. Use strong passwords and 2FA.
8. Don't trust unexpected DMs or "support" accounts.
9. Don't let urgency pressure you into a transaction.
10. When you're unsure — STOP and verify.

Crypto transactions don't have an undo button. Take your time.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general crypto safety practices for educational purposes only. Following these practices may help reduce risk, but no security method can guarantee complete protection from scams, theft, loss, or other risks. Always verify information carefully and take responsibility for protecting your wallet, recovery phrase, accounts, and digital assets.