How to avoid scams on MetaMask? How to spot a phishing website?

Understanding MetaMask Security Fundamentals

1. Always download MetaMask exclusively from the official website metamask.io or verified app stores. Third-party links, browser extensions from unknown sources, and Telegram or Discord attachments frequently distribute counterfeit versions containing malicious code.

2. Never share your 12-word recovery phrase with anyone—not support agents, not friends, not developers. Scammers often impersonate MetaMask staff via fake support chats to extract seed phrases under false pretenses like “account verification” or “urgent security update.”

3. Enable password protection and biometric authentication inside the MetaMask mobile and desktop extension settings. This adds a local layer of defense even if device access is compromised.

4. Disable auto-connect permissions for dApps. Manually approve each connection request instead of granting persistent access. Many phishing sites exploit auto-connect features to silently initiate unauthorized transactions.

5. Regularly audit connected accounts using the “Connected Sites” section in MetaMask Settings. Remove unused or suspicious dApp connections immediately—some malicious interfaces retain session tokens long after initial interaction.

Identifying Phishing Websites

1. Inspect the URL bar meticulously before entering any credentials or signing transactions. Legitimate Ethereum dApps use HTTPS, but scammers replicate SSL certificates. Focus on domain spelling: uniswap.org is valid; uniswapp.org, uniswap-support.net, or uniswap-eth.com are all known phishing domains.

2. Hover over navigation links and buttons without clicking. Browser status bars or developer tools reveal underlying href values. Fake “Connect Wallet” buttons often redirect to malicious relays instead of invoking MetaMask’s native provider interface.

3. Check for inconsistent UI elements. Real dApps maintain consistent typography, spacing, and interactive feedback. Phishing clones commonly feature mismatched fonts, blurry logos, missing animations, or non-functional menus that expose poor replication quality.

4. Verify contract addresses manually before approving token approvals. Use Etherscan or Blockscout to confirm deployment date, transaction history, and verified source code. Scammers deploy identical-looking tokens with slight address variations to trick users into approving transfers to their wallets.

5. Avoid shortened URLs entirely. Services like Bit.ly or TinyURL obscure destination domains. Legitimate projects rarely rely on link shorteners for core wallet interactions or token claim pages.

Transaction Signing Best Practices

1. Never sign a transaction labeled “Approve,” “Set Approval For All,” or “Transfer From” unless you explicitly intend to grant spending rights. These actions permit third-party contracts to withdraw assets from your wallet indefinitely.

2. Review every transaction detail in the MetaMask popup window. Pay attention to the recipient address, value, and function name. Malicious popups sometimes display misleading labels like “Confirm Swap” while executing a high-risk approval behind the scenes.

3. Use hardware wallets such as Ledger or Trezor when interacting with unfamiliar protocols. These devices require physical confirmation for each signature, blocking silent transaction broadcasts initiated by compromised browsers.

4. Set custom RPC endpoints carefully. Fake network configurations can route transactions through attacker-controlled nodes, enabling front-running or transaction masking. Only add networks listed on Chainlist.org or confirmed via official project documentation.

5. Monitor pending transactions via Etherscan. If an unexpected transaction appears in your wallet’s activity feed, cancel it immediately using Replace-by-Fee (RBF) or speed up functionality—if supported by your network and client.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can MetaMask support agents ever ask for my secret phrase?A: No. MetaMask employees will never request your 12-word recovery phrase, private key, or password. Any individual claiming to be official support who asks for these is a scammer.

Q: Is it safe to connect MetaMask to a site that loads slowly or shows certificate warnings?A: No. SSL certificate errors, mixed-content warnings, or prolonged loading times often indicate compromised infrastructure or man-in-the-middle interception attempts. Disconnect immediately and verify the domain independently.

Q: What should I do if I accidentally signed a malicious approval transaction?A: Revoke the token allowance using a tool like TokenSniffer’s Revoke Contract or Etherscan’s “Write Contract” tab. Then transfer remaining assets to a new wallet and avoid reusing the compromised address for sensitive interactions.

Q: Does MetaMask store my private keys on its servers?A: No. MetaMask is a non-custodial wallet. Your private keys remain encrypted locally in your browser or device. MetaMask has no access to them and cannot recover, reset, or alter your wallet contents.