> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.mywallet.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.mywallet.io/intro/scams/address-poisoning.md).

# Address Poisoning

Learn how address poisoning works and how to protect your My Wallet and funds with simple safety checks.

An old trick that still catches even experienced users off guard. Recently, a prominent influencer lost 126,000 GRAM after sending them to a scammer's address. Here's how it works and how to protect yourself.

### ✍️ What is address poisoning?

Scammers create **clone addresses** that look almost identical to addresses you've interacted with—they share the same **first and last characters**.

They send **tiny amounts** (e.g. 0.0001 GRAM) to your wallet so that their fake address appears in your **Activity** feed.

When you send funds later, you might copy the recipient's address from history out of habit—and end up sending everything to the scammer's wallet instead.

### 🥷 How it works?

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Clone addresses**

Scammers generate addresses that match the beginning and end of addresses you've already sent to or received from.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Poisoning your history**

They send a small transfer (e.g. 0.0001 GRAM) to your wallet so their fake address shows up in your transaction history.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Wrong copy**

When you go to send funds, you copy the recipient from history and confirm—sending your funds to the scammer.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### 🕵️ How to protect yourself?

#### Anti-poisoning in My Wallet

**My Wallet** includes **anti-poisoning** protection. The wallet automatically detects transfers from scammers who generate addresses with the same initial and final characters and marks them with the **"Scam"** label, so you can spot fake addresses in your Activity feed.

#### Other steps you can take

* **Verify the full address**, not just the first and last characters.
* Use [**Saved Addresses**](/intro/key-features/saved-addresses.md) for people and services you send to often.
* Make sure **Hide Tiny Transfers** is turned on in **Settings → Assets & Activity** so scam transfers are less likely to appear in your feed.

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Blockchain transfers can't be reversed.** Double-check every address before you confirm.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to basic [**security rules**](/intro/scams/how-to-protect-yourself-from-fraud.md) to protect your funds.
{% endhint %}