> 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/honeypot-tokens.md).

# Honeypot Tokens

What honeypot tokens are, how the can't-sell scam works, the red flags to watch for, and how to stay safe in My Wallet.

A honeypot token looks like an easy win: the price only goes up, and anyone can buy it. The catch is that you can't sell it. Here's how the scam works and how to protect yourself.

### ✍️ What is a honeypot token?

A **honeypot** is a token whose smart contract lets people **buy** it but stops them from **selling** or **sending** it. Only the scammers can cash out.

The trap is hidden in the token's code. Common tricks:

* **Selling is blocked** for everyone except addresses the scammers control.
* A hidden **sell tax** of up to 100%, so a sale returns almost nothing.
* The owner can **freeze balances** or **change the rules** after you buy.

Honeypots can appear on any network that supports custom tokens, such as **Ethereum**, **BNB Chain**, **Base**, **Solana**, or **TON**.

### 🥷 How it works?

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**The bait**

Scammers create a token, often with a name or ticker that copies a popular project, and add some liquidity so it can be traded.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**The hype**

They promote it in chats, on social media, and in "signal" groups, or **airdrop** it to thousands of wallets so it shows up with a large balance. The chart only goes up, because nobody can sell.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**The trap**

You buy the token, or try to sell the one you received for free. The sale fails or returns almost nothing. Sometimes you're sent to a website that promises to "unlock" selling and asks you to connect your wallet or sign a request. That site is a [**drainer**](/intro/scams/drainers.md).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**The exit**

When enough money has come in, the scammers sell their own tokens or pull the liquidity, and the token becomes worthless.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### 👀 How to recognize a honeypot?

* A token you **never bought** appears in your wallet, often showing a large value.
* The price **only goes up**, and the explorer shows plenty of buys but almost **no sells** from regular holders.
* The name or ticker copies a well-known asset, but the **contract address is different** from the official one.
* Someone promises **guaranteed or "x100" returns** and pushes you to buy quickly.
* The token name, description, or an incoming message contains a **link** telling you to claim, unlock, or sell it.
* The token is **brand new**, with very low trading volume or liquidity and little information about the project.

### 🕵️ How to protect yourself?

#### In My Wallet

* **Automatic protection.** **My Wallet** automatically marks suspicious tokens and hides them, so most scam airdrops never reach your asset list.
* **Don't touch unknown airdropped tokens.** If an unfamiliar token still shows up, don't try to sell, swap, or send it, and don't open links from its name or messages.
* **Hide the token yourself.** Tap and hold it in **Wallet → Assets** (right-click on desktop) and choose **Hide**. See [**Quick Token Actions**](/intro/key-features/quick-token-actions-in-my-wallet.md). Hiding only removes the token from view; it doesn't make any transaction.
* **Check the token page before you buy.** Tap the token to see its market cap, trading volume, launch date, supply, and official links. See [**Token Pages**](/intro/key-features/token-pages.md). Missing or unusual data is a warning sign.
* **Check the contract** in a [**blockchain explorer**](/intro/key-features/multichain-explorer.md). Make sure the address matches the one on the project's official website, and check whether regular holders have been able to sell.
* **Never connect your wallet or sign anything** on a website that promises to unlock or sell a token for you.

#### Other steps you can take

* **Start small.** Buy a small amount of an unfamiliar token and make sure you can sell it before you put in more. Keep in mind the owner can still change the rules later.
* **Do your own research**—see [**What is DYOR and how to do it right?**](/intro/introduction-to-crypto-and-my-wallet/what-is-dyor-and-how-to-do-it-right.md)
* **Use a separate wallet** for new and experimental tokens, so your main funds stay out of reach.

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Blockchain transactions can't be reversed.** If you bought a honeypot, there's usually no way to get your money back. Ignore anyone who offers to "recover" it—that's another scam.
{% 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 %}