How it works
Attackers may send tiny transactions from an address whose beginning and ending characters resemble a real counterparty, hoping the user later copies the wrong address.
What to check
Do not copy addresses from transaction history without independent verification. Compare the full address or use trusted address-book features.
- Verify the full address
- Use trusted address books
- Do not copy blindly from history
Limits and risks
Blockchain addresses are long enough that checking only the first and last few characters can be unsafe. A successful mistaken transfer is usually irreversible.
Primary sources
Bitcoin Developer Reference↗Ethereum developer documentation↗FATF: Virtual Assets↗General information only. Investment products can lose value, and terms, fees and regulation can change.