Crypto Copy-Paste Scams: Clipboard Hijackers

One of the simplest but most dangerous ways criminals steal crypto is through copy-paste scams. Also known as clipboard hijacker scams, this trick works by secretly replacing your copied wallet address with one controlled by the scammer. If you don’t double-check before sending, your funds are gone forever. This guide explains how these scams work, why they’re effective, and how to protect yourself.

How Copy-Paste Scams Work

Clipboard hijackers are pieces of malware that run silently on your computer or mobile device. When you copy a crypto wallet address to paste it into a transaction, the malware instantly swaps in the scammer’s address. Since wallet addresses are long strings of numbers and letters, many users don’t notice the change before hitting send.

Why They Work So Well

• Crypto transactions are irreversible: Once sent, your funds cannot be recovered.
• Addresses look random: Many users only check the first few characters.
• Scams happen instantly: By the time you notice, the transaction is already confirmed.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Always Double-Check the Address
   Before sending, verify that the pasted address matches the intended one — check the first 6 and last 6 characters, not just the beginning.
   
   
2. Use a Hardware Wallet
   Hardware wallets display the exact address on a secure screen. Confirming on the device ensures malware can’t swap it unnoticed.
   
   
3. Keep Devices Clean
   Run trusted antivirus software, avoid shady downloads, and keep operating systems up to date.
   
   
4. Use QR Codes or Address Books
   Instead of copying and pasting, use a QR scanner or saved address book in your wallet app to reduce exposure.

Key Takeaways

• Crypto copy-paste scams hijack your clipboard and replace addresses with a scammer’s.
• They succeed because crypto transactions are irreversible and addresses are hard to verify.
• Protect yourself by double-checking addresses, using hardware wallets, and scanning with QR codes.