How to verify a Web3 project yourself

Use this checklist before you trust or buy into any project. It is educational, not financial advice.

1. Check the official links

Find the website and social accounts from the project's own list, not from an ad, a direct message or a comment. Scammers copy official sites with small changes in the address.

2. Check the team

Look for named people, public profiles and a history you can verify. Anonymous teams carry more risk, though not every anonymous project is a scam.

3. Read the source code

Look for a public repository and check whether it is active, with recent commits and visible contributors.

4. Look for an audit

Find the audit report, check which firm wrote it, and check whether the issues it found were fixed.

5. Check the contract

For tokens, open the contract address on a block explorer. Check that it is verified, look at who controls it, and check recent activity.

6. Check token unlocks

Look at the unlock schedule. Large unlocks can add selling pressure. Check the official token documentation.

Red flags

• Guaranteed returns or pressure to act quickly
• Requests for your seed phrase or private key
• Links that arrive by direct message
• Anonymous teams with no code and no audit

Next

Read our review process and the editorial policy. Educational information, not financial advice.