Definition ∞ Transaction pretexting is a social engineering attack where a malicious actor deceives an individual into authorizing a blockchain transaction under false pretenses. The attacker creates a fabricated scenario or identity to gain the victim’s trust and manipulate them into signing a transaction that transfers assets or grants unauthorized permissions. This method exploits human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities. It is a sophisticated form of fraud designed to bypass security measures.
Context ∞ Transaction pretexting is a significant concern in digital asset security, often featured in news reports about phishing scams and wallet compromises. Discussions focus on user education and awareness as primary defenses against such attacks. The ongoing challenge involves protecting individuals from increasingly sophisticated social engineering tactics that bypass technical security protocols.