Definition ∞ A wallet draining scam is a type of cyberattack designed to illicitly transfer all digital assets from a victim’s cryptocurrency wallet. These scams typically trick users into signing a malicious transaction or granting unlimited approvals to a fraudulent smart contract, which then allows the attacker to empty the wallet of its contents. Common tactics include deceptive websites, phishing links, or compromised decentralized applications that request excessive permissions. The victim often authorizes the draining action unknowingly, believing they are performing a legitimate operation.
Context ∞ Wallet draining scams are a recurring and severe threat reported in crypto security news, resulting in significant financial losses for individuals. Warnings about these scams frequently highlight the importance of verifying transaction details, reviewing smart contract permissions, and exercising extreme caution with unfamiliar links or applications. User education on secure wallet practices remains a critical defense against such pervasive threats.