I received an unexpected NFT or digital token in my wallet — is it a scam?
Almost certainly yes. Unexpected NFT airdrops are a common technique used to drain wallets when recipients try to interact with the assets.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Airdrop phishing involves sending a fraudulent NFT or token directly to your crypto wallet without your consent. The asset may appear valuable or intriguing. When you try to view it, sell it, or interact with it through a connected marketplace, the transaction you approve — often embedded in the action of viewing or claiming — grants the scammer permission to transfer your real assets. Some malicious NFTs contain code that executes when you interact with them. The safest response is to simply not interact with any NFT or token you did not purchase or explicitly claim. In many wallets, you can hide or burn unwanted tokens without approving any on-chain transaction that could grant permissions.
Common red flags
- An NFT or token appeared in your wallet that you did not purchase or claim
- The asset has an enticing name suggesting high value or a prize
- Interacting with the asset requires you to approve a contract permission
- Asset was sent from an unknown address alongside a link to a website
What to do now
- Do not interact with, attempt to sell, or click any links associated with unexpected NFTs
- Hide the asset in your wallet's settings without approving any transaction
- Review your wallet's connected apps and revoke any unexpected permissions
- Report the scam token address to the relevant blockchain explorer community
Frequently asked questions
Can I delete an NFT from my wallet safely?
In most wallets you can hide or 'burn' tokens by sending them to a dead address, but only do this if you are certain it does not require approving a malicious contract. If unsure, simply hide the asset and leave it alone.