Zero ETH NFT Scam: How Phishing Sites Steal Your Authorized NFTs

Understanding the NFT Phishing Threat

Critical reminder: Never approve any signature requests from untrusted websites.

Recent investigations by SlowMist Security Team have uncovered active NFT phishing operations targeting cryptocurrency users. Below is a detailed analysis of these scams and how to protect yourself.

Identified Phishing Sites:

1. https://c01.host/
2. https://acade.link/

Phishing Site 1 Analysis (https://c01.host/)

Attack Methodology:

1. Deceptive Interface:

   • Presents a static image mimicking legitimate NFT platforms
   • Forces signature pop-up immediately upon wallet connection
   • Disables all navigation buttons except the signature prompt

2. Malicious Signature Content:

   Maker: [User's Wallet Address]  
   Taker: 0xde6135b...5a (Attacker's Address)  
   Exchange: OpenSea V2 Contract (0x7f268357...)

   This signature authorizes attackers to:

   • Purchase your NFTs at 0 ETH cost
   • Bypass standard marketplace price checks
   • Drain all authorized NFT collections

Technical Findings:

• The site clones legitimate platform c-01nft.io using HTTrack

• Hidden JavaScript reveals additional phishing domains:

  • https://polarbears.in (cloning polarbearsnft.com)
  • https://thedoodles.site
  • https://themta.site (currently inactive)

👉 Protect your NFTs from similar scams

Phishing Site 2 Analysis (https://acade.link/)

Identical Attack Pattern:

• Immediate forced signature request

• Same malicious parameters:

  • Maker: User's address
  • Exchange: OpenSea V2 contract
  • Taker: Attacker's contract 0xde6...45a

Blockchain Forensics:

• Attacker address 0xde6...45a flagged as high-risk by MistTrack

• Funding traced through multiple phishing wallets:

  • Initial funds from 0x071...48E (known phishing address)
  • Upstream connections to 3 additional scam addresses

Key Protection Strategies

Prevention Measures:

✅ URL Verification: Always check website authenticity before connecting wallets
✅ Signature Auditing: Review ALL signature details in wallet prompts
✅ Limited Approvals: Use temporary approvals instead of permanent ones

Damage Control:

🛡️ Regularly check authorized contracts via:

• Revoke.Cash
• Etherscan's Token Approval Checker

👉 Learn advanced wallet security practices

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I revoke a signed NFT order?

A: No. Signatures are cryptographically binding, but you can:

• Cancel existing listings
• Revoke marketplace approvals
• Transfer NFTs to a new wallet

Q: How do phishing sites get my NFTs?

A: Through malicious signatures that authorize:

1. Unlimited price sales
2. Direct transfers to attacker addresses
3. Bypass of standard marketplace protections

Q: What's the most dangerous permission I can give?

A: setApprovalForAll - This allows unlimited transfers of ALL your NFTs for a collection.

Q: Are hardware wallets safe from this scam?

A: Hardware wallets cannot prevent this - you're still approving the malicious transaction manually. Vigilance is key.

Final Security Recommendations

1. Isolate Assets: Keep valuable NFTs in dedicated wallets
2. Education: Study common Web3 attack vectors
3. Multi-Sig: Consider multi-signature wallets for high-value collections

Remember: In Web3, your signature is as powerful as your private key. Treat every wallet interaction with maximum caution.

Disclaimer: This content represents our security analysis only. Always conduct your own research and consult security professionals for asset protection strategies.