Safety Tips & Scams to Avoid on Solana Launchpads

1. Introduction

Solana launchpad ecosystem has empowered thousands of projects to bring ideas to life through token launches, presales, and community-based funding. However, with this rapid growth comes an unfortunate rise in scams, rug pulls, and mismanaged IDOs that result in financial loss and reputational damage.

This guide will help both creators and investors identify common threats, follow essential safety tips, and avoid costly mistakes when engaging with Solana launchpads. From phishing schemes to unvetted tokens, awareness and due diligence are critical in this fast-paced Web3 environment.

2. Why Security Matters in Solana Launches

Solana's remarkable speed and affordability have opened the door for a global wave of decentralized innovation. Yet these same strengths can also attract bad actors. Because transactions are fast and cheap, scammers can launch and execute fraudulent campaigns much more easily than on slower chains like Ethereum.

One compromised launchpad can cost creators their reputation and investors their funds. According to data from RugDoc, nearly 15% of all token launch-related scams on Solana between 2022 and 2023 resulted in total losses, with no recovery mechanisms due to the decentralized nature of the blockchain. Smart contract exploits, unverified whitelisting processes, and misleading community campaigns often go undetected until it’s too late.

Trust is foundational to Web3. If creators fail to implement safety-first practices or if launchpads let scams go unchecked, users will lose confidence, and ecosystem growth will suffer. That’s why understanding security isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity for every stakeholder in the Solana ecosystem.

3. Common Types of Scams on Launchpads

Understanding the various scams targeting Solana users helps with early detection.

a) Fake Launchpads

Scammers clone legitimate platforms with identical UIs, logos, and social media to trick users into connecting wallets or funding fake IDOs.

b) Rug Pulls

A team raises funds via an IDO and then disappears, leaving investors with worthless tokens and no liquidity.

c) Honeypots

Tokens are coded so buyers can purchase them, but can’t sell. These often come with massive early hype and paid influencers.

d) Exit Liquidity Traps

Projects inflate token prices to dump on new investors. Once the hype cools, the team sells all holdings and disappears.

e) Wallet Drainers & Phishing Links

Social media posts, Telegram bots, or fake whitelisting pages trick users into connecting wallets and approving malicious transactions.

4. Top Security Tips for Creators

Even creators can be victims—or unintentionally put their communities at risk. Ensuring a secure token launch not only protects your investors but also builds trust and long-term loyalty. Here’s how to secure your IDO and your brand reputation:

• Use verified launchpads and token tools: Platforms like Smithii and Solanium offer reliable, user-tested environments. Avoid obscure services with no audit records.
• Conduct smart contract audits: Even if your platform has built-in contract templates, get independent audits from trusted firms like Certik, Halborn, or OtterSec.
• Implement multi-signature wallets: Protect treasury funds and token allocations by requiring multiple team members to approve transactions.
• Never use copy-paste code from the internet: Many malicious actors seed code repositories with backdoors. Always review your code or hire professionals to validate it.
• Practice full transparency: Publish your whitepaper, tokenomics, roadmap, and even wallet addresses for community inspection.
• Lock liquidity and vest tokens: Use tools like SolanaLock to lock liquidity and vesting smart contracts to spread token releases over time. This prevents early dumps and shows commitment to the project.
• Use separate wallets for dev vs. admin roles: Reducing single-wallet access limits damage in case of a breach.
• Prepare for contingency: Have a response plan ready in case of bugs, hacks, or false reports. Keeping your community informed during crises builds credibility.

Securing your project isn’t just technical—it’s about communication, accountability, and protecting your supporters at every step.

5. Top Security Tips for Investors

Safety starts with education. Investors are often targeted during token launches due to their eagerness to get early access. Here are some practices that can make a big difference in protecting your assets:

• Double-check URLs before connecting your wallet. Scammers often use slight misspellings or character swaps in URLs to impersonate real launchpads. Use official bookmarks or type URLs manually.
• Use hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor. These wallets add a physical layer of approval that prevents malicious smart contracts from gaining access without your knowledge.
• Avoid clicking links in DMs or group chats. Scammers are known to send fake whitelisting pages, mimicking trusted platforms. Always navigate to launchpad sites independently.
• Understand tokenomics and vesting schedules. Projects with no lockup period for team or early investors are higher risk. Read whitepapers thoroughly and look for details about initial token distribution.
• Check the contract address on Solscan. If a project’s contract address isn't publicly listed or verified, it could be a clone or fake. Use Solscan or Solana Explorer to confirm wallet and token legitimacy.
• Look for KYC or audited badges. While not foolproof, these indicators suggest the project has undergone at least some due diligence. Combine these badges with social listening and community research.
• Use wallet tracking tools. Apps like Debank or Revoke.cash can help you monitor your token approvals and identify risky permissions.
• Distribute your holdings. Use a separate wallet for launchpad participation instead of storing all funds in one place.

Don’t fall for FOMO. Take time to research projects—even during countdowns or launches. Most scam victims click too quickly.

6. Real Scam Case Studies on Solana

🚨 Example 1: Fake Raydium Clone

In 2023, scammers created a replica of Raydium’s launch UI and promoted a fake IDO through Twitter ads. Victims connected wallets and approved transactions, unknowingly sending tokens to a draining contract.
Lesson: Bookmark official sites and never trust links from social ads.

🚨 Example 2: Phantom Wallet Phishing Scam

A fake Phantom browser extension appeared on Chrome Web Store. When users installed it and entered seed phrases, their wallets were drained.
Lesson: Only download wallets from the official site.

🚨 Example 3: Inflated Token Hype + Liquidity Pull

A team used YouTube influencers and Twitter bots to promote their upcoming token. Within 24 hours post-launch, they pulled 100% of liquidity from Orca.
Lesson: Check LP lock status and community feedback.

7. Warning Signs to Watch For

• Anonymous team with no history or LinkedIn profiles
• Too-good-to-be-true returns promised
• Limited or no whitepaper
• Aggressive marketing without real dev updates
• Telegram-only community with spammy bots
• Over-reliance on influencer shilling

When in doubt—step out. Let hype cool and observe.

8. Safe Practices Before, During & After IDOs

Post-IDO rug pulls are just as dangerous. Stick with projects that stay active and transparent.

9. Trusted Tools for Scam Detection

Use these tools regularly to audit IDOs, token contracts, and wallets you interact with.

10. Community Insights: Tips from Founders & Users

The Web3 community is full of passionate builders and seasoned investors who’ve experienced both wins and losses. We compiled several insights from social threads, Twitter, and Discord groups to help newcomers avoid mistakes:

• @SolanaDevHQ: “Audit your presale contracts even if the launchpad says it’s optional. You owe that to your backers.” 
  This simple advice emphasizes that transparency and code security should never be optional.
• @AnonInvestor: “Any project that hides team info and pumps hype is a no-go. I got burned once and never again.” 
  Many investors learned the hard way that anonymous teams without track records are red flags.
• @BuildOnSol: “Use a dedicated wallet for each IDO. Never risk your main bag.” 
  Compartmentalizing your wallet strategy limits losses in case one gets compromised.
• Solana DAO Chat: “Check contract renounce status and whether LP is locked before investing.” 
  This is an often-overlooked step that determines if developers still have control over the token contract, which can pose a significant risk.
• @CryptoGuard: “Follow projects that focus on community dev updates, not just memes.” 
  Real builders update progress, testnet releases, and team calls—not just viral content.

These voices remind us that security is as much a cultural practice as it is technical. Listening to those with lived experience helps keep the broader Solana ecosystem safer.

11. Platform Comparison: Which Launchpads Prioritize Safety?

12. FAQs

Q1: How do I know if a Solana launchpad is legit?

You can determine legitimacy by looking for several signs: Is the launchpad listed on CoinGecko or CoinMarketCap? Does it have an active and transparent team presence on social media? Legit platforms also undergo audits, post GitHub code repositories, and have active communities on Discord or Telegram. A legitimate launchpad will also list clear policies, previous project histories, and real-time support channels. Avoid any platform that launched recently without community backing or attempts to mimic an existing brand with a nearly identical domain name.

Q2: What’s the best way to protect my wallet?

Use hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor for the safest access. These devices prevent unauthorized transactions by requiring physical confirmation. Additionally, avoid public Wi-Fi when interacting with dApps, use a dedicated wallet for launchpad participation, and frequently audit token permissions with tools like Revoke.cash. Avoid sharing your seed phrase or private key under any circumstance, even with people pretending to be support agents on social platforms. Treat every approval pop-up seriously—double-check what you're signing.

Q3: Is KYC important when investing in IDOs?

KYC (Know Your Customer) helps launchpads vet projects and users, filtering out bad actors. While it improves accountability, it may limit access for users from restricted regions. Launchpads like Solstarter and SolRazr implement KYC to build institutional trust and regulatory compliance. If you're privacy-focused, you may prefer decentralized or community-focused platforms like Smithii or Solster—but this comes with increased personal due diligence. Remember: KYC reduces some risk but isn’t a guarantee against scams.

Q4: Can scams still happen on audited launchpads?

Yes. Even audited platforms can host projects that go rogue after funding. Audits check smart contract code but not the behavior of project founders post-IDO. Teams can misuse liquidity, delay vesting updates, or inflate community metrics. Always combine audit results with research on the team’s identity, vesting schedules, token utility, and long-term roadmap. Engage in their social channels to gauge whether the team is genuinely active and responsive to feedback.

Q5: How can I report a scam project on Solana?

Start by reporting the issue to the launchpad platform through their official support channels or Discord. Then, submit scam alerts on RugDoc and notify Solana-focused communities like r/Solana, Solana Discord servers, and relevant Telegram groups. If tokens were involved, post the contract and wallet info on public trackers to warn others. Also consider tagging Solana influencers or platform moderators on X (formerly Twitter) to escalate visibility. Timely reporting can help prevent others from falling into the same trap.

Q6: How can I check if I’m eligible for Solana airdrops from launchpads?

You can use an airdrop checker Solana tool to verify eligibility for token airdrops from launchpads and participating projects. These tools scan your wallet against past participation data, snapshot records, and staking contributions. Some tools also track activity on platforms like Solstarter, Solanium, or Solster and notify you if any claimable tokens are available. Popular options include community-driven dashboards, official launchpad tools, or tracking platforms that display airdrop history, eligibility status, and links to claim portals. Always use verified URLs to access these services and avoid phishing versions pretending to be airdrop checkers.

13. Final Thoughts

Security isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re launching a token or investing in a new project, protecting your funds and reputation should always be top priority. Scams don’t just impact individuals—they hurt the entire Solana ecosystem by undermining trust.

Use verified tools, launch with reputable platforms, and avoid shortcuts like unaudited contracts or private token deals. Ensure your community is educated with safety guides, pre-launch checklists, and active moderation. Investors should practice caution by using separate wallets, understanding token distribution, and avoiding high-pressure launches.

As Solana continues to grow, safety-conscious creators and investors will help shape a more responsible and innovative decentralized future. Good actors—builders who prioritize security and transparency—will rise above the noise and set higher standards for the next wave of Web3.

Remember, when in doubt, pause. Research. Ask questions. Engage with the community. Only then, participate with confidence.

Security isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re launching or investing, protecting your funds and reputation should always be top priority. Use trusted tools, stay cautious of hype, and educate your community.

As Solana continues to grow, safety-conscious creators and investors will help set a standard that attracts long-term innovation—not short-term opportunism.

When in doubt, pause. Research. Ask around. Only then, participate.