### **How to Spot & Avoid Rug Pulls: Advanced Defense Tactics**

1. **Audit Smart Contracts**

Always verify code audits from reputable firms (e.g., CertiK). No audit? Red flag. Use tools like RugDoc or Token Sniffer to scan for malicious functions (e.g., hidden minting powers).

2. **Liquidity Lock Check**

Legit projects lock liquidity (via Unicrypt or Team Finance). If devs control LP tokens, they can drain funds overnight. Confirm locks on-chain—*never trust screenshots*.

3. **Team Doxxing ≠ Safety**

“Doxxed” teams can still scam. Dig deeper: LinkedIn, past projects, GitHub activity. Anon teams with proven track records (e.g., Satoshi) > fake profiles.

4. **Tokenomics Trapdoors**

Watch for:

- Excessive dev/team allocations (e.g., 30%+ supply).

- Tax structures that funnel fees to untrusted wallets.

- “Revokable” contracts allowing stealth changes.

5. **Social Sentiment Analysis**

Use AI tools (LunarCrush, Santiment) to detect bot-driven hype. Sudden influencer pumps or copy-pasted shilling = exit liquidity setup.

6. **Exit Strategy Clues**

Rug pulls often spike before collapse. Track whale wallets (Etherscan, BscScan). If dev wallets dump tokens or liquidity vanishes, *act fast*.

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### **Ethical Alternatives**

Build projects with:

- **Transparency** (open-source code, real-time analytics).

- **Community governance** (DAO structures).

- **Long-term utility** (no “get rich quick” promises).

The crypto space thrives on trust. Let’s foster innovation, not exploitation.