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Main Takeaways DApps are blockchain-based applications with smart contract-powered backends that enable decentralized crypto interactions without intermediaries.The DApp landscape offers unprecedented utility and holds massive potential, but it can also expose users to risk. Common scam tactics in this space include social engineering, approval phishing, signature phishing, and fake blockchain rectification sites targeting users’ wallets.Protect yourself by verifying DApps, understanding permissions before approving, using Binance Wallet’s security features, and never sharing your seed phrase or private keys.On decentralized applications (DApps), you’re the boss – but also the last line of defense. From DeFi protocols and NFT marketplaces to blockchain-based games, DApps let you lend, trade, and play with crypto, no middleman needed.But with no customer support and smart contracts powering every action, there’s often no undo button once you approve a transaction or sign a message.In this guide, we’ll help you navigate DApp safely and confidently – from spotting risky permissions to managing token approvals – so you can explore Web3 without losing sleep (or your funds).What Are DApps?A decentralized application (DApp) is an app that runs on a blockchain network like Ethereum or BNB Chain instead of relying on centralized servers. Think of it as an app with a public, transparent, and unchangeable backend powered by smart contracts. On Binance Wallet, you can connect to DApps via QR code, browse or search on the [Discover] page, or tap verified DApps in-wallet.DApp DangersThe openness of Web3 means anyone can deploy a smart contract or create a DApp interface. Scammers have exploited this freedom and the lack of centralized customer support by creating “fake” DApps that closely mimic legitimate ones. These malicious apps are carefully designed to trick users into signing risky messages or approving harmful transactions, ultimately putting their assets at risk.Social EngineeringSocial engineering is one of the most common ways scammers trick users into connecting their wallets to malicious DApps. Instead of relying solely on technical exploits, these scammers manipulate human psychology – exploiting emotions like fear, curiosity, and urgency to bypass better judgment. Here’s what a typical sequence of steps in a social engineering attack looks like.Impersonation: Scammers often pose as official representatives of trusted platforms or projects. They mimic logos, adopt convincing usernames, and even clone entire community groups on Telegram, Discord, or Twitter to appear legitimate.Establishing trust: In private messages or within these groups, scammers will try to engage users in friendly conversation or offer unsolicited “help,” slowly building rapport to gain trust.FOMO and “Get Rich Quick” Pitches: Once a basic level of trust is established, scammers waste no time creating urgency. They’ll hype up a limited-time opportunity – like an “exclusive presale,” “airdrop,” or “insider access” to a “high-yield DApp.” Potential victims are pressured to act fast and interact with the malicious DApp or risk missing out. The Trap: But the only ones getting rich are the scammers.These DApps are often rigged to drain wallets the moment an approval message is signed, or worse – grant the scammer permanent access to your funds without your knowledge.How Blindly Signing Leads to DrainingApproval PhishingIn DeFi, approvals are a normal part of interacting with smart contracts – they let a DApp move your tokens on your behalf. In approval phishing, malicious DApps abuse this feature by prompting users to approve unusually large or unlimited token spending.Once approval is granted, scammers use smart contract functions like transferFrom() or batch multiple token withdrawals using multicall(), draining your wallet over time. Since approvals remain active until manually revoked or the set fund limit is reached, the scammer can continue accessing your wallet, draining approved tokens long after the initial interaction.Signature PhishingSignature phishing usually involves tricking users into signing arbitrary or unreadable data using methods like Permit or Permit 2 or eth_sign. Unlike a normal on-chain transaction, these signatures happen off-chain, so there's no gas fee, no blockchain record, and no immediate red flag. Once a valid signature is created, scammers can later submit it to a smart contract to gain spending access to your tokens – sometimes enabling transfers or granting broad permissions without you realizing it.A common example of this scam uses Permit and Permit2 – legitimate off-chain approval methods designed to simplify DApp interactions.Permit lets users approve token spending via signature instead of an on-chain approval transaction.Permit2 extends this functionality by allowing a single signature to approve multiple tokens, with customizable limits and expiration settings.While these tools are convenient, scammers abuse them by disguising malicious Permit or Permit2 requests as harmless prompts. If a victim signs one of these, the scammer can later use that signature to withdraw funds – sometimes long after the interaction. Since no transaction is broadcast when the signature is created, the breach often goes unnoticed until the tokens are gone.Permit-based scams are particularly dangerous because a single compromised signature could unlock access to multiple tokens, depending on what you’ve previously allowed. Always double-check what you're signing – if it’s unreadable or doesn’t make sense, don’t sign it.Blockchain Rectification ScamsBlockchain rectification is a type of scam that preys on inexperienced Web3 users. These scam sites claim to fix common wallet issues like slippage errors or failed transactions but are actually designed to steal your seed phrase or private keys. Here’s how this scam commonly unfolds.Targeting Frustrated Users: Scammers prey on users stressed by errors such as wallet migration issues and slippage error, offering fake “quick fixes” that promise easy solutions.Imitation: These sites can copy the look of trusted services, using clean designs or near-identical interfaces to lower users’ guard.Simulating Errors: Once on the site, users encounter fake error messages designed to appear urgent and legitimate. They're then prompted to “connect manually,” where they’re tricked into entering their seed phrase or importing their private key – giving scammers full access to the wallet, which allows them to drain funds.How to Protect YourselfTake Warnings SeriouslyBinance Wallet has built-in safeguards like transaction simulations and signature filters to help you keep your assets secure. It also blocks approvals to externally owned accounts (EOAs), high-risk requests like eth_sign, and known malicious DApps. But at the end of the day, you are still the final decision-maker. Always read and heed wallet warnings before confirming a transaction or signing a message.Smart Approval PracticesNever blindly sign or approve requests. Understand exactly what permissions a DApp is asking for – especially when it comes to token approvals.Avoid Unlimited Allowance: Always grant the minimum amount needed instead of unlimited token access. This limits the potential damage if a DApp is malicious.Revoke Old Approvals: Make it a habit to periodically go to your wallet’s [Assets] > [Approvals] tab to revoke any token approvals you no longer need.Disconnect Unused DApps: Under [More] > [Connected DApps], remove access for DApps you no longer use. Leaving them connected increases risk.Review SimulationsUse a wallet with a built-in simulation function, like Binance Wallet. Simulation helps you preview what will happen before a transaction is actually sent on-chain. It’s like getting a sneak peek at the outcome – so you can catch errors or scams before they cost you.For simple wallet-to-wallet transfers, simulations help flag suspicious addresses or potential mistakes, like sending to a known scam destination. When interacting with smart contracts – like during swaps, staking, or other DeFi actions – Binance wallet runs simulations to show you the expected token amounts, values, and potential risks. This gives you a clear, informed view before you hit confirm.Always DYOR (Do Your Own Research)Before interacting with any DApp, take the time to evaluate it carefully. Legitimate projects are typically audited by independent security firms, and these reports are often available on the project’s official website. Look into the team behind the project – if they’re anonymous or difficult to verify, that could be a red flag. Also consider the community. A strong, engaged, and transparent user base is usually a good sign, while a lack of activity or vague responses may hint at underlying risks.Stick to Official SourcesWhen accessing any DApp, always start from verified links on the project’s official website or trusted platforms like CoinMarketCap. Scammers often create fake sites by subtly misspelling domain names or swapping in lookalike characters which can be hard to spot with a glance (e.g., uniswap.com vs. unίswap.com). Avoid clicking on search ads, as phishing sites frequently pay to appear at the top of results. For maximum safety, type the URL manually instead of clicking ads or pasting links provided by a third party.Never Share Your Seed Phrase or Private KeyIf someone asks for your seed phrase or private key, stop right there – you’re being scammed. No legitimate DApp, service, or support agent will ever request it. The moment you share it, your wallet is as good as drained. Close the tab, walk away, and don’t look back.Educate Yourself and Stay InformedKnowledge is your first line of defense in the Web3 space. Understanding common scams and knowing smart approval practices is crucial to protecting yourself. Stay informed on the latest threats by following trusted resources like Binance Academy, our Know Your Scams series, and security series. These resources will help you stay ahead of emerging scams, enabling you to make informed decisions to safeguard your assets.Final ThoughtsThe world of DApps is rich with innovation and possibilities. Whether you're using DeFi tools, exploring NFTs, or trying out a new blockchain game, there's no shortage of things to discover. Even if a well-built house comes with solid locks, it's rendered useless if you leave the door open or lose your keys. Binance Wallet gives you powerful security features – from simulations and scam warnings to restricted approvals – but it’s still up to you to use them wisely. Approvals, signatures, and DApp connections are part of everyday life in Web3, and understanding them is key to protecting your funds. If something feels off, take a step back, verify, and don’t rush into it. Web3 rewards those who stay sharp and ask questions. With the right habits and a healthy dose of caution, you can explore confidently while keeping your crypto SAFU.Further ReadingWeb3 Wallet Security – Stay SAFU with Binance MPC WalletScanned and Scammed: Understanding The Face and QR ConsUSDC Hits Wall Street – What Circle’s Debut Means for Crypto