Claiming airdrop token rewards requires interacting with smart contracts—a process that can expose your wallet to risks. Follow these steps to protect your assets while collecting free crypto.

Why Wallet Security Matters
Airdrop crypto scams often trick users into approving malicious transactions. Once you sign, attackers can drain your funds. Even legitimate airdrops may require risky actions, like connecting your wallet to unknown sites.

Choosing the Right Wallet

- Hardware Wallets (Ledger/Trezor): Ideal for storing large amounts offline. Use them to claim airdrops, but never enter your seed phrase online.
- Hot Wallets (MetaMask/Phantom): Convenient for frequent claims but more vulnerable. Create a separate wallet just for airdrop token hunting to isolate risk.

Pre-Claim Checks
Before participating:

- Verify the airdrop’s official links (check the project’s Twitter/website).
- Search for scam reports on Reddit or Crypto Twitter.
- Ensure the contract address matches the one published by the team.

Transaction Safety Tips

- Reject unexpected requests (e.g., "Approve unlimited spending").
- Use revoke.cash to undo suspicious token approvals post-claim.
- For Ethereum airdrops, set gas limits to prevent stuck transactions.

Post-Claim Hygiene

- Transfer claimed free crypto to a fresh wallet to avoid "dusting attacks" (scammers sending tainted tokens).
- Monitor for fake support messages—legitimate teams won’t DM you for private keys.

Backup and Recovery
Store seed phrases offline (never digitally). If your airdrop crypto wallet is compromised, you can recover funds in a new wallet—but only if your backup is secure.

By treating wallet safety as a priority, you’ll enjoy airdrops without becoming a cautionary tale. Remember: no free crypto is worth risking your entire portfolio!