security
Rugpull
A scam pattern where project insiders pull liquidity or funds and leave the project worthless. Common with anonymously launched tokens.
Rugpull
A rugpull is a scam pattern where the people behind a project suddenly pull the liquidity or the raised funds and leave the token worthless. The name comes from the image of pulling the rug out from under someone.
Typical patterns
- Liquidity removal: the creators remove liquidity from the pool so no one can sell anymore.
- Keeping mint authority: unlimited reminting of tokens dilutes all holders.
- Hidden sell blocks: buying works, selling is technically blocked.
On-chain traces
Many rugpulls leave recognizable patterns: concentrated token distribution across a few connected wallets, sudden liquidity removal, or a wallet cluster selling before the crash. Such patterns can be reconstructed on-chain after the fact.
Related Terms
Wash-Trading Airdrop Liquidity Pool Wallet-Cluster