Introduction
Receiving a MetaMask signature request can seem harmless—especially when no gas fee is involved. Many users assume that signing a message is safe because it doesn’t move funds immediately.
Unfortunately, this assumption has led to countless wallet drains. Malicious signature requests are one of the most dangerous scams today because they rely on trust and misunderstanding.
This guide explains what MetaMask signature request scams are, how they work, and how to protect yourself step by step.
Quick Answer
MetaMask signature scams work by:
- Tricking users into signing a message
- Granting hidden permissions to attackers
- Allowing later token transfers or wallet control
- Draining funds without further confirmation
Never sign a message you don’t fully understand.
What Is a MetaMask Signature Request?
A signature request asks you to:
- Sign a message
- Approve a permission
- Verify wallet ownership
Unlike transactions, signatures don’t cost gas, which makes them appear safe—but they can be extremely dangerous.
How MetaMask Signature Scams Work
Fake Websites and DApps
Scammers create:
- Fake mint sites
- Fake airdrops
- Fake verification pages
Once you connect your wallet, you’re asked to sign a message.
Misleading Signature Prompts
The signature message may:
- Look harmless
- Contain technical language
- Hide malicious permissions
Most users sign without reading carefully.
Delayed Wallet Draining
After signing:
- The attacker may wait hours or days
- Tokens are drained silently
- Victims don’t realize the cause
Warning Signs of a Malicious Signature 🚨
- Urgent prompts (“sign to continue”)
- No clear explanation of what you’re signing
- Requests from unknown websites
- Claims of free rewards or verification
Legitimate platforms explain signatures clearly.
What to Do If You Signed a Malicious Request
Step 1: Disconnect the Wallet Immediately
- Disconnect from all DApps
- Close the website
- Do not sign anything else
Step 2: Revoke All Token Approvals
- Use a trusted approval checker
- Revoke suspicious permissions
- Review all active approvals
Step 3: Move Funds to a New Wallet
If assets remain:
- Create a new wallet
- Transfer funds immediately
- Do not reuse the compromised wallet
Step 4: Secure Your Device
- Remove unknown extensions
- Scan for malware
- Update your browser and OS
What NOT to Do ❌
- Do not trust “signature cancel” services
- Do not sign messages to “undo” damage
- Do not share recovery phrases
- Do not assume signing is always safe
How to Stay Safe From Signature Scams
- Never sign messages blindly
- Verify the website URL carefully
- Avoid rushed approvals
- Use a hardware wallet for large balances
- Disconnect wallets after use
Understanding signatures is critical for wallet safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can signing a message drain my wallet?
Yes. Some signatures grant permissions that allow later draining.
Are all signature requests dangerous?
No, but you must understand what you’re signing.
Does MetaMask warn about malicious signatures?
MetaMask shows prompts, but responsibility lies with the user.
Can funds be recovered after a signature scam?
In most cases, no.
Final Thoughts
MetaMask signature request scams exploit user trust and misunderstanding, not wallet flaws.
If you don’t fully understand a signature request, do not sign it. Security awareness is your strongest defense.