Reviewed guide | 2026-10-10
Spotting a swapped deposit address caused by clipboard malware
Some malware silently replaces a copied crypto address with one controlled by an attacker. How to recognise and prevent clipboard swaps when depositing to Binance, OKX, Bybit or Bitget from a personal wallet or another platform.
Multiple exchanges | Russia | RUB | fees, access and account safety
Copy and paste feels like the safest way to move a long address between screens: no typing, no mistakes. Clipboard malware turns that habit against you. It watches for text that looks like a crypto address and replaces it with a similar looking one owned by the attacker, so the address you paste is not the address you copied. The transfer then goes through normally, just to the wrong place. This guide explains how to detect such swaps before sending a deposit to any of the large exchanges and how to reduce the chance of infection on the devices you use.
Compare the pasted address with its source
After pasting, compare the address in the sending app with the deposit screen of the exchange. Do not check only the first and last few characters, because some attackers generate addresses that share them. Read a group of characters from the middle as well. If both screens are on the same device, switch between them slowly and check group by group. A mismatch anywhere means you should stop and investigate the device before sending anything.
Prefer QR codes or saved addresses
Where possible, scan the QR code shown on the exchange deposit page with the sending wallet instead of using the clipboard. If you deposit regularly from a wallet to the same exchange address, verify it once carefully and store it in the wallet's address book with a clear label. Remember that deposit addresses can change if networks are updated, so recheck the deposit page occasionally and update the saved entry when needed.
Use a small test deposit
Even with careful checking, send a small test amount when using an address for the first time. Wait for it to appear in your exchange balance after the required confirmations. If it does not arrive and the transaction shows a destination different from your deposit page, you have found a swap and lost only the test amount. Keep the transaction hash so you can review what happened.
Keep the devices clean
Clipboard malware usually arrives through pirated software, fake browser extensions, cracked games or attachments. Install apps only from official stores, remove extensions you do not use and keep the operating system updated. Consider using a dedicated device or user profile for crypto activity. If you suspect infection, stop all transfers from that device, scan it with reputable security software and change the passwords of accounts used there from a clean device.
Risk boundary: Russia Crypto Guide
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Scenario checkpoint
- Compare a group of characters from the middle of the address as well as both ends.
- Scan the exchange deposit QR code with the sending wallet instead of using the clipboard.
- Send a small test amount the first time you use any deposit address.
- Remove unused browser extensions and install software only from official stores.
Digital assets are volatile and derivatives can amplify losses. This website has no login, wallet connection, deposit form or customer-support chat.