3 Common Scams to Avoid During the Ethereum Merge

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The Ethereum Merge is one of the most anticipated events in the blockchain space, marking the network’s historic transition from a proof-of-work (PoW) to a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. While this upgrade promises greater scalability, energy efficiency, and long-term sustainability, it also opens the door to a wave of scams targeting both new and inexperienced crypto users.

As excitement builds, so does the risk of fraud. Cybercriminals often exploit major market events like the Ethereum Merge to launch sophisticated phishing schemes, fake staking pools, and fraudulent token swaps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the three most common scams associated with the Merge—so you can stay safe while navigating this pivotal moment in Web3 evolution.

Understanding the Ethereum Merge: What You Need to Know

Before diving into the risks, let’s clarify what the Ethereum Merge actually entails.

The Merge refers to the integration of Ethereum’s existing execution layer (formerly known as ETH1) with its new consensus layer (previously called ETH2). This shift eliminates energy-intensive mining and replaces it with staking, where validators secure the network by locking up ETH.

Crucially:

Despite these facts, scammers are already circulating misleading information to trick holders into giving up their funds or private keys.

👉 Stay protected during major crypto upgrades—learn how to spot red flags early.

Scam #1: Fake ETH2 Token Swaps

One of the most widespread scams involves fake "ETH2" token exchanges.

Fraudsters may contact users via social media, email, or pop-up ads claiming that:

This is 100% false.

Ethereum officially deprecated the terms ETH1 and ETH2 in early 2025 to prevent confusion. There is no separate “ETH2” token. After the Merge, your existing ETH continues to work exactly as before—no conversion needed.

Red Flags to Watch For:

Remember: Never share your seed phrase or private key with anyone. Legitimate projects will never ask for it.

Scam #2: Fraudulent Staking Pools Promising High Returns

With staking becoming central to Ethereum’s security model, many users are eager to earn rewards by participating in staking pools. However, not all staking services are trustworthy.

Some third-party platforms advertise unrealistic annual percentage yields (APYs), such as 20%, 30%, or even higher—far above the typical 4–6% offered by reputable providers. These too-good-to-be-true offers often lead to rug pulls, where operators suddenly withdraw all funds and disappear.

Steve Bassi, founder of PolySwarm, warns that malicious actors may use the Merge as a cover to launch fake staking platforms targeting inexperienced investors.

Types of Staking Options (Legitimate vs. Risky):

While pooled staking lowers entry barriers, it also introduces counterparty risk. Always research a provider’s track record, audit status, and governance model before depositing funds.

👉 Discover secure ways to earn passive income through staking—without falling for scams.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Will my ETH change after the Merge?

A: No. Your ETH remains the same. There is no need to upgrade, convert, or swap your tokens.

Q: Is there an official “ETH2” token?

A: No. The Ethereum Foundation has retired the term “ETH2.” Any project promoting an “ETH2” token is likely a scam.

Q: Can I lose my ETH if I do nothing during the Merge?

A: No. Most users don’t need to take any action. Wallets like MetaMask will continue working normally post-Merge.

Q: Are staking rewards safe?

A: Rewards from trusted providers (like official clients or audited protocols) are generally safe. But beware of unverified platforms offering abnormally high returns.

Q: How can I tell if a website is fake?

A: Check the URL carefully. Scammers often use slight misspellings (e.g., “ethereun.org”). Always access Ethereum resources through ethereum.org, and avoid clicking on unsolicited links.

Scam #3: Fake Airdrops and Phishing Websites

Another growing threat is fake airdrops disguised as rewards for Merge participation.

Scammers may:

Once you sign such a transaction, attackers can drain your wallet without needing your password or seed phrase.

Real Example:

Cybersecurity researchers have already spotted cloned websites mimicking Ethereum’s official pages, complete with professional design and SSL certificates. These sites prompt users to “claim” their Merge rewards—only to siphon funds instantly.

How to Stay Safe:

Could Hackers Exploit the Merge?

While most experts expect a smooth transition, Steve Bassi cautions that attackers might attempt DDoS attacks or exploit vulnerabilities post-Merge, especially when the new PoS chain assumes full economic value.

However, due to intense community scrutiny and multiple fail-safes built into the protocol, large-scale disruptions are unlikely. Any issues would likely be temporary and quickly mitigated by core developers.

Still, individual users remain the weakest link—making education and vigilance critical.

👉 Secure your digital assets before major network upgrades—get ahead of potential threats.

Final Tips to Protect Yourself

  1. Ignore unsolicited messages about token swaps, migrations, or free airdrops.
  2. Only use official resources: Refer to ethereum.org for accurate information.
  3. Verify URLs and social accounts before interacting.
  4. Never share your seed phrase, no matter how urgent or convincing the request seems.
  5. Stick to well-known staking providers with transparent operations and public audits.

Core Keywords

Ethereum Merge, ETH staking scams, fake ETH2 token, phishing attacks, crypto security tips, Ethereum upgrade 2025, staking pool risks, Web3 safety

By staying informed and skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, you can confidently navigate the Ethereum Merge—and protect your digital assets from fraudsters looking to profit from confusion.