> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.webacy.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Honeypots

> Learn how honeypot tokens let you buy but block sales through blacklists, extreme sell taxes, and other traps, and how to detect them before trading.

## Overview

A **honeypot** is a malicious token designed to allow purchases but prevent or severely restrict sales. Once investors buy in, they find themselves unable to sell, leaving their funds trapped.

<Warning>
  Honeypots are one of the most common token scams. Always verify you can sell a token before investing significant amounts.
</Warning>

## How Honeypots Work

1. **Token Launch**: Scammer deploys a token with hidden restrictions
2. **Marketing**: Token is promoted on social media and trading channels
3. **Buy Phase**: Victims purchase the token without issues
4. **Trap Activated**: When victims try to sell, transactions fail or incur extreme fees
5. **Exit**: Scammer drains liquidity, leaving holders with worthless tokens

## Types of Honeypots

### Blacklist Honeypots

* Specific addresses are blocked from selling
* Often whitelist only the deployer or insiders

### Fee-Based Honeypots

* Normal buy fees but extreme sell fees (90-100%)
* May start with low fees that increase over time

### Balance Manipulation

* Contract manipulates displayed balance
* Actual transferable balance is zero or minimal

### Cooldown Honeypots

* Extreme cooldown periods between transactions
* Users can buy but must wait impossibly long to sell

## Detection Indicators

| Tag              | Severity | Description                               |
| ---------------- | -------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| `honeypot`       | Critical | Token identified as a honeypot            |
| `cant_sell_all`  | High     | Unable to sell full token balance         |
| `high_sell_tax`  | High     | Excessive sell tax detected               |
| `modifiable_tax` | Medium   | Tax can be changed by owner               |
| `blacklist`      | Medium   | Contract includes blacklist functionality |

## API Example

```bash theme={null}
curl -X GET "https://api.webacy.com/tokens/0x123...?chain=eth" \
  -H "x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY"
```

Response indicating honeypot:

```json theme={null}
{
  "overallRisk": 98.0,
  "issues": [
    {
      "tag": "honeypot",
      "severity": "critical",
      "description": "Token prevents selling - honeypot detected"
    },
    {
      "tag": "cant_sell_all",
      "severity": "high",
      "description": "Unable to sell full token balance"
    }
  ]
}
```

## Red Flags

* **No sells in transaction history** - Only buy transactions visible
* **Failed sell transactions** - Multiple reverted sell attempts on-chain
* **Unusual contract code** - Hidden functions or obfuscated logic
* **Locked liquidity claims** - But liquidity can still be removed
* **Anonymous team** - No verifiable team information

## Protection Strategies

1. **Test with small amounts** - Try selling a tiny amount before investing more
2. **Check transaction history** - Look for successful sells by other wallets
3. **Use token scanners** - Run the contract through security analyzers
4. **Verify contract code** - Check if contract is verified and readable
5. **Research the project** - Look for red flags in community and marketing

## Related Concepts

* [Tax Tokens](/glossary/tax-tokens) - Tokens with excessive transaction fees
* [Rug Pulls](/glossary/rug-pulls) - Liquidity removal scams
* [Fake Tokens](/glossary/fake-tokens) - Impersonator tokens