Manual Checks vs. Automated Scanners
While you can read and understand Solidity code to spot honeypot logic, most retail investors lack the time or expertise. That’s where automated scanning tools come in:
Honeypot.is
- What It Does: Simulates buy and sell transactions on a token contract in a sandbox environment. If a simulated sell reverts while the buy succeeds, the tool flags the contract as a honeypot.
- How to Use It:
- Go to Honeypot.is.
- Enter the token’s contract address.
- Click “Check Honeypot.”
- Review the report, which indicates whether buys and sells are allowed, any taxes applied, and gas estimates.
- Advantages:
- Zero Cost: Free to use for any public token contract.
- Speed: Results in seconds.
- Transparency: Shows detailed logs of simulated transactions.
Other Tools and APIs
Build Your Own: Use a quick JavaScript script with web3.js or ethers.js to call tokenContract.functions.transfer() in a try/catch block—automating your own honeypot check. balance. An unbalanced design generates tension, which may be the goal in many design projects, but for web apps that demand repeated comfortable use, tension is not a desirable trait.
Token Sniffer and BogTools also offer honeypot detection modules.
DEX Screener provides basic sell/pass indicators on token pages.
Best Practices to Stay Safe
Always Scan First
- Before buying, run the contract address through Honeypot.is or similar.
Stick to Audited Tokens
- Favor tokens with public audits from firms like CertiK, Hacken, or PeckShield.
Verify Ownership Renouncement
- Check on‑chain events to ensure no hidden “owner” functions remain.
Limit Exposure
- Even with scans, never invest more than you can afford to lose.
Follow the Community
Reputable projects foster active, transparent communities—use them to gather intel on any recent concerns.
