In recent weeks, a wave of fraudulent websites has emerged pretending to be associated with Hyperliquid and the Hyper Foundation. These sites, which claim to offer token rewards for voting in an upcoming HYPE rewards event, are in fact elaborate crypto-drainer scams designed to steal funds from unsuspecting users.
Victims are lured into connecting their crypto wallets under the guise of participating in a legitimate governance vote. Once connected, malicious contracts silently authorize transactions that drain assets from the user’s wallet.
This article breaks down how these Hyperliquid HYPE Vote Reward scam websites operate, what red flags to look for, how to protect yourself, and what steps to take if you’ve already fallen victim.
Scam Overview
The Hyperliquid HYPE Vote Rewards Scam is one of the most recent phishing and wallet-drainer operations targeting members of the Hyperliquid community. The fraudulent sites mimic the official Hyper Foundation website (hyperfoundation.org) and even use similar branding, design, and domain names to appear authentic.
One of the most prominent examples uncovered so far is proposal-hypersfoundation[.]org, though similar variations are expected to appear on other domains as the scammers attempt to evade detection.
The Fake Premise
The fraudulent page claims that holders of HYPE, the native token of the Hyperliquid ecosystem, can vote on an upcoming rewards distribution date. It promises that users who participate within the first 24 hours will receive an “early token reward.”
The entire setup looks polished, mimicking Hyperliquid’s branding and design language. From the fonts to the interface, the site appears convincing enough to fool even seasoned users. It even includes buttons such as “Vote Now” that lead to a wallet connection prompt, encouraging users to link popular crypto wallets like MetaMask, Trust Wallet, WalletConnect, or Uniswap Wallet.
However, what happens behind the scenes is far from a simple voting process.
The Hidden Threat: Crypto Wallet Drainers
Once a user connects their wallet, the website requests permissions that allow a malicious smart contract to access and transfer assets from that wallet. These contracts are designed to steal funds automatically, exploiting the permissions users grant during the connection process.
A crypto drainer is a type of script or smart contract engineered to:
- Detect high-value assets within connected wallets.
- Execute transactions that transfer tokens or NFTs to the attacker’s address.
- Drain funds immediately or in batches to avoid detection.
Victims often have no idea that a transfer has been authorized until their balances drop to zero.
Mimicking Legitimacy
Scammers rely on visual deception and social engineering. The fraudulent HYPE Rewards Vote page is carefully designed to mirror the official Hyper Foundation interface.
Common traits include:
- A logo and color palette that replicate Hyperliquid’s official branding.
- Familiar language and layout that resemble hyperfoundation.org.
- Phrases like “Launch App,” “Ecosystem,” “Docs,” and “Stats” — all legitimate links used on the real site.
Even the interface that pops up when users attempt to “Vote Now” looks authentic. It lists real wallet options, including MetaMask and WalletConnect, which builds false confidence. But in this case, the connection request doesn’t go to any official Hyperliquid smart contract — it’s a phishing endpoint crafted by the attacker.
Why This Scam Works
Crypto drainers have become increasingly sophisticated in 2025. Unlike older phishing schemes that relied on fake login pages, these new scams exploit wallet connection permissions that users routinely approve without question.
DeFi users are accustomed to connecting wallets across multiple platforms daily, which makes them less cautious when presented with familiar interfaces. Scammers exploit that comfort. The malicious contracts are often obfuscated and encoded, making them appear harmless at first glance to blockchain explorers or even browser extensions.
The Real Hyper Foundation
It’s crucial to clarify that Hyper Foundation and Hyperliquid are legitimate entities in the blockchain ecosystem. Hyperliquid is a Layer-1 blockchain and decentralized exchange (DEX) platform known for its on-chain trading and governance mechanisms.
The official domain is hyperfoundation.org, and any other domain claiming affiliation or requesting wallet connections for “HYPE rewards voting” is fraudulent.
As of this writing, the Hyper Foundation has made no announcement regarding any “HYPE Rewards Vote” or early reward incentive programs. All claims suggesting otherwise are completely false.
The Damage
Victims who connect their wallets often lose:
- HYPE tokens
- Ethereum, USDT, or other ERC-20 assets
- NFTs stored in the same wallet
- Access to staking or liquidity positions
In many cases, funds are drained within seconds. Because the transactions are signed voluntarily (even unknowingly), blockchain protocols cannot reverse them.
How Scammers Conceal Their Tracks
After funds are drained, the assets are typically tumbled through multiple wallet addresses using mixing services or cross-chain swaps, making tracing difficult. The stolen funds often end up on privacy-centric chains or are laundered through decentralized exchanges where KYC checks are not enforced.
These operations are often run by organized cybercrime groups with automation systems that continuously generate new phishing domains. Once one domain is reported or blacklisted, another goes live within hours, often with slight variations in the URL.
Red Flags to Watch For
Here are the main warning signs users should be aware of:
- Unverified URLs – The official site is hyperfoundation.org, not proposal-hypersfoundation[.]org or any variation.
- Promises of “early rewards” – Hyperliquid does not offer time-limited incentive programs tied to wallet connections.
- Unsolicited voting prompts – Legitimate governance voting occurs through verified official channels only.
- Wallet connect requests on clone domains – Always verify the URL before connecting.
- Poor grammar or inconsistent branding – Small textual inconsistencies can reveal a fake site.
In summary, the Hyperliquid HYPE Vote Rewards Scam exploits trust and familiarity to lure users into connecting their wallets, only to drain them moments later.
How the Scam Works
Understanding how the scam operates step-by-step helps users recognize and avoid it. While the design appears simple — a website prompting a wallet connection — the underlying process is technically complex and dangerously deceptive.
Below is a detailed breakdown of how this scam unfolds.
Step 1: Phishing Site Setup
Scammers first clone the layout of hyperfoundation.org using HTML and CSS scraping tools. They replicate every visual detail — including navigation menus, typography, and color gradients. The resulting fake domain looks almost identical to the real one.
They then register a similar domain name. Examples include:
- proposal-hypersfoundation[.]org
- hype-vote-hyperfoundation[.]com
- hypersliquid-rewards[.]org
Using SSL certificates (which display the padlock icon in browsers), scammers give the illusion of legitimacy. These certificates are free and easy to obtain, which makes the fake site appear secure.
Step 2: Social Engineering
Once the fake website is live, scammers distribute links across social media, Discord channels, Telegram groups, and even fake X (Twitter) accounts impersonating Hyperliquid or Hyper Foundation staff.
They claim:
“Voting is now open for HYPE rewards! Connect your wallet to vote and receive early rewards within 24 hours.”
This messaging triggers FOMO — the fear of missing out. Many token holders rush to participate without verifying the domain.
Step 3: Wallet Connection Request
When users click “Vote Now”, they’re presented with a wallet connection modal identical to what they would see on legitimate platforms.
Options include:
- WalletConnect
- Trust Wallet
- MetaMask
- Uniswap Wallet
- All Wallets
Once a user selects their wallet, a malicious script executes in the background.
Step 4: Smart Contract Execution
This is where the real attack begins. When a wallet connects, it typically shares a public address — harmless in itself. However, scammers push users to “sign” a transaction or “authorize” an interaction.
This transaction is not a vote. It’s a hidden approval function granting the scammer permission to move tokens from the user’s wallet.
In ERC-20 terms, it’s an approve() function call allowing a third-party address (the drainer) to spend the user’s tokens.
Once signed, the attacker’s script:
- Detects the wallet’s balance and token types.
- Determines the most valuable assets (ETH, USDT, HYPE, etc.).
- Executes a transferFrom() function to move those assets to the attacker’s wallet.
This process can happen in seconds. Victims rarely realize what they signed until it’s too late.
Step 5: Draining and Laundering Funds
The stolen assets are quickly transferred to a collection address. From there, they’re funneled through multiple intermediary wallets.
Attackers often use:
- Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) like Uniswap to swap assets.
- Cross-chain bridges to move tokens to different networks.
- Mixers or tumblers to obfuscate the transaction trail.
Some groups employ automated scripts that analyze a victim’s wallet in real-time, prioritizing tokens by liquidity and value before initiating transfers.
Step 6: Covering Tracks and Scaling the Scam
After each operation, the scam site might go offline temporarily. A new domain often appears days later, recycling the same interface and language.
These scam operations scale rapidly through bot-driven domain generation, making it difficult for law enforcement and cybersecurity firms to block them all in time.
Step 7: Psychological Manipulation
Even after victims lose funds, scammers continue manipulating them. They may contact victims pretending to be “support agents” offering recovery assistance — another scam aimed at extracting more money.
This multilayered deception showcases how sophisticated crypto fraud has become.
What To Do If You Have Fallen Victim to This Scam
If you have connected your wallet or signed any transactions on these fraudulent websites, act immediately. Time is critical.
1. Disconnect Your Wallet
- Immediately disconnect your wallet from the malicious site using your wallet app or browser extension.
- Go to Wallet Settings > Connected Sites and remove any unknown or suspicious domains.
2. Revoke Token Approvals
- Visit trusted tools like Revoke.cash or Etherscan’s Token Approval Checker.
- Connect your wallet and review all active token approvals.
- Revoke any permissions you do not recognize, especially to unfamiliar contract addresses.
3. Transfer Remaining Funds
- Move any remaining assets to a new, clean wallet.
- Do not reuse the compromised wallet for any future transactions.
4. Alert the Community
- Report the scam to official Hyperliquid and Hyper Foundation channels.
- Post warnings in community groups to help others avoid the same trap.
5. File a Report
- Report the incident to your local cybercrime unit and online fraud authorities.
- Notify blockchain security organizations like CertiK, SlowMist, or Chainalysis.
6. Monitor Your Wallets
- Use blockchain explorers to monitor transactions from your compromised wallet.
- Keep an eye on any suspicious outgoing transfers.
7. Stay Informed
- Follow official Hyperliquid announcements only through verified domains and accounts.
- Bookmark hyperfoundation.org as your sole trusted source for updates.
8. Learn From the Incident
- Never connect your wallet to unverified sites.
- Always double-check URLs and verify announcements via multiple official channels.
- Use hardware wallets for large holdings.
The Bottom Line
The Hyperliquid HYPE Vote Rewards Scam represents a sophisticated phishing strategy that capitalizes on trust and familiarity. It is not affiliated with Hyperliquid, the Hyper Foundation, or any legitimate blockchain organization.
The fake sites, such as proposal-hypersfoundation[.]org, are carefully crafted replicas of the official Hyper Foundation website designed to steal assets through malicious wallet contracts.
If you come across such a page, do not connect your wallet. Verify any announcement directly from hyperfoundation.org and stay alert to phishing tactics that use realistic branding and incentive-based hooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hyperliquid HYPE Vote Rewards Scam?
The Hyperliquid HYPE Vote Rewards Scam is a fraudulent campaign that impersonates the official Hyper Foundation website to deceive users into connecting their cryptocurrency wallets. The fake sites claim that HYPE token holders can vote on upcoming rewards and earn bonus tokens if they participate within 24 hours. In reality, these sites are wallet drainers — malicious platforms designed to steal funds by tricking users into signing unauthorized transactions.
The scam typically appears under domains like proposal-hypersfoundation[.]org or similar lookalikes of hyperfoundation.org. Once a user connects their wallet and signs a transaction, the scam’s smart contract silently transfers tokens and digital assets to the attacker’s wallet.
Is the HYPE Vote Rewards program real?
No, it is not real. The legitimate Hyper Foundation and the Hyperliquid team have not announced or launched any program related to “HYPE Rewards Voting” or “early token rewards.” The scam is entirely unaffiliated with Hyperliquid or the Hyper Foundation. Any website, social post, or message that promotes this voting reward event is fraudulent.
Always verify updates only through official Hyperliquid channels and the verified website hyperfoundation.org.
How do these scam websites trick users?
Scammers replicate the official design and interface of the Hyper Foundation website to gain trust. They use familiar layouts, authentic-looking URLs, and wallet connection prompts identical to legitimate DeFi sites. When users click “Vote Now”, the site prompts them to connect a crypto wallet (such as MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or WalletConnect).
Once connected, users are asked to sign a seemingly harmless transaction. However, this transaction actually grants permission for the scammer to spend or transfer tokens from the victim’s wallet. Within moments, the funds are drained and sent to the attacker’s addresses.
What happens when you connect your wallet to the fake HYPE Vote site?
Connecting your wallet to the fake website initiates the phishing process. After connection, you may be asked to sign a transaction that appears legitimate, such as a “vote confirmation.” In reality, that signature executes a smart contract approval function, authorizing the scammer to access and transfer your tokens.
These smart contracts are coded to automatically detect the most valuable assets in your wallet, prioritize them, and drain them within seconds. Victims often realize they’ve been scammed only after their wallet balance drops to zero.
How can I identify a fake Hyperliquid HYPE Vote website?
Fake sites are designed to look nearly identical to the official Hyper Foundation page, but several key differences can help you spot them:
- Check the URL carefully — the official domain is hyperfoundation.org. Any slight variations, such as “hypersfoundation.org” or “hyperliquidlabs.org,” are likely fraudulent.
- Look for grammar or spelling mistakes — legitimate corporate sites maintain professional copy.
- Avoid clicking links shared in unofficial groups or DMs — scammers spread phishing links via fake community channels and impersonation accounts.
- Be skeptical of limited-time offers — phrases like “vote within 24 hours to receive early rewards” are designed to create urgency and cloud judgment.
- Verify announcements directly — cross-check on Hyperliquid’s verified social profiles and Discord server.
Is it safe to connect my wallet to any site offering HYPE rewards?
No. You should never connect your wallet to any site offering token rewards unless it’s confirmed by the official Hyper Foundation or Hyperliquid team. Scammers rely on users’ trust in popular projects to execute wallet-draining attacks.
Before connecting, always confirm the website’s authenticity by:
- Typing the URL manually instead of clicking shared links.
- Using browser bookmarks for official domains.
- Looking up announcements on verified channels (such as Twitter or Discord).
What should I do if I already connected my wallet to a fake site?
If you connected your wallet or signed a transaction on the fraudulent HYPE Vote Rewards site, take these immediate actions:
- Disconnect your wallet from the scam site through your wallet settings.
- Revoke token permissions using trusted tools such as Revoke.cash or Etherscan’s Token Approval Checker.
- Transfer any remaining funds to a new wallet address you fully control.
- Report the incident to Hyperliquid’s official support and blockchain security firms like CertiK or Chainalysis.
- Stay vigilant and monitor your wallet for any suspicious activity.
Taking action quickly can help limit the damage, especially if the drainer has not yet executed all transactions.
Can I recover stolen funds from this scam?
Unfortunately, cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible once confirmed on the blockchain. When you authorize a malicious contract, the transfer is legitimate in technical terms — even if you were deceived.
While full recovery is unlikely, you can:
- Track stolen funds using blockchain explorers.
- Report the addresses to crypto exchanges and law enforcement.
- Alert blockchain security networks that flag known drainer wallets.
- Share the wallet address with Hyperliquid’s community so others can be warned.
How does a wallet drainer actually work?
A wallet drainer is a malicious smart contract that abuses the wallet connection process to gain spending rights over your tokens. When you sign a transaction that looks harmless, the contract executes hidden commands like approve() and transferFrom(), allowing the attacker to move your assets.
Some advanced drainers also scan your wallet for:
- Token balances (ERC-20, ERC-721, ERC-1155)
- Stablecoins or high-value NFTs
- Native assets like ETH or MATIC
Once assets are identified, they are automatically transferred to the attacker’s addresses and often laundered through cross-chain swaps or mixing services to conceal the funds’ origins.
Why are these scams hard to detect?
These scams are difficult to detect because:
- The websites look authentic, using official logos and modern designs.
- The wallet requests appear normal, mimicking legitimate DeFi interactions.
- Malicious code is obfuscated, making it hard for users to recognize dangerous permissions.
- SSL certificates make fake domains appear “secure.”
- Scammers continuously rotate domains, preventing easy blacklisting.
Because of this sophistication, even experienced crypto users can fall victim if they don’t double-check URLs or announcements.
How can I verify that I’m on the real Hyper Foundation website?
The genuine Hyper Foundation website uses the domain https://hyperfoundation.org. When visiting the site:
- Check for the correct spelling in the domain name.
- Ensure the SSL certificate lists Hyper Foundation or its verified hosting provider.
- Visit the site through official links posted on Hyperliquid’s official X (Twitter) or community channels.
- Avoid sites that include extra words like “proposal,” “vote,” “rewards,” or “token” in the URL.
Bookmark the verified website to avoid mistyping in the future.
Can antivirus or browser extensions detect these scams?
Standard antivirus software may not detect phishing smart contracts, since the threat exists on the blockchain rather than on your device. Some browser extensions, such as WalletGuard or ScamSniffer, can flag suspicious Web3 interactions, but they are not foolproof.
The most reliable protection is manual verification. Always confirm that a transaction request matches what you expect to sign. If a site asks you to approve spending permissions for a large amount of tokens or gives unclear details about a transaction, cancel it immediately.
How can I stay safe from future wallet drainer scams?
Here are proven safety practices to help you stay secure:
- Never rush into signing or connecting your wallet. Always verify site legitimacy.
- Use a hardware wallet for large holdings; it provides better control over approvals.
- Regularly check token approvals using Revoke.cash.
- Follow official project announcements only through verified platforms.
- Avoid clicking links from direct messages or unofficial groups.
- Enable transaction notifications on your wallet to detect unauthorized actions quickly.
Why do scammers use the Hyperliquid name?
Scammers exploit the credibility and popularity of established blockchain projects. Hyperliquid is a respected Layer-1 blockchain and DEX platform known for its strong community, which makes it a prime target for impersonation.
By hijacking the brand’s trust, scammers increase the likelihood that users will interact with their fraudulent site. Using similar logos, colors, and domain names helps them appear legitimate long enough to steal funds before being reported.
What is the official statement from Hyper Foundation?
As of the latest reports, the Hyper Foundation has publicly confirmed that it is not connected to any HYPE Vote Rewards initiative. The foundation advises users to ignore and report any websites or messages claiming to offer token rewards or governance votes tied to HYPE.
The official communication channels are listed exclusively on hyperfoundation.org, and users are encouraged to rely only on verified announcements.
What can regulators and blockchain communities do to prevent these scams?
Regulators and blockchain networks can collaborate by:
- Blacklisting fraudulent domains through DNS registries and browser warnings.
- Enhancing wallet software to display clearer warnings about risky approvals.
- Educating users through awareness campaigns on wallet safety.
- Sharing intelligence across Web3 security firms to detect and block drainer scripts faster.
User education remains one of the most effective long-term defenses against scams of this type.
Final Thoughts
The Hyperliquid HYPE Vote Rewards Scam is a sophisticated phishing scheme designed to deceive users with realistic branding and urgent reward offers. It is not affiliated with the official Hyper Foundation or Hyperliquid project in any way.
Always remember that legitimate projects will never ask you to connect your wallet to claim rewards or vote outside verified governance platforms. Stay informed, verify every link, and never sign a blockchain transaction you don’t fully understand.
