How Sui Handles Airdrops & How to Stay Safe

On Sui, airdrops are usually done in two ways:

Direct drop: Projects send coin objects straight to user addresses.

Claim model: Users interact with a contract to claim tokens (common for fair distribution).

Safety measures:

Legit tokens are published via verified packages; spam/fake coins can appear in wallets but have no real value.

Most Sui wallets (like Sui Wallet, Suiet, Ethos) allow hiding unverified tokens and flagging suspicious ones.

Never connect your wallet to random links — only claim from official project channels.

Beware of “dusting” (tiny unknown tokens sent to you); just ignore or hide them.

Best practice for projects: use transparent smart contracts, publish package IDs, and distribute via audited methods.

Rule of thumb: If you didn’t expect it or can’t verify the source, don’t touch it.

On Sui, how can developers design a secure claim-model airdrop contract that prevents spam token injection (dusting) while ensuring only eligible addresses can interact, and what best practices should be enforced at the package and front-end level?

On Sui, airdrops are straightforward at the protocol level, but the risks usually come from how they’re presented to users. Here’s a breakdown of both the mechanics and the safety practices you should follow:

How Airdrops Work Technically

On Sui, tokens are represented as coin objects under a specific type, e.g. 0x2::coin::Coin<MyToken>. Airdrops can be done in two main ways:

• Direct distribution: the project simply transfers coin objects to user addresses. This is the safest for users because they don’t have to sign any transaction.
• Claim-based distribution: the project publishes a contract that lets users “claim” tokens by calling a function. This requires signing a transaction, which introduces risk if the contract is malicious.

Standards and Safer Patterns

There isn’t yet a universal “airdrop standard” in Sui like ERC-20 airdrop contracts on Ethereum, but best practice is leaning toward direct send airdrops when possible. If claiming is necessary, projects should open-source the Move module, get it audited, and provide a clear package ID so users can verify they’re interacting with the correct contract.

Verifying Legitimacy of Tokens

Because any developer can mint a coin object with a fake name, you should always verify the package ID and type of a token before trusting it. Unverified or “dust” tokens may show up in your wallet, but that doesn’t mean they’re legitimate. Legit tokens are usually announced via official channels (docs, GitHub, verified explorers).

Wallet Protections

Most Sui wallets (like Sui Wallet or Ethos) now display warnings on unverified tokens, allow you to hide spam coins, and will flag suspicious airdrops that look like phishing attempts. These features help users avoid interacting with malicious assets.

Best Practices to Avoid Scams (User-Side)

• Don’t click on random “claim” links, especially on social media or DMs.
• Verify package IDs with official project announcements before signing anything.
• Be cautious of “dusting attacks” (tiny unverified tokens appearing in your wallet) — don’t try to move or sell them.
• Use only official explorers like Sui Explorer to check token authenticity.

Best Practices for Projects

If you’re distributing tokens, the most trustworthy way is to send them directly to user wallets. If a claim mechanism is needed, you should:

• Make the Move module public and auditable.
• Get the package ID verified in the community.
• Announce the details on official, signed channels.
• Avoid requiring excessive permissions or unnecessary approvals in the claim function.

✅ In short: On Sui, airdrops are just token transfers, but scams come from malicious claim flows and fake tokens. Users should double-check package IDs, avoid clicking unknown claim links, and use wallet protections. Projects should default to direct sends or fully-audited claim contracts to build trust.

On Sui, airdrops of new tokens can happen in two main ways. A project can directly send new coin objects into users’ wallets, or it can ask users to actively claim tokens through a transaction. Both approaches are valid, but the first one is simpler while the second allows projects to filter eligible users and prevent spam. At the protocol level, tokens are just objects, so when you see a new token in your wallet, it is essentially a new object minted and sent to your address.

There is no single enforced standard for airdrops yet, but responsible projects usually publish official documentation, verified smart contracts, and clear instructions through trusted channels. Wallets like Sui Wallet and Ethos already include safeguards such as hiding unverified tokens, warning about suspicious assets, or allowing you to filter what shows in your balance.

As a user, the most important safety practice is to never connect your wallet to unverified “claim” sites. Fake claim links and dusting attacks are common, where someone sends you worthless or malicious tokens hoping you will interact with them. A good rule is to check that a token contract is verified, confirm announcements through official project channels, and avoid clicking random links in Discord or Telegram.

From the project side, the most trustworthy way to airdrop is to either directly send tokens to wallets of eligible users or, if using a claim system, to make sure the claim contract is open-source, audited, and the process is explained clearly. Transparency builds trust and prevents users from falling for phishing copies.

On Sui airdrops are handled at the object level which means projects can either directly send new coin objects into user wallets or require users to actively claim them through a transaction. Direct sends are simple but often used by scammers to drop spam or fake tokens that appear in wallets. Claiming flows give developers more control but they also create opportunities for phishing through fake claim links. To counter this the best practice is for projects to publish clear instructions on official channels and where possible use verified modules for distribution.

There is no single enforced standard yet but developers are encouraged to use patterns like whitelisted claim contracts or merkle proofs that ensure only intended users can access tokens. Wallets such as Sui Wallet and Suiet are adding protections like hiding unverified tokens flagging suspicious assets and allowing you to ignore dusting attempts. For safety you should always verify project announcements on official websites or communities avoid clicking unknown claim links and never interact with contracts that are not verified on explorers like Suiscan.

From a project side the most trusted way is to work with recognized wallets or explorers to mark tokens as verified and to use transparent distribution contracts that users can audit. This ensures the community knows the drop is legitimate and reduces exposure to scams.

1. How Are Airdrops Delivered on Sui?

Direct Transfer (Push Model): The project sends Coin objects (representing the new token) directly to users’ addresses. This is the simplest and most common approach.

Claim-Based (Pull Model): Users must submit a transaction to “claim” tokens from an on-chain distribution object or Merkle tree-based claim system. This method reduces spam and lets users interact only if they trust the source.

NFT-Based Airdrops: Sometimes projects distribute NFT vouchers that can later be redeemed for tokens. This is often combined with gamified experiences.

2. Official Standards or Patterns for Safer Airdrops

Sui doesn’t enforce a single standard yet, but best practices include:

Use verified token metadata (0x2::coin::CoinMetadata) so wallets can display name, symbol, and decimals correctly.

Publish a capability-based distribution module instead of sending from personal accounts.

Limit direct spam by requiring opt-in (claim-based).

Follow Sui’s token registry process for wallet verification.

3. How to Verify a Legit Token vs Fake One

Check the Token Type ID: The token type on Sui is fully qualified, e.g. 0xabc123::my_token::MYTOKEN Only trust types published by the official project address.

Verify on Sui Explorer or Official Registry: Confirm the package address and module name match the project’s official announcements.

Watch Out for Lookalikes: Scammers often create fake tokens with similar names but different addresses.

4. Wallet Protections

Popular Sui wallets (e.g., Sui Wallet, Suiet, Ethos) offer:

Token Verification Tags – “Verified” tokens appear with badges.

Hide Unknown Tokens – Users can hide unrecognized tokens by default.

Transaction Simulation – Wallets preview effects before approval.

5. Best Practices for Users to Avoid Scams

Never click random “claim” links on Twitter, Discord, or Telegram. Always check the official website or project page.

Verify the contract address before claiming or swapping.

Avoid signing transactions you don’t understand – Sui wallets show what objects will be created or transferred.

Beware of dusting attacks – Ignore small random tokens sent to your wallet.

Use official explorers or GitHub to cross-check the package address.

6. Best Practices for Projects to Distribute Safely

Use an Opt-In Mechanism – Let users claim via a reputable dApp rather than pushing tokens to random addresses.

Make your package and token metadata public and verified on Sui Explorer and official registry.

Publish all airdrop details on trusted channels (Twitter, Discord, official docs).

Consider whitelisting wallets for claims to avoid bots.

Avoid unnecessary approvals – Users should never have to grant spending rights to unknown addresses just to claim.

1. How Airdrops Work on Sui

Token Creation: Tokens on Sui are represented by Coin objects where T is a unique type from a published module.

Distribution Methods:

Direct Send: Project sends coin objects to user addresses using pay or split_and_transfer in Move.

Claim Contract: A contract holds a pool of tokens, and eligible users claim via a transaction. Often uses Merkle proofs for verification.

NFT Redemption: Airdrop starts as an NFT voucher; holders later redeem for fungible tokens.

2. Standards and Patterns

Verified Token Metadata: Projects should register metadata (name, symbol, decimals) using Sui’s coin::register function.

Avoid Custom Claim Logic Without Audits: Stick to common patterns (Merkle-based claim contracts) to reduce attack surface.

Adopt Capability-Based Access Control: For token minting and distribution to prevent privilege escalation.

3. How Users Identify Legitimate Tokens

Token Type ID Check: Example – 0x12345::mycoin::MYCOIN. Always verify the publishing address matches the official project.

Cross-Verify on Sui Explorer: Check if the package is verified and the developer address matches official sources.

Be Aware of Fake Metadata: A scam token can copy names and symbols, but not the type address.

4. Wallet Security Features

Most Sui wallets (Suiet, Ethos, Sui Wallet):

Show verified tokens only by default.

Provide transaction previews for claim actions.

Allow hiding unrecognized or spam tokens.

5. Safety Tips for Users

Never interact with airdrop links from unknown sources.

Check the transaction preview carefully before signing (what objects are created or transferred).

Avoid granting shared or transfer capabilities to unknown packages.

Ignore dust tokens – random tokens sent to wallets to trick users into interacting with malicious contracts.

6. Best Practice for Projects

Use claim-based distribution rather than blind sends to avoid spamming wallets.

Publicly verify your package and token metadata in official channels and explorers.

Consider rate limits and signature checks in claim functions to prevent Sybil attacks.

Avoid requiring excessive permissions like Coin approvals for claiming.

1. Technical Mechanism of Airdrops on Sui

Direct Transfer Model: The project uses a Move function to split coins and transfer them to multiple recipients. This is common for smaller airdrops but can be expensive in gas.

Claim-Based Model: A smart contract holds a pool of tokens, and users submit a claim transaction (often with a Merkle proof or allowlist) to receive their share. This reduces gas for the distributor and avoids spamming wallets.

2. Why Claim-Based Is Preferred

Reduces unwanted token spam because users opt-in to claim.

Allows on-chain verification of eligibility without revealing the full list publicly.

Scales better for large communities.

3. Security Standards on Sui

Token Type Safety: Each token has a unique type (e.g., 0xABC::coin::MYCOIN). Fake tokens can mimic names but never the type address.

Metadata Verification: Use the coin::register pattern to make token details (symbol, decimals) official.

Audited Claim Logic: Always implement capability checks (mint/burn) and avoid unnecessary shared objects to prevent exploits.

4. How to Spot Fake Tokens

Check the type address on Sui Explorer and compare it to the official announcement.

Avoid interacting with unknown packages, even if the name looks legit.

Be cautious of tokens with missing or incorrect metadata.

5. Wallet Protections

Most Sui wallets (Sui Wallet, Suiet, Ethos):

Hide unverified tokens by default.

Show transaction previews for claims (object IDs, function calls).

Implement blocklists for known scam packages.

6. Best Practices to Avoid Scams

Never click “claim” links from unofficial sources (Discord DMs, random Twitter accounts).

Validate transaction details before signing.

Avoid granting unlimited capabilities like Coin control.

If a token appears in your wallet unexpectedly, ignore it — it could be a dust attack.

7. Safe Practices for Projects

Publish the verified token type and package address on official channels.

Use Merkle-based claim contracts with audited code.

Avoid requiring extra permissions during claim.

Provide open-source claim scripts or SDKs so users don’t rely on shady websites.