Not every “hack” breaks a blockchain. Sometimes a token contract simply lets someone mint a comic quantity of units — research write-ups have described billion-scale prints on copycat tickers that only share a name with serious networks — then dump them into an automated market-maker pool. The pool has no taste: it sees balances and runs the formula, handing over the valuable side (for example a six-figure ETH haul) for paper that did not exist a block earlier.
Retail traders meet the aftermath as a chart that went to zero and a Telegram group shouting “exploit”. The practical defence is boring: prefer audited contracts, check mint authority and total supply changes, and never assume a familiar ticker on a new contract is the asset you think it is.
If a pool can be drained by magic ink, your liquidity was the prize.
Help routes: Get help. If a “refund agent” appears next, see Fake recovery.
This article is for general information only. It is not legal or financial advice. Details change. If you have lost money, contact your bank or card issuer and use the routes on the help pages.