## Scammers Using MEV Bots as "Wind Cutting" Tools - How They Operate and What You Should Do

Web3 is now becoming the new playground for cybercriminals. Instead of outdated scam tricks, we are witnessing sophisticated scams that use technology to "hide." One of the most concerning tactics recently is the abuse of the concept of MEV (Maximal Extractable Value) to deceive users into deploying malicious smart contracts.

### What Is a Fake MEV Bot? The First Step into the Trap

To understand the issue, we need to know what an MEV bot actually is. In the blockchain world, an MEV bot is an automated tool designed to find arbitrage opportunities on decentralized exchanges (DEX). However, scammers have exploited this concept.

They create professional-looking tutorial videos, upload them to YouTube and other platforms, claiming that you can "earn money automatically" just by deploying a "magical smart contract." These videos often use technical language to impress, introducing ETH or other assets as "seed capital" for this profit-generating machine. Victims, attracted by the promise of easy money, will deploy the contract and send funds.

### Deception Mechanism: From Illusion to Total Loss

The first stage seems smooth. The victim deposits 2 ETH or an equivalent amount. Then, something miraculous happens: the balance in the contract increases. How? The scammer has preloaded an additional amount of ETH into the malicious contract. From the victim’s perspective, it’s not "additional" but "profit" — a subtle way to inflate confidence.

When checking the balance, the victim sees: 2 ETH original + 0.5 ETH "profit." Greed is triggered. They will send more money, then try to withdraw. However, at this moment, the trick reveals itself. The "withdraw" function in the contract is not to pay the victim but to transfer all the balance to the scammer’s wallet. The malicious code, cleverly written, is not detected during quick reviews.

( Why Is This Effective? Human Factors

The success of the MEV bot scam relies on exploiting three human weaknesses:

**Greed**: Promises of quick money are the most effective bait.

**Lack of technical knowledge**: Most users cannot read smart contract code, and scammers know this.

**Trust in videos**: The images and voice of a "professional guide" are more convincing than a warning on the screen.

) Defensive Strategies: From Basic to Advanced

**First Golden Rule: Nothing Is Free**

Any promise of "high automatic profits" or "free arbitrage tools" should be a red flag. In blockchain, smart contract code is law, and that law cannot be changed after deployment. Therefore, if a contract can transfer your funds, you must be absolutely sure it only does so at your command.

**Code Auditing Before Deployment**

Before interacting with any smart contract, request an audit from professional security firms or community experts. This may cost money, but it’s nothing compared to losing all your funds. Focus especially on the logic within functions handling money ###transfer, withdraw###.

**Use Simulation Tools**

Before signing any transaction, use MetaMask’s simulation feature or professional security tools. If the simulation shows funds will be transferred to an unfamiliar address, stop immediately.

**Start Small, Think Big**

Always begin with a small amount to test. If a "system" requires a large investment to "activate" or to see "real profits," that’s a clear sign of a scam.

( Lessons for the Web3 Community

The emergence of these sophisticated MEV bot scams shows that no one can be completely safe in Web3 without knowledge. The decentralization and immutability of blockchain are excellent features, but they also mean there is no "emergency stop" or "guardian."

Every user must become their own security expert. This requires not only technical skills but also a strong critical mindset. Prevention is truly the best way to protect your digital assets in a world where "code is law" and mistakes are permanent.