Scam Alert: How to Identify and Avoid Pre-Activated Wallets
Some sellers are offering pre-activated wallets—a global scam that puts your crypto at risk.
AI summary
The article warns about a global scam involving the sale of pre-activated Tangem hardware wallets on third-party platforms, which compromises the security of users' funds. Tangem never provides wallets with pre-generated keys or passwords, and any device sold as "pre-configured" is unsafe. Buyers are advised to reset such wallets, report the sellers, and only trust clean, unused devices.
Please be aware of a scam in which some vendors sell activated Tangem hardware wallets on third-party e-commerce platforms. While many of these listings are from sellers in Asia, similar scams are also happening in Europe, the Americas, and elsewhere.
Remember, Tangem does not offer devices with pre-generated private keys or access codes. If a seller says otherwise, they likely set it up first to access the wallet themselves.
How to tell clean vs pre-activated wallets
A legitimate, unused Tangem wallet comes with the following items in the box:
- Tangem Cards – 2 or 3 cards, depending on your chosen kit.
- Getting Started Guide – step-by-step instructions to set up your wallet safely.
- Specifications Sheet – details about the wallet, supported tokens, and technical info.
Pre-activated Tangem Wallet
A pre-activated or tampered Tangem wallet have an "initialization password" as shown in the image above. Tangem Wallets never come with an initialization password.
What to do if you buy an activated wallet
Reset the wallet to factory settings and set it up yourself.
Report the seller to the marketplace where you bought the device
Contact Tangem support with order details and photos.
File a complaint with local authorities and your payment provider.
A hardware wallet only protects you when you alone control the keys. Anything sold as “pre-configured” or with a password already set is unsafe. The scam is global, so treat such offers as dangerous anywhere you shop online.
