Your IP:Unknown

·

Your Status: Unknown

Skip to main content


Is Pump.fun safe? A closer look at its privacy and security

In 2024, Pump.fun emerged as a platform where anyone with some creativity and curiosity could develop and trade cryptocurrency inspired by internet memes and jokes — memecoins. As fun as that may sound, you should be cautious of scams, rug pulls, and phishing attempts, which are common in platforms like Pump.fun.


Feb 3, 2025

8 min read

Is Pump.fun safe?

What is Pump.fun?

Pump.fun, or simply “Pump,” is a cryptocurrency trading platform built on the Solana blockchain. On Pump, users create and trade meme-inspired cryptocurrencies, known as tokens, directly with one another using smart contracts. They can also launch the tokens they create on Pump.fun on decentralized exchanges.

The Pump.fun platform went live in January 2024 to ride the wave of growing interest in memecoins like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu. Its user-friendly interface soon attracted a  memecoin following that has been steadily growing up to this day.

What makes Pump.fun stand out is its ability to help users discover new Solana-based projects, such as crypto tokens and applications, and track their growth over time. It provides real-time analytics with features like price graphs and trending volumes to help users understand token performance.

But is Pump.fun safe to use, or does it still carry risks like cryptocurrency scams and fraud that are common in the memecoin space?

Is Pump.fun safe?

Pump.fun itself is a safe platform that offers an easy-to-use environment for creating and trading memecoins. However, as with any online trading platform, you should be aware of potential risks caused by individuals who misuse it.

Cybercriminals may engage in scams like rug pulls, where a token’s creator abandons the project after collecting funds, or phishing, where malicious links embedded in token descriptions trick users into sharing sensitive information.

Common concerns across trading platforms also include data breaches, where personal information could be exposed, and account security issues, which may arise from weak passwords or stolen login credentials. To learn more about Pump.fun’s privacy and security, peruse Pump.fun’s privacy policy and terms of use. Or simply read on to find a recap of them.

Pump.fun’s privacy policy

As of the latest update on 22 October, 2024, Pump.fun’s privacy policy outlines how it collects, uses, and protects user data. The main points you should be aware of include: 

  • Pump.fun may collect wallet addresses, transaction information, device and/or browser data, IP addresses, and other usage data.
  • The platform retains personal user data for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in the policy, including compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
  • The policy indicates that appropriate technical and organizational safeguards are used to prevent unauthorized access, though no specific encryption or security frameworks are publicly detailed.
  • The privacy policy acknowledges user rights under applicable data protection laws, including the right to access, rectify, or delete personal data, subject to legal and operational constraints.
  • Pump.fun’s updated policy explicitly states that it does not knowingly collect personal data from individuals under the age of 18.

Pump.fun’s security features

Pump.fun does not directly hold user funds, because it is neither an exchange nor a wallet service. However, baseline security considerations are still important. The platform uses standard security measures such as encrypted connections (HTTPS) to protect data while it’s in transit. According to its privacy policy, Pump.fun takes steps to prevent unauthorized access to personal data by restricting access to authorized personnel and implementing IT safeguards.

Despite these measures, the platform does not publicly disclose advanced security practices like audits, penetration testing, or bug bounty programs. Since Pump.fun aggregates information and links to external sites, you should remain cautious when clicking on external links or engaging with third-party projects listed on the platform.

User reviews

Community feedback and user reviews can provide valuable insights into Pump.fun’ safety. Positive user feedback often highlights Pump.fun’s ease of use and helpful analytics, while negative reports typically talk about the site inadvertently featuring questionable projects or not acting quickly enough to remove suspicious listings. Since memecoin markets move rapidly, you need to stay informed about what others in the market are saying because what seemed safe or reliable yesterday can quickly change.

Regulation and compliance

Pump.fun’s privacy policy references compliance with global data protection standards, including the handling of personal data in line with relevant legislation. However, as a platform focused on information aggregation rather than executing trades or holding custody of assets, Pump.fun may not be subject to the same regulatory requirements as crypto exchanges or financial service providers.

The privacy policy does not explicitly mention licensing or oversight from financial regulators. If you’re a user, you should treat Pump.fun primarily as an informational resource, keeping in mind that the platform does not guarantee the legitimacy of every project it lists.

Age restrictions

The privacy policy clarifies that Pump.fun is not directed at nor knowingly collects data from anyone under the age of 18. This explicit age-related policy suggests an effort to prevent young users from accessing potentially risky crypto markets.

While age restriction is a positive step, there is no mention of additional safeguards like reliable age verification measures or child safety mechanisms. Parents and guardians remain responsible for monitoring online activity and ensuring that minors do not engage with speculative financial content.

Recent privacy and security incidents and scams on Pump.fun

Pump.fun has been subject to several incidents involving its users and even an employee exploiting the platform. In May 2024, Pump.fun faced significant privacy and security challenges because of a former employee who exploited administrative privileges to misappropriate around 12,300 SOL (at the time, around 1.9 million USD). The individual used flash loans to manipulate the platform’s bonding curves, which caused substantial financial loss for users. In response, Pump.fun temporarily halted trading, upgraded its contracts to prevent future exploits, and introduced measures to compensate those affected.

Another issue arose with Pump.fun’s livestream functionality, which was originally intended for token promotion but was misused to broadcast harmful content. Pump.fun subsequently removed this feature in November 2024. 

The platform has also come under scrutiny from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, which issued a warning urging users to exercise caution. The FCA flagged Pump.fun as an unauthorized platform that raises concerns about potential scams.

For example, the ease of creating tokens on Pump.fun has facilitated rug pull scams. Some creators have been launching tokens, heavily promoting them to attract investors, and then selling off their holdings, causing the token’s value to plummet. In one notable instance, a teenager exploited these tactics to earn over $50,000, sparking widespread community outrage.

How to stay safer on Pump.fun

To safeguard yourself while using Pump.fun, consider the following best practices:

  • If you encounter any suspicious behavior or content on Pump.fun, report it to the platform’s team through its official communication channels.
  • Use complex passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols to keep your account secure. A password manager can help you create and safely store these passwords hassle free.
  • Regularly check and update your privacy settings on Pump.fun to manage what information you share and decide who can see it.
  • Avoid sharing sensitive personal information, like your home address, phone number, or financial details, on the platform.
  • Use a reliable VPN, which adds an additional layer of digital security by encrypting your online traffic.
  • Don’t click on suspicious links posted on Pump.fun because they might contain malware, phishing, or scam attempts. Protect yourself by using advanced anti-malware and anti-phishing tools such as Threat Protection Pro™. Even if you click on an unsafe link, Threat Protection Pro™ will warn you about the risk and block your access to the malicious website.

Online security starts with a click.

Stay safe with the world’s leading VPN

FAQ


author irma png

Irma Šlekytė

An online privacy enthusiast, Irma approaches her writing about cybersecurity with an "I can help!" attitude. With particular interest in cyber hygiene, she strives to share practical insights with NordVPN readers.