DefiLlama has delayed the release of its mobile app after discovering phishing lookalikes on Apple’s App Store, according to the company’s founder. Apple removed at least one fraudulent app within days after DefiLlama documented that it had drained funds from a small crypto wallet, the founder said.
Fake App Removed After Report
The founder said the team identified a counterfeit app impersonating DefiLlama and provided evidence to Apple that the app had extracted funds from a small wallet. Apple removed the listing within days of receiving the report, according to the account.
Phishing apps often mimic well-known crypto brands to solicit seed phrases or prompt malicious transactions, allowing attackers to access user funds.
Mobile Launch Paused
DefiLlama, a widely used decentralized finance analytics platform that tracks total value locked (TVL) across protocols and chains, has delayed its mobile launch amid the appearance of lookalike apps. The company signaled it would prioritize user safety and clarity around the official app before proceeding.
Imitation Apps Remain a Risk
Crypto-related apps on mainstream marketplaces have been recurring targets for impersonation, creating risks for users who may download fraudulent software that requests sensitive information or executes unauthorized on-chain actions. App store reviews can mitigate these issues, but malicious listings may still appear temporarily.
How users can reduce risk
- Download apps only from links on the project’s official website or verified social channels.
- Verify the developer name, publication date, and app history before installing.
- Be wary of requests for seed phrases or private keys—legitimate apps do not ask for them.
- Review recent user feedback for warnings about phishing or unauthorized transactions.