How to determine the correct token contract address on Etherscan
The Ethereum Blockchain is about immutability, transparency and censorship resistance. In respect to that, Etherscan displays all token contract deployed onto the Ethereum Blockchain. As a public and free block explorer, all contract will be indexed and displayed regardless. Any token name search with a familiar symbol will return more than one or more identical and/or similar results, and it has become difficult for users to identify which is the actual token contract address for a specific token/ICO that they are intended to participate and engage.
We at Etherscan conscious of the importance of providing transparent information to help users to stay vigilant and safe in the Ethereum token contract ecosystem. There are several features in place at Etherscan to help users to remain alert and secure in the Ethereum token contract ecosystem.
1. Token Information
The first thing to check once users visit the token contract address page would be to check for the token information. “Icon image,” “official site,” and other social media links should be present. Users can then visit the links and official site to double check if the contract address and official website are the actual project/token/ICO that they are looking.
2. Token Reputation
The token reputation system is in place to aid users on the progress and quality of the respective projects. Default awards “Unknown” status. Token contract owner will need to submit basic information, once verified by Etherscan support agent, the token contract may or may not obtain “Neutral” depending on the completeness of the information submitted. The “Ok” status is awarded (on Etherscan’s discretion) to significant projects that are subjected to the network effect, has accurate and transparent information displayed and may also be listed on major exchanges.
Warning reputation is also in place to warn users of dangerous, scam attempt and phishing token contract address namely “Suspicious,” “Unsafe” and “Spam.”
3. The “Blue Checkmark”
The purpose of the “blue checkmark” is to ease users in searching for a respective token contract address. The blue checkmark will allow the awarded token contract address visibility during a token search. Token contracts with the blue checkmark will display on top of other token contract and will get priority during a search. This features will increase relevancy for token name search on Etherscan search bar.
Token contracts that have complete information submission, reputable and unique are awarded the blue checkmark.
The features mentioned above are mutually exclusive. Token contract owner would need to first submit their token information for updating, followed by Token Reputation then the Blue Checkmark.
