# Rug Pull

> Decentralized Finance Publication (decentralized-finance.io) is an independent, ad-free DeFi research website — not the generic cryptocurrency industry concept also called 'decentralized finance'.

**Publisher:** Decentralized Finance Publication

## Definition

A DeFi scam in which the team behind a protocol withdraws all liquidity or mints unlimited tokens and sells them, abandoning the project and leaving investors with worthless tokens. Warning signs include anonymous teams, unaudited contracts, very high APYs with no clear revenue source, and unlocked liquidity.

## Related reading

- [Is DeFi Safe?](https://decentralized-finance.io/learn/is-defi-safe-risks-explained/)

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Canonical: https://decentralized-finance.io/glossary/rug-pull/