Online scams are one of the biggest threats to crypto users. Hackers often disguise themselves as official exchange representatives, sending fake login emails, fake withdrawal alerts, or fake security notifications. These phishing attempts are designed to trick you into revealing your password, 2FA code, or even your recovery phrase.
To protect users, major exchanges such as Binance, OKX, Bybit, and KuCoin offer a powerful security feature called the Anti-Phishing Code.
This guide explains what it is, why it matters, and how to set it up properly.
1. What Is an Anti-Phishing Code?
An Anti-Phishing Code is a custom security phrase that you choose—such as:
- “DavidSecure”
- “YourOnlyOfficialEmail”
- “7X24HELP”
Once activated, this code will appear in every official email sent to you by the exchange.
This helps you verify:
- Whether the email is legitimate
- Whether it truly came from the exchange
- Whether the content should be trusted
If an email claiming to be from the exchange does not contain your Anti-Phishing Code, it is a phishing email.
2. Why Anti-Phishing Codes Are Important
Phishing attacks are the #1 cause of crypto theft.
Scammers create extremely realistic emails with:
- Fake domain names
- Fake withdrawal alerts
- Fake login notifications
- Fake “verify your account” requests
Even experienced users can fall victim.
Anti-Phishing Codes solve this by creating a unique identifier that only the exchange knows.
3. How Exchanges Use Anti-Phishing Codes
When your code is enabled:
- Every official transactional email will include your code at the top
- All false emails will not contain it
- You can immediately identify scams
For example:
🟩 Legitimate Email
“Your Anti-Phishing Code: DavidSecure
Your withdrawal request has been processed…”
🟥 Fake Email
(no Anti-Phishing Code)
“Your account requires verification…”
→ Scam. Delete immediately.
4. How to Set Up an Anti-Phishing Code
The setup process is similar across all exchanges.
4.1 Binance Example
- Log in to your Binance account
- Go to Security
- Find Anti-Phishing Code
- Enter a custom phrase (6–20 characters)
- Confirm with 2FA
- Done
Tips for choosing a code
✔ Use a unique word/phrase
✔ Do not use your name or birthday
✔ Avoid simple codes like “123456”
✔ Make it memorable but not obvious
5. How Anti-Phishing Codes Prevent Scams
✔ Prevents fake “Withdrawal confirmation” emails
Scammers often send fake emails asking you to cancel unauthorized withdrawals.
✔ Prevents fake “Login from new device” alerts
These emails try to create panic and get your login details.
✔ Prevents fake KYC/verification emails
Fake KYC pages are one of the most common scam types.
✔ Prevents fake “Security update” emails
Scammers prompt users to “reset password” on fake pages.
✔ Works even if scammers copy the exchange design
They cannot know your custom code.
6. Limitations of Anti-Phishing Codes
Anti-Phishing codes are powerful, but not perfect.
❌ They only protect against email phishing
They do not protect you against:
- Fake DEX websites
- Fake wallet apps
- Fake Telegram admins
- Fake signature requests
- Drainer smart contracts
❌ They do not protect your seed phrase
Your seed phrase must still be protected manually.
❌ They do not stop scammers from messaging you directly
Always remember:
No admin will DM you first.
7. Additional Security Features to Use Together
For best protection, combine Anti-Phishing Code with:
✔ 2FA (Google Authenticator)
Avoid SMS 2FA if possible.
✔ Withdrawal Whitelist
Allows withdrawals only to your approved addresses.
✔ Device Management
Remove old devices you no longer use.
✔ Login Protection
Enable advanced verification.
✔ Disable unneeded API keys
Especially if you don’t use bots.
8. Final Takeaway
Anti-Phishing Codes are simple but extremely effective.
They help you immediately verify whether an email is legitimate.
To stay safe:
- Enable your Anti-Phishing Code
- Bookmark official websites
- Never click links in emails
- Never share your recovery phrase
- Never enter your login details on unverified pages
One small action can protect your entire account.