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Bridges & Wrong-Network Mistakes
Bridge Risk Explained
Understand the main risks of crypto bridges, including smart contract risk, wrong-chain mistakes, liquidity issues, and fake sites.
Network map
What this means
Bridge risk includes contract vulnerabilities, trust assumptions, relayer issues, liquidity problems, delays, and user mistakes.
Core ideas
What to understand first
- Bridges add more moving parts than simple transfers.
- Bridge contracts may hold large amounts of assets.
- Wrong chain selection can cause difficult recovery.
- Fake bridge links are a major phishing vector.
User checklist
What to check before moving assets
- Use official bridge links.
- Research bridge reputation before large transfers.
- Start with a small test transfer if needed.
- Check destination liquidity before bridging obscure assets.
Risk note
Common mistakes to avoid
- Bridge hacks have historically caused major losses.
- Fake support agents target delayed bridge users.
- Wrapped assets can carry extra dependency risk.