DeFi protocols pivot from Discord amid phishing concerns
Decentralized finance protocols are increasingly winding down public Discord servers, citing user safety concerns as scammers target open channels. The trend gained visibility on Wednesday when lending protocol Morpho set its public Discord to read-only and directed users to other support options, reflecting a broader shift toward more controlled communication systems.
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The move is not isolated. DefiLlama’s pseudonymous founder 0xngmi said the data platform has been gradually moving away from Discord, opting for tools that offer tighter controls. Builders report a pivot from always-on chat rooms to structured support workflows aimed at reducing risk and protecting users.
Source: Anton Cheng
Why teams in DeFi are reducing reliance on Discord
Developers and data providers say securing Discord at scale has become increasingly difficult, with phishing remaining a persistent threat. Morpho co-founder Merlin Egalite described the decision to step back from Discord as difficult, noting that users were being phished while seeking assistance despite extensive monitoring and safeguards.
Morpho said it has tested tools such as Intercom, which Egalite noted improves support delivery through features like ticket tracking and AI-assisted responses.
Similar concerns were raised by 0xngmi, who said DefiLlama shifted toward live support chat and email ticketing, arguing that Discord makes it challenging to protect users because scammers can still send direct messages even after bans.
Source: 0xngmi
Community figures back the move off Discord
Industry participants have weighed in on the change. Richard Rodairos, a talent partner at Dragonfly, said public Discord servers have become “one of the lowest signal surfaces in the space,” adding that users and builders are better served by clear documentation, asynchronous support, and dependable communication channels. He argued that removing most crypto Discords could ultimately benefit the sector.
Marc Zeller, founder of the Aavechan Initiative, said Discord is “full of scammers,” with users seeking help frequently targeted by impersonators. He welcomed Morpho’s decision and urged Aave Labs to reassess its use of the platform.
Nifty Gateway co-founder Duncan Cock Foster said moderating Discord had been the most challenging part of operating his former company and a significant strain on his mental health, calling Morpho’s approach prudent.
Not all participants support leaving Discord
Some community members warned that stepping away from Discord could erode one of DeFi’s core strengths: open, peer-to-peer collaboration. X user Llamaonthebrink noted that the ability to “pop into a project’s Discord” to share feedback and follow development has long been a key draw, expressing hope the trend does not become widespread.
Others argued the issue is operational rather than platform-specific. X user nft_dreww said all platforms attract scammers and that well-run Discord servers with proper security can remain safe and active.
X user Walter_Su11ivan shared a similar view, suggesting that outcomes depend on execution and noting many projects maintain healthy, well-moderated communities on Discord.
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