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AI risk analysis - StellarTerm (2025-04-29 17:35:42)

Below is a comprehensive analysis of StellarTerm (official website: https://stellarterm.com/) based on the requested criteria, including online complaints, risk assessment, website security, WHOIS lookup, IP and hosting analysis, social media presence, regulatory status, red flags, user precautions, and potential brand confusion.

1. Overview of StellarTerm ¶

StellarTerm is an open-source client for accessing the Stellar Decentralized Exchange (DEX), allowing users to send, receive, and trade assets on the Stellar network. It is developed by Ultra Stellar LLC, the creators of the LOBSTR wallet, and is independent of the Stellar Development Foundation (SDF). StellarTerm is non-custodial, meaning users are responsible for managing their own private keys and assets. It supports trading with Stellar Lumens (XLM) and other assets, as well as crypto purchases via MoonPay using credit or debit cards.

2. Online Complaint Information ¶

Online reviews and complaints about StellarTerm reveal a mixed reputation, with significant concerns raised by some users:

Trustpilot and Reviews.io:
Trustpilot shows 5 reviews with a low average score, including a report of a user transferring 3.76 million Doget Tokens to StellarTerm without response from customer support.
Reviews.io reports 9 reviews with an average score of 2.11/5. Complaints include allegations of stolen funds (e.g., US$376,000 removed from a trading account, with claims of wallet manipulation) and stolen Doge Tokens transferred without consent. Users also report poor customer service, with months of unanswered queries.
Scamadviser:
Users have reported scams, with one claiming a loss of $700,500 to an online scammer and another alleging stolen Doge Tokens. These reviews contribute to a trust score of 76/100, indicating medium-to-low risk but not guaranteeing legitimacy.
BeerMoneyForum:
Discussions note StellarTerm’s decentralized nature and lack of liquidity in some trading pairs, which may frustrate users but are not direct scam allegations.
Common Themes:
Allegations of stolen funds or unauthorized transfers.
Unresponsive customer support.
Some users report successful trades (e.g., buying Doge Tokens), but the process is described as complex. Analysis: The complaints suggest potential issues with user experience, security, or customer support. However, some complaints may stem from user errors (e.g., phishing or mismanaging private keys) common in non-custodial platforms, rather than direct misconduct by StellarTerm. The severity of reported losses warrants caution.

3. Risk Level Assessment ¶

Based on available data, StellarTerm’s risk level is medium to high due to the following factors:

Non-Custodial Nature: Users are solely responsible for their private keys, increasing the risk of loss due to user error or phishing attacks.
Unregulated Status: StellarTerm operates without oversight from a specific regulatory authority, which may expose users to risks not mitigated by regulated exchanges.
Low Liquidity: Some trading pairs have low liquidity, potentially leading to delays or unfavorable trades.
User Complaints: Allegations of stolen funds and unresponsive support elevate perceived risk.
Trust Scores:
Scamadviser: 76/100 (medium-to-low risk but not definitive).
Scam Detector (for stellarterm.net): 48.5/100 (doubtful, medium-risk).
ReivewStop (for stellarterm.net): Flagged with 2 detections, suggesting investment risks. Mitigating Factors:
Decentralized and open-source nature reduces centralized control risks.
Association with Ultra Stellar LLC and LOBSTR wallet lends some credibility. Conclusion: While not definitively a scam, the combination of user complaints, lack of regulation, and non-custodial risks suggests a medium-to-high risk profile, especially for inexperienced users.

4. Website Security Tools and Analysis ¶

StellarTerm’s website (https://stellarterm.com/) employs several security measures, but vulnerabilities have been noted:

SSL/TLS Encryption:
The site uses HTTPS with a valid SSL certificate, ensuring encrypted data transmission.
Strict-Transport-Security (HSTS) is implemented with a max-age of 15,552,000 seconds, enhancing protection against man-in-the-middle attacks.
Reported Vulnerabilities:
A 2019 GitHub issue highlighted a critical flaw: StellarTerm’s website could be easily copied and hosted on a similar domain, enabling phishing attacks. Malicious actors could extract private keys by adding JavaScript to capture form inputs. The test site (riomyers.com/stellar) functioned identically to the original, with no browser security warnings due to HTTPS. This vulnerability underscores the risk of brand confusion and phishing.
Third-Party Trackers:
Scamadviser notes that cryptocurrency sites like StellarTerm may include third-party trackers that could access user data (e.g., IP address, location, or hardware info). This is a general risk for crypto platforms but not unique to StellarTerm.
Malware and Phishing Risks:
No direct evidence of malware distribution, but the non-custodial nature requires users to input private keys, making phishing a significant concern. Users must verify the domain (https://stellarterm.com/) to avoid fake sites. Recommendations:
Use browser extensions like Guardio to block malicious sites.
Enable Safe Browsing features in Chrome, Safari, or Firefox to detect risky sites.
Verify the domain manually and avoid clicking unsolicited links. Analysis: While the website employs standard security protocols, the reported vulnerability to phishing via cloned sites is a significant concern. Users must exercise extreme caution to avoid fake domains.

5. WHOIS Lookup ¶

The WHOIS data for stellarterm.com provides insight into its registration and ownership:

Domain Name: stellarterm.com
Registrar: Name.com, Inc.
Registration Date: January 8, 2017
Updated Date: January 9, 2017
Expiry Date: January 8, 2018 (Note: This data is outdated; the domain remains active, suggesting renewal).
Name Servers: abby.ns.cloudflare.com, jake.ns.cloudflare.com
Domain Status: clientTransferProhibited (prevents unauthorized transfers)
DNSSEC: Unsigned Analysis:
The domain’s age (registered in 2017) suggests an established presence, which is generally a positive indicator of legitimacy.
The use of Cloudflare name servers indicates robust DNS management and potential DDoS protection.
Lack of DNSSEC may slightly increase the risk of DNS spoofing, though this is not a critical issue.
No public registrant details are available (likely due to privacy protection), which is common but limits transparency. Conclusion: The WHOIS data aligns with a legitimate, long-standing domain, but users should verify the domain’s current status via a WHOIS lookup tool (e.g., Above.com) for up-to-date information.

6. IP and Hosting Analysis ¶

IP Address: 66.29.132.118 (for stellarterm.org, likely similar for .com)
Hosting Location: United States
Hosting Provider: Not explicitly named, but Cloudflare is used for DNS, suggesting possible Cloudflare hosting or CDN services.
Other Domains:
stellarterm.net: Hosted on 199.188.200.147 (NameCheap hosting, US).
stellarterm.org: Shares similar hosting characteristics with .com. Analysis:
Hosting in the US with a reputable provider like Cloudflare is a positive sign, as it typically ensures reliability and security.
The use of distinct IPs for .net and .com/.org domains suggests potential brand confusion risks, as malicious actors could exploit similar domains (e.g., stellarterm.net).
No reports of shared hosting with suspicious sites, but the GitHub vulnerability indicates that cloned sites could be hosted elsewhere. Conclusion: The hosting setup appears legitimate, but the risk of phishing via similar domains requires vigilance.

StellarTerm’s social media presence is limited, which impacts its community engagement:

X (Twitter):
Handle: Not explicitly provided, but StellarTerm has 4,493 followers and follows 14 accounts.
Activity: 104 tweets since joining in August 2017, indicating low engagement.
No verified checkmark, which could make it harder to distinguish from fake accounts.
Reddit and Telegram:
No official Reddit or Telegram accounts are reported, limiting community interaction.
Website Traffic:
556 monthly organic visitors, considered low.
Ahrefs Rank: 85,163; Domain Rating: 71 (very good). Reviews on Social Media:
Mixed feedback on platforms like Trustpilot and Reviews.io, with some users praising functionality but others alleging scams.
No significant positive buzz on X or other platforms, which is concerning for a crypto exchange. Analysis:
The small social media footprint and lack of verified accounts increase the risk of impersonation and phishing.
Low engagement suggests limited community trust or marketing efforts.
The high Domain Rating is a positive indicator of website authority, but low traffic indicates niche usage. Recommendations:
Verify social media accounts via the official website (https://stellarterm.com/).
Avoid interacting with unverified accounts claiming to represent StellarTerm.

8. Regulatory Status ¶

Regulation: StellarTerm is not regulated by any specific financial authority, as it is a decentralized exchange.
Implications:
Lack of oversight may expose users to security risks, financial irregularities, or limited recourse in disputes.
Unregulated exchanges are considered high-risk due to the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies and potential for scams.
KYC Requirements:
Minimal KYC for most users; only large transactions may require government-issued ID verification.
This aligns with the decentralized ethos but increases the risk of illicit activity. Analysis:
The lack of regulation is typical for DEXs but heightens risk compared to regulated exchanges like Coinbase or Binance.
Users must conduct their own due diligence and check local regulations regarding crypto trading. Recommendation:
Use regulated alternatives for added protection if risk tolerance is low.

9. Red Flags and Potential Risk Indicators ¶

Several red flags and risk indicators emerge from the analysis:

User Complaints:
Allegations of stolen funds and unresponsive support.
Reports of unauthorized token transfers, though these may result from phishing or user error.
Phishing Vulnerability:
The GitHub issue demonstrates that StellarTerm’s website can be cloned, posing a severe phishing risk.
Similar domains (e.g., stellarterm.net, stellarterm.org) could be exploited.
Low Trust Scores:
Scam Detector’s 48.5/100 score for stellarterm.net and Scamadviser’s 76/100 for .com suggest caution.
Lack of Regulation: No oversight increases exposure to risks.
Limited Social Media Presence: Low engagement and unverified accounts hinder trust.
Liquidity Issues: Low trading volume may cause delays or losses.
Non-Custodial Risks: Users must secure their own keys, which is challenging for novices. Analysis: The combination of phishing vulnerabilities, user complaints, and lack of regulation constitutes significant red flags. While not conclusive evidence of a scam, these factors elevate risk.

10. Website Content Analysis ¶

Content Overview:
The website (https://stellarterm.com/) describes StellarTerm as an open-source client for the Stellar DEX, emphasizing non-custodial trading and integration with wallets like Ledger, Freighter, and Trezor.
Features include trading, sending/receiving assets, and crypto purchases via MoonPay.
The interface is described as user-friendly, though charting tools are basic and unsuitable for advanced traders.
Transparency:
Clearly states its non-custodial nature and independence from SDF.
Provides documentation and open-source code under the Apache-2.0 license.
No fixed fee structure; fees vary by transaction, which may lack transparency.
Red Flags:
No physical address or detailed contact information, which is common for DEXs but reduces trust.
No explicit privacy policy link mentioned in reviews, though legitimate sites typically include one. Analysis: The website content is straightforward and aligns with a legitimate DEX. However, the lack of detailed contact info and variable fees may concern users seeking transparency.

11. User Precautions ¶

To safely use StellarTerm, users should take the following precautions:

Verify the Domain:
Always access https://stellarterm.com/ directly; avoid links from emails or social media.
Check for HTTPS and the exact domain to avoid phishing sites.
Secure Private Keys:
Use a hardware wallet (e.g., Ledger, Trezor) for key storage.
Never share private keys or input them on unverified sites.
Use Cold and Hot Wallets:
Store most assets in a cold wallet and use a hot wallet for trading to minimize losses if compromised.
Enable Security Tools:
Use browser extensions like Guardio and enable Safe Browsing.
Run antivirus software to detect malware.
Research and Diversify:
Research StellarTerm’s reputation and diversify holdings across multiple platforms to reduce risk.
Check local crypto regulations before trading.
Report Issues:
If scammed, contact law enforcement (e.g., FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center in the US) and file complaints with the FTC.
Monitor Transactions:
Regularly check wallet activity and report suspicious transfers immediately.

12. Potential Brand Confusion ¶

StellarTerm faces significant risks of brand confusion due to:

Similar Domains:
stellarterm.net: Registered in 2021, hosted separately, and flagged as medium-risk (48.5/100 trust score).
stellarterm.org: Shares hosting characteristics with .com but is not the official domain.
These domains could be used for phishing, as demonstrated by the GitHub vulnerability.
Phishing Risk:
Cloned websites can mimic StellarTerm’s functionality, tricking users into entering private keys.
Lack of a verified social media presence exacerbates the risk of fake accounts.
Other Platforms:
Confusion with StellarX or Stellarport, other Stellar-based platforms, due to similar naming and functionality.
Stellar.org (SDF’s official site) may be mistaken for StellarTerm, though they are distinct. Analysis: The existence of similar domains and the ease of cloning the website pose a high risk of brand confusion. Users must verify the official domain and be cautious of lookalike sites.

13. Recommendations and Final Assessment ¶

Summary:

Legitimacy: StellarTerm appears to be a legitimate open-source client for the Stellar DEX, developed by Ultra Stellar LLC. However, significant user complaints, phishing vulnerabilities, and lack of regulation raise concerns.
Risk Level: Medium to high, particularly for inexperienced users, due to non-custodial risks, reported scams, and phishing potential.
Strengths: User-friendly interface, non-custodial model, and open-source code.
Weaknesses: Unresponsive support, low liquidity, unregulated status, and vulnerability to phishing. Recommendations:
For Users:
Use StellarTerm only if comfortable with non-custodial platforms and private key management.
Verify the domain (https://stellarterm.com/) and use hardware wallets.
Start with small transactions to test the platform.
Consider regulated alternatives for lower risk.
For StellarTerm:
Address phishing vulnerabilities by implementing stronger domain verification or user alerts.
Improve customer support responsiveness to rebuild trust.
Enhance social media presence with verified accounts to reduce impersonation risks. Final Note: While StellarTerm is not definitively a scam, the combination of user complaints, security vulnerabilities, and lack of regulation warrants caution. Users should approach with robust security practices and consider alternatives if risk-averse. For further verification, check the official website and conduct a WHOIS lookup via Above.com.

If you need specific details (e.g., deeper analysis of a particular aspect or assistance with reporting a scam), please let me know!