A cryptocurrency trader, often referred to as a “sniper,” suffered severe losses after losing $436,000 worth of SOL when investing in the recently launched PAIN token on the DeFi platform.
It happened too fast for many investors to comprehend, raising further questions about the volatility in the DeFi space and investing in tokens that are still unaudited.
The Details Behind the Loss
The trader, renowned among crypto circles for snapping up new tokens during launches (“sniping”), targeted the PAIN token shortly after it hit the market. At first, the token showed substantial promise, with its price chart displaying meteoric growth.
However, the sniper overlooked vital red flags in the token’s code that enabled malicious actors to manipulate liquidity. Within hours, the token’s value plummeted, wiping out the sniper’s entire $436,000 investment in SOL—a prominent cryptocurrency within the ecosystem of Solana.
Analysts have pointed out that hasty transactions with insufficient due diligence often lead to such disasters. Tools such as automated contract scanners and developer verifications exist to mitigate these risks but were seemingly disregarded in this case. Learn more about the $436,000 dispute here.
Community Reactions and Lessons to Learn
The “sniper’ as he is referred to in the crypto sphere, specializes in buying tokens at the time of their launch.
He decided to buy the newly launched PAIN token at its peak and received great returns at first, but with time, the token’s value began to dip, signifying immense selling pressure, which in turn led to the buyer PAIN token.
As a result, the sniper lost his entire investment in SOL, one of the Solana ecosystem’s leading cryptocurrencies. A majority of the analysts agree that inexperienced and fast transactions without research done beforehand are a major reason for loss.
This case highlights the importance of automated contract scanners and developer verifications, which seem to be ignored here.
How Can Traders Avoid Such Risks?
For participants in volatile DeFi ecosystems, risk management remains crucial. Experts suggest investors scrutinize token contracts for vulnerabilities before injecting significant capital into new projects.

Transparency from project developers is non-negotiable, and staying updated with industry best practices is essential to navigating the space safely. Additionally, trusted resources like DeFi Safety can provide insights into the quality of blockchain projects and prevent painful losses.
The cryptocurrency realm rewards foresight and preparation but punishes carelessness instantly. While stories like this serve as a sharp warning, they underline the exhilarating yet unforgiving nature of decentralized finance.