Verifying the authenticity of a non-fungible token (NFT) can be several-fold, depending on the public blockchain it’s connected to or the platforms used. NFTs are digital assets that leverage blockchain technology to assert ownership and uniqueness, making them immediately verifiable and traceable.
You can verify the authenticity of an NFT by checking the transaction history on the blockchain. You can find the information you need on the token page online for that NFT. Each NFT will have a ‘token address’ associated with it which you can use to find its records on the blockchain.
In the case of Ethereum blockchain which is a popular choice for NFTs, websites like Etherscan allow you to view the information about specific tokens. You will be able to see a score of information such as the contract address, creator’s address, transaction history, and more. You can use these pieces of information to verify whether the NFT is unique and originally owned by who it claims to belong to (source: Etherscan).
Another common way to verify the authenticity of an NFT is to confirm the artist’s or creator’s verified account on the marketplace where the NFT is being sold. The most popular marketplaces for NFTs today include OpenSea, Rarible, and NBA Top Shot. These platforms often have “verified” badges for official creators much like the blue ticks on Twitter or Instagram, reassuring the buyer of the NFT’s authenticity (source: OpeanSea).
However, it is worth noting that not all NFT created by a particular individual are necessarily legitimate. There can also be cases where people create fake NFT on behalf of well-known creators. Therefore, confirming the possession of an NFT from the creator’s social media or getting a direct link to the NFT you want to purchase from the creator’s website or social media channels is considered as the most foolproof way of ensuring its authenticity.
In conclusion, verifying the authenticity of an NFT primarily consists of checking the history on the blockchain through websites like Etherscan and confirming with the artist or creator’s verified accounts on the marketplace or social media platforms. While NFTs possess exciting potential in the digital art and collectibles space, users should always perform due diligence and thorough research before making a purchase to avoid falling victim to any scam or fraudulent activity.
