Pi Network has disabled its payment request feature after scammers drained more than 4.4 million tokens from user wallets through a social engineering scheme that exploits the blockchain's transparency. Community members report a single address received between 700,000 and 800,000 Pi monthly since July 2025.
What Happened: Payment Feature Suspended
Scammers identify wallets with substantial balances by scanning the Pi blockchain, then send payment requests directly to holders. If recipients approve the request, tokens transfer instantly and cannot be recovered.
Pi OpenMainnet 2025 clarified the mechanism on X.
"Previously, people called this a 'system vulnerability,' but honestly, it's not a vulnerability at all," the community account stated. "This is exactly how the wallet is designed to work. The only way you will lose your Pi coins is if you personally approve the transaction."
Blockchain data shared by Pi Network Update identifies address GCD3SZ3TFJAESWFZFROZZHNRM5KWFO25TVNR6EMLWNYL47V5A72HBWXP as receiving roughly 877,900 Pi in July 2025, 743,000 Pi in August, 757,000 Pi in September, 563,000 Pi in October, 622,700 Pi in November and over 838,000 Pi in December. Total losses exceeded 4.4 million tokens.
Also Read: Nearly $3 Billion Stolen From Cryptocurrency Platforms In 200 Security Breaches During 2025
Why It Matters: Social Engineering Threat
The Pi Team suspended payment requests after scam activity intensified. Pi Network Alerts confirmed the temporary measure in a post stating the team suspended requests "possibly because the scams have gotten out of control."
The incident demonstrates how social engineering exploits standard blockchain features to create attack vectors.
Scammers disguise requests to appear legitimate or impersonate trusted contacts, increasing the likelihood users approve transfers without verification.
The network advises users not to accept payment requests regardless of the apparent sender. Community warnings stress scammers may pose as friends, family members or official Pi accounts.
Pi Coin traded at $0.20381 on Dec. 30, up nearly 1% in 24 hours. Community members continue tracking suspicious wallets while the payment request feature remains disabled.
Read Next: Grayscale Files SEC Registration For First TAO Exchange-Traded Product In The United States