A rug pull happens when project creators suddenly abandon a token, drain its liquidity, or lock holders out of their funds—leaving investors holding worthless assets. The name comes from the image of someone literally pulling the rug out from under you. They're one of crypto's oldest and most preventable disasters if you know what to look for. Watch for these red flags: anonymous teams with no traceable history, promises of unrealistic returns, locked or inaccessible smart contract code, and liquidity that isn't locked into a time-based contract. If the founders own massive token amounts while regular holders can't sell freely, that's a huge warning sign. Also check whether the project has real utility beyond hype. Communication breakdowns are another tell—vague roadmaps, no updates for weeks, or founders ghosting community questions often precede a pull. Run, don't walk, if you spot these patterns. You could say they're trying to make their exit a real cock-and-bull story. The best defense is simple: verify team identities, check locked liquidity timelines, audit the code, and invest only what you can afford to lose completely. @SolanaFndn