TapTools: Wallet Fraud Detection

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will develop an automated algorithm to detect and flag wallets engaging in scam activities like rugging liquidity and repetitive fraudulent transactions, safeguarding the ecosystem.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

Due to considerations regarding intellectual property protection, commercialization strategy, and security concerns, it has been decided that the project outputs will not be open sourced. This decision is aligned with our business model and resources available for maintenance.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution targets the pervasive issue of scam activity, specifically focusing on wallet fraud that erodes trust and undermines the integrity of the Cardano network. By leveraging TapTools' existing data capabilities and trust within the community, we aim to create an advanced fraud detection system that effectively identifies and flags malicious wallets.

Understanding the Problem:

We have observed a consistent pattern where scammers exploit vulnerabilities like draining liquidity, rug pulls, and other deceptive practices. These activities not only defraud individuals but also damage the communal trust and the overall reputation of the blockchain ecosystem.

Unique Approach:

Our solution employs a sophisticated algorithm that analyzes transaction patterns and flag anomalies indicative of scam-like behavior.

Demonstrating Impact:

We will measure the effectiveness of our solution by monitoring the reduction in scam transactions over time. Additionally, user feedback and improvements in community sentiment will serve as qualitative indicators of our impact.

Significance to Cardano:

Our solution directly contributes to enhancing the security framework of Cardano. By ensuring a safer environment for transactions, we not only protect current users but also attract new users and developers, fostering growth and innovation within the ecosystem. The trust and data integrity that TapTools brings to Cardano highlight our commitment to advancing blockchain technology in a secure and user-centric manner.

This comprehensive approach not only addresses the immediate issue of wallet fraud but also strengthens the overall health and appeal of Cardano as a leading blockchain platform.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

By enhancing the fraud detection capabilities within the Cardano ecosystem, will significantly improve security and trust, crucial for the sustained growth and adoption of Cardano technologies. Here’s how we plan to measure and share the impact of our project:

Enhanced Security: By identifying and flagging scam activities, our project directly reduces the incidence of scams that can financially harm users and tarnish Cardano's reputation. A safer ecosystem attracts more users and investors, contributing to the growth and stability of Cardano.

Increased Trust: Trust is fundamental in the adoption of blockchain technologies. Our solution helps build trust by ensuring that users feel secure in their transactions, knowing there is a robust system in place to protect them from fraud.

Support for Developers: Developers on Cardano will benefit from our fraud detection API, which they can integrate into their projects to provide additional security layers. This support fosters innovation and encourages the development of new, secure applications on the platform.

Quantitative Measures: We will monitor key metrics, including the number of flagged wallets identified and liquidity pools labeled as scams. This data will provide concrete evidence of our system’s effectiveness, offering valuable insights into its impact on enhancing security within the Cardano ecosystem.

Qualitative Feedback: User testimonials, community feedback, and partner reviews will be collected to gauge community sentiment and satisfaction with our fraud detection system.

Community Engagement: We will actively engage with the Cardano community through X, Discord, AMAs, and other platforms to disseminate information about our tool’s capabilities and developments.

Open Access to Data: We will publish detailed reports on our system's performance and the overall security state of the Cardano ecosystem. These milestone reports will be made available through our official social media channels, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all community members.

Collaborations and Partnerships: We plan to collaborate with other Cardano-based projects and platforms to integrate our fraud detection tool, thereby extending its benefits across the ecosystem. By sharing our technology, we enable other projects to enhance their security measures, contributing to a safer Cardano community.

By implementing these strategies, our project will not only enhance security on the Cardano blockchain but also foster a more robust and trusting community, thereby supporting the wider adoption and success of Cardano's technology.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Capability and Trust

At TapTools, we’re not just the leading data analytics platform on Cardano; we’re a trusted hub for tracking trades, transactions, and wallets. Our team is packed with seasoned data scientists and blockchain experts, all geared up to develop a top-notch wallet fraud detection system.

Feasibility and Validation

We’re set to put our fraud detection algorithm through its paces with pilot testing on historical data, followed by a community beta release. This step-by-step approach allows us to refine our system based on real feedback, making sure it hits the mark.

Financial Management and Accountability

We take pride in our transparent and meticulous financial management—just as we demonstrated in Catalyst Fund 9. We’ll keep you in the loop with detailed budgets and regular updates, ensuring everyone involved knows exactly where and how funds are being used.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Framework Design

A: Milestone Outputs

• Detailed design of the fraud detection framework, including algorithm specifications and data requirements.
• Initial project plan with defined roles and timelines.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Approval of the design document by the project team.
• Project plan accepted and timelines agreed upon.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Signed-off design document.

Data Parsing and Model Assembly

A: Milestone Outputs

• Data collection and parsing setup complete.
• Initial fraud detection model developed.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Data sources are integrated and operational.
• Initial model passes basic functionality tests.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Screenshots showing successful data integration.
• Report on initial model tests.

Model Refinement and Beta Testing

A: Milestone Outputs

• Refined model incorporating initial feedback.
• Launch of beta testing with selected user group.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Model demonstrates improved accuracy and efficiency.
• Positive feedback from beta testers on functionality and user experience.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Updated model performance report.
• Beta test feedback report with user testimonials.

Platform Integration

A: Milestone Outputs

• Integration of the fraud detection system into the TapTools platform.
• User training materials and system documentation developed.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• System integrates seamlessly with existing platform features.
• Documentation meets clarity and comprehensiveness standards.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• System integration test results.
• Copies of user documentation.

Full Deployment on Production

A: Milestone Outputs

• Full system deployment across all platform users.
• Monitoring tools and support processes established.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• System operates smoothly under normal and peak loads.
• User support queries are resolved within agreed timeframes.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• System performance reports.
• Support ticket summaries demonstrating resolution efficiency.

Project Close-Out and Assessment

A: Milestone Outputs

• Comprehensive project report detailing outcomes, impact on community, and lessons learned.
• Final project presentation to Project Catalyst.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Report covers all project aspects and metrics effectively.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Final project report.
• Recordings of the final presentation.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Some of the key contributors and founding members of TapTools are:

Alec Myers

CEO of TapTools

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alec-myers-profile/

https://twitter.com/cardano_tools

Jacob Warren

CTO of TapTools

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-warren-186252127/

https://twitter.com/_jacobwarren

James Cadena

COO of TapTools

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-cadena-41280a57/

https://twitter.com/jamescadeen

Alex Yue

CMO of TapTools

https://twitter.com/Alex_ADA_

There are also 7 other core members of the team that contribute greatly to TapTools.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Framework Design

• UI/UX Design: Creation of wireframes and user interface mockups.
• Cost: 20,000 ADA

Data Parsing and Model Assembly

• Back-End Development: Development of the data parsing logic and initial model setup.
• Cost: 50,000 ADA

Model Refinement and Beta Testing

• Back-End Development: Refinement of the fraud detection algorithm.
• UI/UX Adjustments: Updates based on user feedback during beta testing.
• Cost: 40,000 ADA

Platform Integration

• Front-End Development: Integration of the fraud detection system into the existing TapTools platform.
• Back-End Integration: Ensuring backend compatibility and data flow integration.
• Cost: 45,000 ADA

Project Close-Out and Assessment

• Reporting and Documentation: Development of final project reports and operational documentation.
• Cost: 5,000 ADA

Community Engagement and Marketing

• Marketing Materials: Development and distribution of promotional materials.
• Community Workshops: Host AMAs to educate users on the new features.
• Cost: 10,000 ADA

Project Management and Documentation

• Project Management: Oversight and coordination of the project across all phases.
• Documentation: Creation of comprehensive user and technical documentation.
• Cost: 10,500 ADA

Additional Provisions

• Contingency Fund: Reserved for unforeseen expenses or overruns.
• Cost: 10,000 ADA

Total Project Budget: 190,500 ADA

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Industry Standards Compliance: Our budget for development and UI/UX design aligns with typical rates for blockchain and fintech professionals, necessary for high-quality output.

Track Record and Trust: TapTools is the leading data platform on Cardano, demonstrating our proven ability to deliver valuable tools to the community. Enhancing our services with fraud detection will directly increase ecosystem security and user confidence.

Enhanced Ecosystem Security: The project will significantly reduce fraud, protecting user investments and increasing the attractiveness of Cardano. This improved security environment encourages broader adoption and participation, which drives value across the network.

Cost-Benefit Alignment: The allocated budget is strategically targeted to maximize impact—every ADA spent is aimed at tangible improvements in security and usability, which are crucial for long-term ecosystem growth.

In summary, the proposed budget represents a strategic investment in Cardano's security and usability, providing excellent value by safeguarding the ecosystem and fostering growth.