Electrum: Server returned an unexpected transaction ID when broadcasting

[wpr101]

I have the latest 3.3.3 version of Electrum, and get this error when trying to send a transaction. Multiple receiving addresses have been tried but get the same error. I have the GUI set to select the server automatically.

Exact text is:

"The server returned an unexpected transaction ID when broadcasting the transaction.
Consider trying to connect to a different server, or updating Electrum.

Server returned unexpected transaction ID."

[chris-belcher]

Looks like there's an ongoing phishing attack from malicious sybil Electrum servers. You're updated to the latest version of Electrum wallet so you're safe.

Try connecting to a few different servers, if you connect to a non-sybil honest server then your transaction should broadcast fine. Another option is to use Electrum's GUI to obtain the transaction hex string and then copypaste it into a web transaction broadcasting tool such as this one

[AbdussamadA]

To switch servers go to tools > network > server tab > uncheck select server automatically > right click on a different server from the list and choose use server. Try sending your coins again.

[wpr101]

How can I know which is a legitimate server to connect to? I saw the Electrum page had a list of servers, are all of those considered okay ones?

Or should I just wait it out till the bad servers are removed?

[shsmith]

You can see a list of some known electrum servers here: https://1209k.com/bitcoin-eye/ele.php
Pick one with the Uptime Month value > 0.75 and it is most likely legit.

[wpr101]

How is the default behavior of the software that it's connecting to the malicious servers? Isn't there some way that the automatic connect could remove these from the list?

[AbdussamadA]

How can I know which is a legitimate server to connect to?

If you're in a hurry try the bauerj or hsmith servers. If you're not then any server that doesn't give you spurious error messages is fine.

Here pops up the message that this synchronizing for over 2 hours

Your situation is different and you should stick to your own issue about it. OP hasn't lost anything because he didn't download malware like you did.

[AbdussamadA]

How is the default behavior of the software that it's connecting to the malicious servers? Isn't there some way that the automatic connect could remove these from the list?

Theoretically you are not supposed to have to trust the server you are connected to. All the server does is deliver transaction data and broadcast spending transactions to the p2p network. Servers are run by volunteers. It is only because of the recent bug that shady server operators have an incentive now to cause users problems.

You don't have to connect automatically. Above I've explained how you can always connect to one server you manually selected from the list.