> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.mywallet.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.mywallet.io/intro/scams/social-engineering.md).

# Social Engineering

Learn how this scam works and how to protect your My Wallet and funds with simple safety checks.

Scammers are getting more creative. They pose as successful traders or employees from well-known projects to gain trust and steal your funds.

### 🤔 What is social engineering?

**Social engineering** is a psychological manipulation technique where scammers trick victims into taking actions they want. In Web3, scammers use this approach to get users' personal data or funds.

### 🥷 How it works?

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Contact Establishment**

The scammer introduces themselves as an investor, a project employee, or even a friend via social media, messaging apps, or dating sites.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Gaining Trust**

They engage in long conversations, showing false interest or offering insider info.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Pressure & Manipulation**

Pretending urgency, they push you to give wallet access or send funds.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Stealing Funds**

Once they get the transfer or access your account, they disappear with your assets.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### 🕵️ How to protect yourself?

#### Verify the person you're talking to

Be cautious when talking to strangers or even friends—make sure it’s really them.

#### Check the information

If an offer seems too good to be true or they pressure you to act fast, verify.

#### Never share confidential data

Never share passwords, seed phrases, private keys, or answers to security questions.

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Never share your seed phrase with anyone.**
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to basic [**security rules**](/intro/scams/how-to-protect-yourself-from-fraud.md) to protect your funds.
{% endhint %}