> 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

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 %}