How to Avoid Screen-Sharing Scams (Must-Read for Crypto Users)
Screen-sharing scams are one of the fastest-growing forms of crypto fraud. Scammers trick users into sharing their screens under the pretense of “helping” them solve an issue — usually pretending to be customer support or technical staff. Once they gain visual access to your device, they can steal your wallet, transfer your funds, or capture your recovery phrase without you realizing it.
Here’s everything you need to know to protect yourself.
1. What Is a Screen-Sharing Scam?
A screen-sharing scam occurs when a scammer convinces you to:
- Share your screen
- Enable remote access
- Show your wallet interface
- Show your notes or photos
- Reveal verification codes
- Open your email or banking app
These scams often happen on:
- Telegram
- Discord
- Fake customer support chats
- Fake exchange support groups
2. Why Scammers Want You to Share Your Screen
Once they can see your screen, scammers can:
❌ Steal your seed phrase
If your recovery phrase is stored in photos, notes, cloud backups, or screenshots.
❌ Steal your 2FA codes
Google Authenticator codes appear on screen.
❌ Reset your email
They watch your inbox in real-time.
❌ Capture wallet passwords
They zoom in on your device.
❌ Trick you into signing transactions
By guiding you to click certain buttons.
❌ Access your exchange accounts
They watch you log in.
Even one second of visibility can be enough for them to steal everything.
3. Common Scenarios Used by Scammers
🎭 Fake Customer Support
“Let me verify the issue, please share your screen.”
🪪 Fake KYC Team
“Please show your ID and wallet for verification.”
💰 Fake Airdrop Support
“We need to check your wallet connection.”
🔧 Fake Technical Fix
“Your MetaMask is broken, I’ll guide you. Share your screen.”
❗ Fake Withdrawal Alert
“We see unauthorized activity. Share your screen now.”
📞 Fake Telegram Admin
They DM you pretending to help.
Remember:
Real support will NEVER ask you to share your screen.
4. How to Spot a Screen-Sharing Scam
❌ They contact you first
No admin will DM you.
❌ They claim to be “official support”
Support NEVER contacts users privately.
❌ They pressure you with urgency
“Your account is at risk! Share your screen now!”
❌ They ask you to go to certain websites
Often dangerous or phishing.
❌ Their email or username looks unofficial
Numbers, symbols, strange domain names.
5. How to Protect Yourself Against Screen-Sharing Scams
✔ Rule #1 — NEVER share your screen with anyone
This is the strongest protection.
✔ Rule #2 — NEVER allow remote access
Avoid apps like:
- TeamViewer
- AnyDesk
- Zoom remote control
- Apple remote support
✔ Rule #3 — Hide sensitive apps
Ensure apps like these never open on screen:
- MetaMask
- Trust Wallet
- Google Authenticator
- Password manager
- Email inbox
- Cloud photos
✔ Rule #4 — Bookmark official websites
Avoid clicking links sent by others.
✔ Rule #5 — Do not trust anyone on Telegram
90% of scams begin on Telegram.
✔ Rule #6 — Use separate devices
One for crypto
One for communication
6. What to Do If You Already Shared Your Screen
⚠️ Step 1 — Move your funds immediately
Transfer to a new wallet with a new seed phrase.
⚠️ Step 2 — Revoke approvals
Use:
- Revoke.cash
- DeBank approvals page
⚠️ Step 3 — Change your email passwords
Especially if shown on screen.
⚠️ Step 4 — Enable 2FA everywhere
Preferably Google Authenticator.
⚠️ Step 5 — Report the scammer’s account
Helps protect other users.
7. Final Takeaway
Screen-sharing scams succeed because they look harmless.
But once someone can see your screen:
- Your seed phrase
- Your passwords
- Your 2FA
- Your wallet
- Your exchange account
…are all at risk.
Protect yourself by following one simple rule:
Never share your screen with anyone who talks about crypto. Ever.