Beware of Fraudsters When Using Watch-Only Wallets

Modified on Wed, 27 Nov at 3:05 PM

-:Topics covered:-
1. Understanding Watch-Only Wallets and Their Limitations

2. How to Import a Polygon Watch Address: Step-by-Step Guide

3. Staying Safe: How to Avoid Fraud with Watch-Only Wallets

Watch-Only Wallets are a unique feature that allows you to view the transaction history, token prices, and volumes associated with a specific wallet address. However, they do not allow you to perform transactions.
Think of them as online bank statements - providing visibility but no transactional capability. Always remember to keep your Trust Wallet updated to the latest version for the best security and features: trustwallet.com/download.


Understanding Watch-Only Wallets and Their Limitations

A Watch-Only Wallet enables you to monitor an address’s transactions, see token volumes, and track token prices, but it does not allow you to send funds. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can and can’t do with this type of wallet:

✅ What You Can Do:

  • Monitor an address's transaction history.
  • Observe the volume and prices of tokens linked to that address.
  • Send tokens to that address.

❌ What You Can’t Do:

  • Transfer funds from that address to another wallet or exchange like Binance.
  • Sign smart contracts.
  • Use the DApp browser.

It’s important to note that while you can track funds, you cannot perform any transactions from a Watch-Only Wallet.


How to Import a Polygon Watch Address: Step-by-Step Guide

If you want to start monitoring a wallet’s activity, importing a Watch-Only address to your Trust Wallet is simple. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open your Trust Wallet app and tap on Settings.
  2. Scroll to Wallets and tap the + sign at the top-right of the screen.
  3. Select Polygon (or any other supported chain).
  4. Enter the wallet address in the Address tab or scan the QR Code for easy access.
  5. Name the wallet for easy recognition and tap Import.

And just like that, you can start monitoring transactions and token activity with ease.


Staying Safe: How to Avoid Fraud with Watch-Only Wallets

Scammers often target users by exploiting the Watch-Only Wallet feature, claiming that sending funds will unlock hidden features or access to additional functionality. This is a scam. A Watch-Only Wallet is, by design, non-interactive—it cannot be unlocked by sending any funds.

We’ve made sure to improve the in-app experience by clearly marking the features that are restricted. In fact, options like Send, Swap, and Receive are grayed out, highlighting the wallet’s “viewing-only” nature.

If you suspect fraud, do not send any funds. Report it to local law enforcement and support.trustwallet.com.
Please note: Once funds are sent in a fraudulent transaction, they cannot be recovered.


Watch-Only Wallet Screenshot


This is a screenshot of a Watch-Only Wallet. You can view balances but cannot execute transactions.


Ready to secure your crypto experience? Learn more about Watch-Only Wallets and how to stay safe on our blog:
Watch-Only Wallet Addresses Explained.


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