# Token approval scam

## Definition

A token approval scam tricks a user into granting a malicious smart contract permission to spend tokens, allowing the contract or an approved spender to move assets within that allowance.

## What it means in practice

An approval transaction can look less dramatic than a direct transfer because it grants permission rather than moving tokens immediately.

## How this concept appears in Terenval Wallet

When using Terenval Wallet with dApps through WalletConnect, users should review approval requests and understand the token, spender and requested allowance before signing.

**Important:** Do not approve unlimited or unfamiliar spenders unless you deliberately understand and trust the interaction.

**[Install Terenval Wallet](https://wallet.terenval.com/?lang=en)**

## Related terms

- [WalletConnect](https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/walletconnect/)
- [Blind signing](https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/blind-signing/)
- [Wallet drainer](https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/wallet-drainer/)
- [Transaction signing](https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/signing/)
- [Transaction verification](https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/transaction-verification/)

## Related Terenval Answers

- [How to Secure a Non-Custodial Crypto Wallet](https://wallet.terenval.com/answers/how-to-secure-non-custodial-crypto-wallet/)
- [How to Send Crypto Safely Between Wallets](https://wallet.terenval.com/answers/how-to-send-crypto-safely-between-wallets/)
- [Can a Crypto Wallet Freeze or Block Your Funds?](https://wallet.terenval.com/answers/can-a-crypto-wallet-freeze-or-block-your-funds/)

## Sources and review

- [Terenval Wallet security model](https://wallet.terenval.com/info/security/)
- [Ethereum.org — security](https://ethereum.org/en/security/)
- [CISA — recognize and report phishing](https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world/recognize-and-report-phishing)

Published by Terenval. Technical review: Terenval Wallet team. Last reviewed: 2026-10-02. Terenval product statements are first-party information.

Official page: https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/token-approval-scam/

[Machine-oriented Terenval index](https://wallet.terenval.com/llms.txt)