Livestream 'Donation Match / Charity Stream' Scam
A fake or hijacked livestream promises to match your donation or run a giveaway (often crypto) if you send money first — but nothing is matched and nothing comes back.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
Scammers run or hijack livestreams (sometimes using real celebrity/streamer footage) claiming a charity drive with 'donation matching' or a giveaway where sending money — often crypto — gets you more back or supports a cause. On-screen 'donation' tickers and QR codes are faked. Money sent goes to the scammer; nothing is matched or returned. Legitimate charity streams route donations through verified platforms, not personal crypto wallets promising returns.
What it usually looks like
- A livestream promising donation matching or a giveaway.
- A QR code or wallet address to 'donate' or 'participate.'
- Fake on-screen donation tickers.
- Real celebrity/streamer footage repurposed.
Common warning signs
- 'Send money and get more back' framing.
- Crypto donations to a personal wallet.
- Fake, fast-scrolling donation tickers.
- Urgency ('only during this stream').
Example wording scammers use
“We're matching every donation 2x for charity — send crypto to this address during the stream!”
“Donate now and get double back — limited time on this live event.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Irreversible crypto/card donations.
- To exploit generosity and hype.
- Fast action during the stream.
What to do
- Donate to charities only through verified official platforms, never a wallet in a stream.
- Ignore 'send money, get more back' offers.
- Verify the streamer/charity independently.
- Report fake or hijacked streams.
What to do if you already responded
- Crypto is usually unrecoverable; dispute a card donation if fraudulent.
- Report the stream to the platform.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.