Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photos, videos, and messages that disappear after being viewed. Snapchat accounts are tied to a phone number, which raises the question – can someone use your phone number to create a Snapchat account without your permission?
The short answer
The short answer is yes, it is possible for someone to use your phone number to make a Snapchat account without your consent. When creating a new Snapchat account, users just need to enter a phone number to get started. Snapchat will then send a verification code to that number which completes the sign-up process.
So if someone has your phone number, they could potentially use it to receive the verification code and create an account. However, there are steps you can take to prevent this from happening or reclaim your number if it does occur.
How Snapchat sign-up works
Here is a quick overview of how the Snapchat account creation process works:
- User enters phone number on Snapchat app or website
- Snapchat sends a 6-digit verification code via SMS text message to that phone number
- User enters verification code in app to complete sign-up
That’s all it takes to create a new Snapchat account. No email address, password, or other personal information is required besides a phone number.
The risks of someone using your number for Snapchat
There are several potential risks if someone creates a Snapchat account with your phone number without your knowledge:
- They could impersonate you and interact with your friends/contacts
- They could access any private messages or photos intended for you
- They could post offensive or illegal content that appears to come from you
- They could link your number to inappropriate external accounts and services
In most cases, a stranger getting ahold of your number and making a Snapchat account would just be annoying. But in the wrong hands, it could also lead to more serious identity theft or reputational damage.
How to prevent your number being used
Here are some precautions you can take to make it harder for someone to create a Snapchat account with your number:
- Don’t publicly post or share your phone number online
- Be cautious when giving your number out to people you don’t know well
- Enable 2-factor authentication on your Snapchat account
- Use a unique, complex password for your Snapchat account
- Be alert for unexpected verification texts to your number
As long as you protect your phone number and use strong account security, it’s unlikely a stranger will be able to misuse it for Snapchat.
What to do if your number is used
If you receive a verification text from Snapchat without signing up for an account, here are the steps to take:
- Do not enter the verification code or you may validate the unauthorized account
- Open the Snapchat app and tap “Forgot Password”
- Enter your phone number and tap “Reset Password”
- Create a new strong password you don’t use elsewhere
- Log in to your account with the new password
- Go to account settings and enable 2-factor authentication
- Change your username to prevent further impersonation
- Log out of all other Snapchat sessions
- Notify your contacts that someone created an account pretending to be you
This should let you reclaim control of your account and number. You can then delete the unauthorized account that was created. If the issue persists, you may need to contact Snapchat support for help removing the account.
Reporting fake accounts to Snapchat
If you’re unable to reset the password yourself, or the unauthorized account continues harassing you, you can report it directly to Snapchat:
- Open Snapchat and go to your profile
- Tap the Settings icon and select Support
- Choose Report a Problem > Impersonation
- Enter the username of the unauthorized account
- Submit details explaining how the account is impersonating you without consent
Snapchat should investigate and delete any accounts clearly pretending to be someone else. Make sure to include as many details as possible in your report.
Getting a new phone number
In extreme cases where someone keeps repeatedly misusing your number for Snapchat, you may need to take the step of changing your phone number. Contact your mobile carrier to be assigned a new number.
Before getting a new number:
- Notify your contacts and update the number everywhere it’s saved
- Temporarily deactivate your Snapchat account
- Reactivate your account only after getting the new number
Getting a new number is inconvenient, but it effectively severs the tie between your old number and your Snapchat account. Use your new number to sign up for a fresh Snapchat account without risk of the past issues recurring.
Conclusion
To summarize, it is possible for someone to misuse your phone number and create an unauthorized Snapchat account. But there are actions you can take to avoid or address this problem:
- Keep your number private and use strong account security
- Reset your password and enable 2-factor authentication if your number is used
- Report fake accounts impersonating you to Snapchat
- Get a new number if the misuse persists
While no social media account is 100% impervious to hijacking, following security best practices will minimize the chances of a Snapchat intruder misusing your number and identity.