Snapchat has become one of the most popular social media platforms, especially among young people. It allows users to share fun, temporary photos and videos called “Snaps” that disappear after being viewed. However, like any social platform, Snapchat also has its share of scams and shady activities. Some common Snapchat scams try to steal users’ personal information, money, or Snapchat account access. Being aware of how these scams work can help you avoid falling victim to them.
Getting Access to Your Snapchat Account
One of the most common Snapchat scams is when attackers try to get access to your Snapchat account. There are a few ways they may try to do this:
Phishing Links
Attackers may send you a Snap that contains a link asking you to log in to verify your account. The page looks exactly like the real Snapchat login page, but it’s a fake phishing site designed to steal your username and password when you enter them. Once scammers have your login credentials, they can access your account and pretend to be you.
Account Verification Scams
You may get a message claiming your Snapchat account needs to be verified or restored. It will prompt you to enter your username and password or provide other personal details to assist with the “verification”. In reality, it’s just a scam to get your account login info. Snapchat would never proactively message you to request your password or account details.
Snapchat Password Reset Scam
Scammers may message you pretending to be from Snapchat telling you that your password has been reset. It will ask you to click on a link and enter a new password. This gives the scammers access to reset your real Snapchat password and hijack your account. Remember – Snapchat will never message you to reset your password out of the blue.
Stealing Your Personal Information
Apart from gaining access to your Snapchat account itself, scammers may also simply try to get personal information from you for identity theft purposes.
Snapchat Verification Code Scam
Scammers pretend to be Snapchat and ask you for the 6-digit verification code that was sent to your phone number when you registered your account. With this code, they can register your number with a different device and account. Never share your Snapchat verification code with anyone.
“Social Security Number Verification” Scam
You may get a message claiming your Social Security Number needs to be verified to reinstate your account. Of course, this is completely false and an attempt to get your SSN for identity theft. Snapchat does not need your SSN for anything.
False Surveys for Personal Details
Watch out for Snapchat messages prompting you to take a quick survey in exchange for a gift card or reward. The survey will ask for personal details like your name, address, date of birth, etc. In reality, it’s just capturing your info for fraud. Legitimate Snapchat surveys would never ask for such info.
Money Extortion Scams
Some Snapchat scams aim to extort money from you by threatening the exposure of your personal content or information.
“Sextortion” Blackmail
A scammer may pretend they have embarrassing or inappropriate photos/videos of you and threaten to share them publicly or with your contacts if you don’t pay them money. This “sextortion” scam plays on fear and embarrassment but generally they don’t actually have any compromising content – they just want money.
Fake Billing Threats
You may get a message claiming you need to pay off an outstanding Snapchat balance or your account will be deactivated. It tries to scare you into wiring money or sending gift card codes. Remember – Snapchat is free and would never message you for random payments in this way.
Impersonation Blackmail
Scammers may pretend to have access to your account and threaten to post offensive content while impersonating you, unless you pay them. This scam relies on the fear of damage to your reputation. The best move is to just ignore their threats and secure your account.
Draining Your Snapchat Account Value
For Snapchat accounts with value associated (rare or coveted usernames that could be sold, lots of followers, etc.), scammers may try to gain access to drain the account of its worth.
Poor Account Security Practices
Having a desirable Snapchat username but weak account security makes you vulnerable to scammers trying different password combinations to gain access. Use strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication to better protect your account.
Buying/Selling Accounts
Beware of scammers on account trading/selling sites. A buyer may gain access to the account then claim they were scammed to get their money back, while the seller loses the account and payment. Only use reputable account trading platforms and take precautions when selling accounts.
Identity Verification Avoidance
Valuable Snapchat accounts that aren’t linked to a phone number or identity are prime targets. Scammers try to avoid identity verification so they can operate anonymously. But having no linked phone number also leaves you vulnerable to losing account access more easily.
Spreading Malware
Some Snapchat scams try to infect your device with malware disguised as legit apps or files.
Third-Party Snapchat Apps
Fake Snapchat apps outside the official app stores may contain malware designed to compromise your device and data. Only download Snapchat from the official Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Malicious Files
Opening files like Snapchat password extractors or account boosters sent in Snaps or messages can infect your device with viruses, spyware or ransomware that damage your device or lock your files for ransom.
Free Snapchat Filters/Lenses
Promises of exclusive Snapchat lenses or filters may coax you into downloading fake apps containing malware. Get lenses/filters only from the official Snapchat app to stay safe.
| Type of Snapchat Scam | What They’re After |
|---|---|
| Phishing links | Your Snapchat login credentials |
| Account verification scams | Your Snapchat username and password |
| Password reset scam | Control of your Snapchat account |
| Verification code scam | Ability to register your number to a new device |
| Fake surveys | Personal info like your name, DOB, address for identity theft |
| “Sextortion” blackmail | Money through threats of exposing fake inappropriate content |
| Fake billing threats | Money through threats of account deactivation |
| Buying/selling accounts | Valuable Snapchat accounts to steal and resell |
| Third-party Snapchat apps | Access to infect your device with malware |
How to Avoid Snapchat Scams
Here are some tips to help you steer clear of Snapchat scams:
- Be wary of third-party apps claiming Snapchat compatibility.
- Never share your password or verification codes with anyone.
- Use strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication.
- Don’t open suspicious links or files sent to you.
- Ignore threats demanding money to avoid exposing or damaging your account.
- Only use the official Snapchat app from trusted app stores.
Trust your instincts – if a message seems suspicious or “too good to be true”, it probably is. Report phishing attempts and other scams to Snapchat. Being alert and using common sense goes a long way in protecting yourself!
Conclusion
Snapchat scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to try and steal personal information, money, or valuable Snapchat accounts. By recognizing common scams like phishing links, account verification tricks, sextortion blackmail, and malware traps, you can avoid falling prey. Always be vigilant about scams, use strong account security, and stick to the official Snapchat app. With awareness and caution, you can spot scams before they succeed and keep your experience on Snapchat fun and safe.