Snapchat, the platform known for its disappearing messages, can also be a launchpad for scammers. From impersonations in your DMs to fake contests promising overnight fame, these bad actors prey on unsuspecting users.
This article discusses what Snapchat scams are, how they work, how to spot them, the most common types of scams and a few tips to avoid them.
What are Snapchat scams?
Scams on Snapchat refer to the various tricks cybercriminals employ to deceive fellow users on this social media messaging platform. However, these scams aren’t limited to the app alone. You might also encounter fraudulent attempts through text messages or emails, such as fake password reset requests, account verification prompts, or message reminders.
Also read: What is the Venmo scam on Facebook Marketplace? Tips to stay safeÂ
How do Snapchat scams work?
In Snapchat scams, a cybercriminal often employs social engineering or phishing strategies to deceive users into performing a particular action. Here’s how a typical Snapchat scam works:
- Creation of fake account: The scammer begins by creating a fake Snapchat account. They may impersonate someone desirable, such as a celebrity, a known acquaintance, or a potential romantic interest. This fake persona is designed to lure unsuspecting users into interacting with them.
- Initiating contact: Once the fake account is set up, the scammer starts reaching out to potential targets. They may add users from suggested friends lists, search for random usernames, or target specific individuals based on their interests or location.
- Building trust: After making initial contact, the scammer works on building trust with their targets. They engage in conversations, share content, and may even exchange messages over time to establish a connection.
- Introduction of Scam: Once trust is established, the scammer introduces their fraudulent scheme. This could involve various tactics, such as offering fake investment opportunities, promoting fake giveaways or contests, or soliciting personal information under false promises.
- Manipulation and deception: The scammer employs psychological manipulation techniques to convince their targets to take a specific action. They may use urgency, fear of missing out, or promises of large rewards to pressure users into complying with their requests.
- Request for information or money: At a critical moment, the scammer requests sensitive information or monetary transactions from their victims. This could include asking for bank account details, credit card information, or requesting payment for a non-existent product or service.
- Exploitation of information: In some cases, the scammer may exploit the information they’ve gathered for further nefarious purposes. This could involve identity theft, blackmail, or selling personal data to other criminals on the dark web.
How to spot a fake Snapchat account?
Here are some tips to help you distinguish between a genuine and a fake account:
- Check their Snap score: The Snap score indicates how active a user is on Snapchat. If someone claims to be an influencer but has a low Snap score, it could be a sign of a scam.
- Review their location on the Snap map: Compare the location stated in their profile with their real-life whereabouts on the Snap Map. Any inconsistencies could signal a potential scam.
- Reverse image search their profile/story photos: Use Google image search to look for matches of their profile or story photos. Scammers often steal images from the internet and use them for fake accounts. Uploading a photo to Google image search can reveal its origins.
- Evaluate their requests: Be cautious if a random account adds you and immediately starts asking for help or sending unusual links. Similarly, if a friend sends you strange messages, reach out to them on a different platform to verify their identity and intentions.
Most common Snapchat scams
Money-making scheme scam
In this scheme, hackers may use your friend’s compromised account to contact you regarding an advertising gig or influencer sponsorship opportunity on Snapchat. They’ll claim to have earned significant money and suggest you can do the same. You only need to send them a deposit (in cash, Bitcoin, or gift cards) to cover the registration fee. However, the scammers will vanish once you send the deposit without fulfilling their promises.
Alternatively, scammers might request your login credentials under the guise of setting up the sponsorship or promoting the advertising opportunity on your behalf. Subsequently, they’ll seize control of your account and use it to perpetrate the same scam on everyone in your friends list.
Friend in need scam
Hackers may exploit your friends’ accounts to request money from you. They fabricate emotional stories like their pet being injured in an accident and needing urgent surgery. Moved by concern, you may send them the money, only for the scammer to vanish.
Alternatively, hackers posing as your friend might ask you to assist in bank fraud. They’ll request you to cash a check for them, providing a photo of the check for mobile deposit into your account. Afterwards, you’ll hand them the money from the check-in cash, Bitcoin, or gift cards. However, the check turns out to be counterfeit, bouncing and leaving you liable for the entire amount sent to your friend. Additionally, you’ll incur a bounced check fee from your bank, ranging from $35 to $45.
Phishing scams
In a phishing scam, hackers craft and send fraudulent emails or text messages that closely resemble legitimate communications from Snapchat. These messages include a hyperlink prompting you to log in to your Snapchat account, often with deceptive reasons such as:
- Your account is compromised.
- Your photos will be deleted or exposed unless you click the link.
- You’ve won a sweepstakes or contest and need to confirm your identity.
- Special content or discount codes await you.
- You’re promised valuable items like concert tickets or Amazon gift cards.
However, clicking on the link will not take you to Snapchat’s genuine login page. Instead, you’ll be directed to a fake website that mimics Snapchat, enabling scammers to capture and misuse your username and password.
Snapchat romance scam
As Snapchat posts vanish after a short period, the platform has gained popularity for online dating and casual encounters. However, this feature has also attracted scammers who exploit Snapchat for romance scams.
Common Snapchat romance scams include:
- Dating app transition: Scammers initiate contact on dating platforms like Tinder or Bumble, then propose shifting the conversation to Snapchat. Once on Snapchat, they may coerce victims into sharing explicit photos or videos, threatening to expose them unless more content is provided.
- Snapchat catfishing: Catfishers create fake personas to deceive victims into believing they have a genuine romantic connection. They may solicit their victims’ money, gift cards, or personal information. Some may even request access to victims’ accounts to verify fidelity, exploiting trust for their own gain.
- Snapchat meetup scams: Users who haven’t disabled location tracking on Snapchat are susceptible to meetup scams. Scammers, posing as attractive individuals, reach out to users, expressing interest in meeting up in their vicinity. They might request payment for transportation costs like gas or bus tickets. However, the scammer never shows up for the arranged date, often providing excuses and rescheduling to extract further money before disappearing entirely.
Premium account scams
While it’s not an officially recognised feature, scammers create a premium Snapchat account, often showcasing Snapchat Girls.
These accounts claim to offer exclusive adult content to subscribers who make a single payment via Venmo or Cash App or sign up on another website using their credit card, debit card, or bank account details. However, any funds or personal information you provide will be used directly by the scammer.
Sugar daddy/momma scams
A sugar daddy or sugar momma is typically an older person who reaches out to a younger individual, often referred to as a sugar baby. They usually ask the sugar baby to share photos or videos in return for money, gift cards, or presents. This scam typically unfolds in three ways:
- They request upfront payment: The scammer tells the victim they need to cover shipping costs or money transfer fees, sometimes presenting this as a test of loyalty. Once the sugar baby pays, the sugar daddy or momma disappears without fulfilling their promises.
- They ask for bank account details: The scammer claims they want to deposit funds into the sugar baby’s account but instead drains the account of its funds.
- They send money and request some back: The scammer sends the sugar baby money, often using a fraudulent check or stolen credit cards to purchase gift cards. They then ask the sugar baby to send back a portion of the money as a gesture of appreciation or to buy future gifts. However, the sugar baby later discovers that the check bounced or the gift cards are invalid.
Account recovery scam
In this scam, hackers pose as one of your friends who claims to need assistance in recovering their account. They’ll request your login details under the guise of needing to check your Friends List to recall their Snapchat username.
Tips to prevent Snapchat scams
Here are some practical tips to help prevent falling victim to Snapchat scams:
- Be sceptical of requests: Be cautious of unsolicited messages or friend requests, especially those from unknown or unfamiliar accounts. Verify the sender’s identity before engaging with them.
- Avoid sharing personal information: Refrain from sharing sensitive information such as passwords, financial details, or personal data with anyone on Snapchat, especially in response to unsolicited messages or requests.
- Verify links and attachments: Verify their authenticity before clicking on any links or downloading attachments sent via Snapchat. Avoid interacting with suspicious links, which could lead to phishing websites or malware-infected content.
- Secure your account information: Enhance the security of your Snapchat account by turning on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Whenever you or anybody tries to log in to your Snapchat account, it will ask for a verification code sent to your phone.
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