One of the most popular social media apps, especially among younger internet users, Snapchat allows you to send and receive photos, videos, and messages easily.
With a daily active user count of 300 million, Snapchat is a goldmine for scammers who use the platform to trick users into giving them money, personal information, or compromising photos. Snapchat scams can lead to identity theft, fraud, blackmail, extortion, and other serious consequences.
In this article, we will explain all about the Snapchat scams, including how they work and how to avoid them.
What are Snapchat scams?
Snapchat scams are fraudulent schemes prevalent on the platform, aiming to deceive users and make them do something they shouldn’t.
Scammers pretend to be someone they are not, such as a friend, a celebrity, or a potential romantic partner and send phishing emails or messages that look like they come from Snapchat or other legitimate sources.
The goal of Snapchat scammers is to get users to:
- Send money or gift cards
- Share personal or financial information
- Click on malicious links or download malware
- Send revealing or explicit photos or videos
- Give access to their Snapchat account
Here are some common types of Snapchat scams:
- Posing as a friend who needs help with their account
- Offering a fake opportunity to make money
- Pretending to be a friend who needs money or a check cashing
- Phishing scams leading to account takeovers
- Snapchat romance scams
- Snapchat girls and premium account scams
Also read: How to identify WhatsApp scams?
How do Snapchat scams work?
Snapchat scams work differently depending on the type of scam, but they all follow a similar pattern:
- The scammer contacts the user through Snapchat or another platform and establishes a rapport or trust.
- A scammer will offer something that the user wants or needs. It could be a material want, such as money or an emotional need, such as love, friendship, fame or fun.
- The scammer will ask for something in return, such as sending money or gift cards, sharing personal or financial information, clicking on a malicious link or downloading an app, sending revealing or explicit photos or videos, or giving access to their Snapchat account.
- After you have provided the above information, the scammer usually disappears with the financial information, blackmails the user with photos or videos, takes over the account and uses it for further scams, locks your device and asks you for ransom, or continues to ask for more money or favours.
Also read: Does Apple Pay refund money if you’re scammed?
How to avoid Snapchat scams?
The best way to avoid Snapchat scams is to be cautious and vigilant when using the app or any other social media platform.
Here are some tips on how to prevent falling victim to Snapchat scammers:
- Avoid accepting friend requests from strangers or people you don’t know well.
- Do not send money or gift cards to anyone you meet online, even if they claim to be in trouble or offer you a reward.
- Do not share your personal or financial information with anyone you meet online, even if they claim to be from Snapchat or another legitimate source.
- Do not click on links or download apps from unknown sources. Always verify the sender and the URL before opening anything.
- Never send revealing or explicit photos or videos to anyone you meet online, even if they promise to delete them or send you something in return.
- Do not give your account passwords to anyone.
- Report and block any suspicious users or messages on Snapchat.
How to protect yourself from scammers on Snapchat?
If you suspect a scam on Snapchat or fear that your account has been compromised, swift action is crucial to shield your identity and account from further harm. Employ these protective measures:
- Alter your Snapchat password and activate two-factor authentication. Log out from all devices via your account settings.
- Alert your financial institutions if you’ve shared financial details with scammers. Consider card cancellation and monitoring for unauthorized transactions.
- Inspect your credit records and freeze your credit if personal data is divulged. Address any deceitful accounts or inquiries.
- Report to authorities if you encounter extortion or blackmail by scammers. Legal assistance may be necessary.
- Opt for identity theft protection services like Aura, which bolsters your identity, finances, and devices.
Snapchat offers enjoyable communication, but scammers lurk. With knowledge about prevalent scams, their workings, and prevention, you can relish the app without compromising security.
Also read: What to do if I got scammed on Cash App?
