In this blog post we will let you know the expert’s full review of Snapchat Scams and some tips to help you distinguish a real account from a fake one
Scammers usually hack into the accounts of users and pretend to be them. This activity can be carried out in many ways. The data breach is the most frequent way that user information, such as usernames and passwords, can be exposed. Once they have gained access to the account, the fraudster targets the user’s friends.
Fraudulent practices have increased on social media platforms such as Snapchat. Multiple users alerted authorities to suspicious activity on their accounts simultaneously. This is the same situation as when we refer to many Snapchat scams targets who had their accounts compromised and suffered a significant loss of income. Scammers use hacked accounts to contact victims and present false images. Users are unable to recognize the account’s status.
How to Tell a Real Snapchat Account from a Fake One
Here are some tips to help you distinguish a real account from a fake one:
- You can check their Snap score to see if they are active on the platform. It’s likely that they are a fraud if they claim to be an influencer and only have a few hundred Snappoints.
- Take a look at Snap Map – How does their actual location compare with what they claimed in their profile or snap?
- Google image search can be used to look up the profile or story photos of someone. Scammers may steal images from other websites and then use them to create fake accounts. Upload the image to Google Image Search to find out from where it came.
- You can check if the profile has a Bitmoji. A Bitmoji is a animated avatar that’s linked to a person’s username. This could indicate a problem as Snapchat users are very familiar with these.
- Consider what they are asking you. If a random profile adds to your account and starts asking for help or forwarding odd links, you should block them. The same applies to your friends. You can also ask your friends if they are sending you weird messages.
Fake accounts promote models with attractive looks and show expensive goods and high-end sports cars. Remember the golden rule for fraud prevention: “If it seems too good to be true it probably is.”
The Most Common Snapchat Frauds
A Snapchat scam’s goal is almost always to take control of your account like many other emerging cyber threats.
Once they have access, they can close your account and demand cash, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, gift cards (known under carding), or any other items. How can scammers get access to your account and money?
A friend who needs assistance with their account scam
These fraudsters claim to be friends who have been shut out of their account. To find their login information, they will ask for your login information. Once they have access to your account credentials, they will change your password and make payment to you in order to regain access.
A phony opportunity to make money
These scammers will often use your friend’s compromised account to reach you. They will then try to sell you an ad job, promote brands, and use any other profitable opportunity. Scammers will request money and login information in order to start, suggesting they want to “spread word about this opportunity among all your friends.” After they have received these details, they will close down your account, steal your funds and end any contact with you.
A friend in dire need of money
Hackers could also access your friends’ accounts in order to steal money. They will tell you a story about their dog being hit by a car, and need surgery. You, being a good friend give the money. The scammer then flees.
Alternately hackers may pretend to be your friend and ask you to commit bank fraud by cashing a cheque for them. Instead, they will send you a picture of a statement to make a mobile deposit into your account. The money will then be transferred from your check-in cash, bitcoin, or gift card account.
The check was false or misleading and bounced. It will not clear in your bank statements. You’ll lose all the money that you have forwarded to this friend, and you will need to pay the bounced check fee to your bank ($35-$455).
Account takeovers by Phishing scams
This is a phishing scam in which scammers send you emails claiming to be able to unlock your account using a link they give. It will look very similar to Snapchat’s login function once you click on the link. It is a fake site that can capture any information you provide and then use it to steal other personal data.
Snapchat romance scams
These hoaxes are often based on matchmaking and dating platforms. Scammers might ask you to use Snapchat to communicate with them. These romantics may use videos and images of charming people as cover to trick you into believing you are conversing with the person in the photos. These fraudsters will make you believe you have an intimate connection with the other person and then ask for money.
These are some common Snapchat romance scams.
- Scammers will often ask you to transfer the conversation to Snapchat if you meet on dating platforms like Tinder. This is particularly common in military romance scams. If you refuse to share more, they will ask for photos/videos.
- Snapchat catfish scams – A catfish is a person who pretends to be beautiful online. They trick victims into believing they have a romantic connection. Then, they ask for money, gift card, and photos. To “prove” that you are not tying with others, they may ask for access to your bank account.
- Snapchat Meetup Scams – Snapchat scammers can target users who do not block their location. These attractive Snapchat accounts will connect with users and offer to meet up in their local area. They will demand that you pay for their bus or gas ticket. The scammer will insist that you go on the date. They might give you an excuse to schedule another date and drag the victim along for more money.
Scams by Sugar Daddy/Momma
A sugar daddy/momma is an older person who reaches out to a younger user (known also as a sugar baby). In exchange for gifts, cash, or other presents, the daddy/momma requires that the baby send photos or videos.
This Snapchat scam is usually played out in three ways:
- They require an upfront payment
- The scammer may tell the victim they need money to cover shipping costs or transfer fees. They may ask for this payment to prove loyalty.
- They will ask for your bank account information.
- They will claim they would like to make a deposit into your account. The scammer actually takes the money out of the account.
- They send money to you and ask you for some in return.
- For example, they’ll give the sugar baby $1,000 using a fraudulent check, or gift cards purchased with stolen credit cards.
- They’ll then demand $100 in gift cards from the sugar baby to keep their souvenirs or buy their next gift. After the sugar baby has given the gift cards, he/she discovers that either the check bounced or that the gift cards didn’t work.
Snapchat Girls and Premium account scams
Scammers will create a Premium Snapchat account featuring Snapchat Girls, even though it’s not an official feature.
These accounts promise to share exclusive content with subscribers who pay a one time fee via Venmo or Cash App, or register on a different website with their bank details, credit card, debit card or other information. However, any money you share with the scammer goes directly to them.
How to Shut Down Snapchat Scammers
The sophistication of scammers is increasing, and you might be part of a Snapchat scam similar to those we have just discussed.
You should look out for indicators of identity theft such as accounts asking:
- Your login information
- Money, gift cards, altcoins, etc.
- Photos and videos
- Other personal information: your location, pet’s name and birthday.
- Your friends’ PII
These steps are to be followed if you suspect you have been scammed.
Use the in-app reporting function to block suspicious accounts.
Snapchat Safety and Trust teams can be reached via In-App reporting to report inappropriate behavior, content, and scams. To report, click the “Report” button in a Snap, Story, and account.
Snapchat claims that its team responds in less than two hours to any reports. The Quick Guide to Snapchat Reporting has more information. You can also block Snapchat users to prevent them from contacting or viewing your content.
Report a compromised or hacked account
If your Snapchat account is accessed by someone not authorized to use it, it may have been compromised or hacked.
These are indicators that your Snapchat account could have been hacked or compromised:
- Locked out of your account
- Spam from your account
- An alert means that someone has accessed your account via an IP address, a different location or device.
- You may not be aware of the additions to your contact list.
- Someone stole your mobile number and email address.
Snapchat can be contacted about the hacking of your account. Snapchat will verify your identity but will not ask for your password.
