Why Snapchat Scams Are Today’s Biggest Trend

The social networking software Snapchat, which is well-known for its disappearing photographs and videos, wasn’t very successful until about 2014. But, even though there are other social networking sites, Snapchat quickly gained popularity since, in principle, nothing users texted or shared could be used against them. There were 290 million daily active Snapchat users by 2021. Unfortunately, some con artists target visitors to websites with highly engaged users. Although there are many reliable users and content providers on Snapchat, it’s essential to be aware of Snapchat scams.

Teenagers who wanted to share things privately with parents and teachers appreciated the program. Due to the disappearing nature of its “Snaps,” or posts, Snapchat initially gained notoriety as a sexting app.

How Do Snapchat Scams work?

On this social networking site, a suspicious activity is called a Snapchat scam. Your money and personal information are the scam artists’ primary objectives. By skillfully interacting with potential victims, Snapchat hackers will give the impression that they are trustworthy individuals.

Additionally, they will conduct a phishing attack to seize the victim’s private information and intimate photographs—attempts by hackers to get access to the victim’s account. As a result, you should exercise caution even if the police have detained several con artists. Additionally, law authorities have charged con artists with forgery, harassment, identity theft, hacking, and other computer crimes. 

You must select a strong password and comprehend how the fraud works. To learn about safety measures and to avoid Snapchat scams, do your research on these Snapchat scams. Once the account has been compromised, the con artists have access to and can view your private photos. 

What are the most popular Snapchat scams out there?

Money-making opportunity scam:

This might be a phony sponsorship, an advertisement, or a claim that you can convert your hundreds of dollars into thousands of dollars. Knowing that you trust your friends, these con artists frequently break into their accounts and pose as them.

They’ll then pretend to be your trustworthy friend and try to sell you on this chance, and they’ll know you’ll probably take them up on it because you’ll think it’s your friend.

Once you’ve given them cash or a gift card, they’ll ask you for your login details to access your account and then to “share this advertising opportunity with your other friends.” Then they will steal your Snapchat account, take your funds, and stop speaking with you altogether.

They pose as your friend who needs assistance regaining access to their account:

Scammers will add you on Snapchat while posing as your buddy complaining that they can’t access their account. Then they will inform you that you can only assist them in regaining access to their account by providing them with your login information so they can “remember” their Snapchat username. 

Once they get access to your account, they close you out and request funds or sexual favors before allowing you back into Snapchat. Once you send them money, they only allow you to use your account again briefly before locking you out and demanding more. Teenage girls, in particular, are the target of this con.

Phishing scam:

In order to trick you into logging into your account, scammers will send you emails with various justifications. Additionally, they will offer you a link to “make logging into your email easier” in an email.

When you click on that link, the traditional Snapchat login screen emerges. However, it’s essentially a false login screen, and if you submit your information, the scammers can log in to your account using your username and password.

They send you chain emails:

These con artists will pose as members of the official Snapchat team and send you messages warning that if you don’t share their message, your images will be deleted or indecent photos will be made public.

This message is screenshotted and distributed since everyone fears their photos will be removed or made public. Even Snapchat has publicly said that they have never issued anything similar to that and to disregard the chain message.

How can you avoid the most popular Snapchat scams:

There are numerous ways to protect your loved ones from these Snapchat scams:

Make contact with your friend:

If you or your child ever receives a questionable message from a friend asking for money or technical support, make sure to contact your acquaintance using a separate messaging service. Do this to ensure your friend is still in control of their Snapchat account and that a fraudster isn’t utilizing it.

Selective in Your Friend Requests:

Making sure you never accept friend requests from individuals you do not know directly. This is another approach to protect yourself. Naturally, many people are open to receiving friend requests from anyone. But restricting who you accept requests from will help you keep yourself and your money safe.

Never give someone your Snapchat login details:

Although this is a standard caution, many young and immature adults might not understand the risks of disclosing their login information to peers, especially online. Therefore, be sure that no one ever receives login information from you or a family member, no matter how desperate they seem. 

Don’t Accept Unknown Friend Requests:

You must ensure you never accept friend requests from somebody you have never met to protect yourself against Snapchat scams. However, you can safeguard your assets and reputation by being picky about who you get friend requests from. But, of course, many people accept friend requests from anyone. However, it exposes the user to more threats.

Summary:

Snapchat has risks, in the same way as other social media platforms do. For instance, numerous data breaches have occurred in the past. In addition, some con artists use sincere love allusions, whereas others use your credit or debit card for extortion.