How to Find Out Who is Behind a Fake Snapchat Account

Has someone with an unfamiliar name reached out to you on Snapchat? Maybe they’re trying to start a conversation, or perhaps you’re a parent concerned about your teenager being targeted by bullying or exploitation on the platform. In either case, it is important to take steps to protect yourself or your loved ones from potential harm.

In our previous blog, Cybertrace dove deep into issues like cyberbullying, trolling, and social media harassment, focusing on Facebook and Instagram. Today, we are zooming in on Snapchat, exploring why it is so important to remain cautious, how to spot a fake account, and what steps you can take to identify who’s behind it.

The Dark Side of Snapchat 

With over 800 million active monthly users, Snapchat has become one of the most popular social media platforms of 2024, particularly among younger generations aged 18 to 24. Features like Stories and augmented reality (AR) filters have made it a fun and creative way for users and brands to connect. But behind its playful surface, there is a darker side that is harder to ignore.

While Snapchat is designed to foster interactions between people who know each other, it has also become a breeding ground for serious issues like cyberbullying and sextortion. Predators use the platform to target users, coercing them into sharing explicit photos and then threatening to leak the images unless they pay up. At the same time, bullying outside the classroom has surged on Snapchat, leaving lasting impacts on victims. Sadly, these harmful interactions have led to devastating consequences. Some young victims of Snapchat bullying have tragically taken their own lives. 

As discussions over the impact of social media on younger users intensify, governments are starting to take action. In Australia, a bill is being proposed to protect young users by banning social media for children under 16. However, the exact details of the bill are still unclear, and there is uncertainty around how it will be enforced and what exceptions, if any, will apply.

Snapchat may coin itself the “anti-social media” app, but its challenges serve as a reminder that even the most popular platforms carry serious risks. Staying informed and vigilant is essential to keeping yourself and your loved ones safe. 

How to Spot a Fake Snapchat Account

Like all social media platforms, Snapchat is prone to fake accounts, and distinguishing between real and fake ones is not always as easy. These fake accounts can lead to scams and unwanted interactions. While it is tricky, there are a few simple checks you can use to figure out if an account is real or fake.

The Snapscore is your first clue. This score reflects how active the user is on Snapchat. If someone claims to be a regular user but has a surprisingly low score, it’s likely a fake account. Real users tend to have higher scores that reflect consistent usage.

Before you add someone back, take a moment to see if you have any mutual connections. A lack of mutual contacts can be a red flag. Fake accounts often try to connect with as many people as possible, even if they don’t have any shared connections.

If you’re already engaging with an account, pay close attention to their online behaviour. This is normally a big giveaway. If this account is sending strange messages or sharing odd links, it’s a clear red flag. These are classic tactics used by scammers. Sometimes, these fraudsters will go as far as using your friends’ or relatives’ names to trick you. If you’re unsure whether it’s really them, reach out on another platform to confirm if it is them before continuing the conversation. If anything feels off, trust your instincts! 

If you’re looking for peace of mind and just want to move on, feel free to block and report the account. But if you’re curious and want to uncover who is behind the account, it might be better to hold off on reporting for now. Reporting could lead to the account being suspended by Snapchat, which would make it harder for you and private investigators, such as Cybertrace, to get more information.

How to Find Out Who Is Behind a Fake Snapchat Account

Dealing with cyberbullying or even sextortion through a fake Snapchat account is an incredibly frustrating and isolating experience. The anonymity that Snapchat offers makes it all too easy for someone to bully others without facing any consequences. You might have a gut feeling about who’s behind the fake account. It could be a vindictive ex or a jealous friend…but how do you confirm it? 

Simply reporting the account to Snapchat won’t help you identify the person behind the fake profile, it may only result in the account being removed. Law enforcement can only step in if criminal activity is involved, typically requiring proof like an IP address. Your lawyer also can’t take action unless they know exactly who they’re dealing with.

So, what can you do? 

This is where Cybertrace steps in. While identifying the person behind a fake Snapchat account is challenging, it is certainly not impossible. 

How Cybertrace Can Help

At Cybertrace, we’ve developed specialised tools and investigative techniques that can help track down the person behind a fake account. While our tools are primarily used for Instagram and Facebook investigations, they can also be used across other platforms to gather vital information, such as IP addresses.

Our investigative approach isn’t just about gathering data, it’s about piecing everything together. We analyse the content and writing style of the fake account and compare it with known suspects. If the fake account has shared any suspicious links with you, we can even use forensic website analysis to gather more intel.

Depending on what information you have, there may be additional avenues we can explore. Contact Cybertrace today, and let us help you find out who’s behind that fake Snapchat account.

This post was revised on 27 November 2024 for improved readability and accuracy.