With 800 million monthly active users globally, including 414 million engaging daily, Snapchat ranks prominently among social media apps, yet its popularity attracts cybercriminals. Tactics range from financial fraud to identity theft and blackmail. Snapchat’s minimum age requirement of 13 years old makes users vulnerable. Scammers often impersonate contacts or use phishing techniques to hack accounts. The platform’s easy rules for making fake accounts make it harder to tell real profiles apart from fake ones.
The Snapchat Scams of 2024
In a recent news report on A Current Affair, Mum warns against online scam targeting Aussie teenage boys | A Current Affair, an Aussie teenager became a victim of a romance scam on Snapchat. It started with a simple friend request from a scammer posing as a girl, and then, twenty minutes later, the conversation became inappropriate. Sadly, the teenage boy unknowingly sent an explicit picture of himself, and the scammer blackmailed the teenage boy, asking for $700 AUD for the scammer not to post his explicit pictures online. Luckily, his mum saved him from committing self-harm due to the stress the scammer made. This is just one of many scams on Snapchat that you should be wary of.
What are the Types of Snapchat Scams?
Snapchat scams trick users into sharing personal details and/or sending money, these include impersonation scams with fake accounts posing as known individuals asking for favours or funds, phishing scams pretending to be real sources to get sensitive information, and fake promotions tempting users with prizes for personal data or actions. Malware distribution through disguised links and account takeover scams are also a huge threat in Snapchat.
Types of Snapchat Scams
1. Impersonation Scams
Scammers create fake accounts posing as someone the victim knows, such as a friend, family member, or acquaintance. They may use stolen photos or information to make the account appear authentic. Once they gain the victim’s trust, they may solicit money, personal information, or other favours.
2. Phishing Scams
Scammers send messages pretending to be from Snapchat or other legitimate sources, asking users to verify their account information, such as usernames, passwords, or payment details. These messages often contain links to fake websites designed to steal login credentials or other sensitive information.
3. Fake Promotions and Giveaways
Scammers create fake promotions or giveaways offering prizes such as cash, gift cards, or products in exchange for personal information or actions such as clicking on links or downloading apps. These scams exploit users’ desire for freebies or rewards and can lead to identity theft or financial loss.
4. Malware Distribution
Scammers may send messages containing links to malicious websites or apps disguised as legitimate Snapchat features or third-party services. Clicking on these links can result in the installation of malware or other harmful software on the user’s device, compromising their security and privacy.
5. Account Takeover Scams
Scammers gain unauthorised access to users’ Snapchat accounts through various means, such as phishing, password guessing, or exploiting security vulnerabilities. Once they control the account, they may use it to send spam,or scam messages to the user’s contacts, or engage in other malicious activities.
6. Romance Scams
Scammers create fake profiles on Snapchat with the intention of forming romantic relationships with unsuspecting users. They may use flattering messages, fake photos, and fabricated stories to manipulate their victims emotionally. Once they have gained their trust, they may ask for money, gifts, exploiting the victim’s feelings for their own gain.
7. Sugar Mommy or Sugar Daddy Scam
A Sugar Mummy or Sugar Daddy scam on Snapchat involves an older individual reaching out to a younger user, known as a “sugar baby,” with promises of financial support, gifts, or other benefits in exchange for companionship, attention, or explicit content such as pictures or videos. However, these promises are usually fraudulent, and the scammer aims to exploit the victim for financial gain. There are several common ways this scam plays out, including asking for upfront payments, requesting bank account information, or sending fake cheques that will surely bounce or gift cards and asking the victim to send some money back.
How to Spot a Snapchat Catfish
Spotting a fake Snapchat Catfish requires thorough analysis. However, there are telltale signs and tricks for spotting these fake accounts, such as examining their snap score and snap map, conducting an image search, checking the account’s Bitmoji presence, and thoroughly assessing the account’s purpose and information on their profile.
- Snap Score
Check the account’s Snap score. A real Snapchat user who actively engages with the platform will likely have a higher Snap score. If the account claims to be a popular influencer but has a low Snap score, it could be a sign of a fake account trying to appear legitimate.
- Snap Map
Use the Snap Map feature to verify the account’s real-life location. If the location provided in the profile does not match the one displayed on the Snap Map, it could be an indicator for a fake account.
- Image Search
Perform a reverse image search on the profile or story photos using Google image search. Scammers often steal images from other websites to create fake accounts. By using an image search, you can know if the images used in the account belong to someone else, indicating potential fraud.
- Bitmoji Presence
Check if the account has a Bitmoji, the cartoon avatar commonly associated with Snapchat profiles. Real Snapchat users often have Bitmojis, so the absence of one could raise suspicions about the account’s authenticity.
- Request Assessment
Evaluate the nature of the account’s interactions with you. If a random account adds you and immediately starts asking for “help” or sending suspicious links, it’s advisable to block them. Similarly, if someone you know starts sending unusual messages, reach out to them through another platform to confirm the authenticity of their account.
- Content Evaluation
Fake accounts often feature glamorous images of models, extravagant lifestyles, or promises of wealth. However, be cautious of accounts that seem too good to be true. If the content appears overly sensationalised or unrealistic, it’s wise to block the account.
What to Do if Someone Makes a Fake Snapchat of You
Firstly, report the fake account directly through Snapchat’s reporting feature, citing impersonation. Secondly, inform your contacts about the fake account to prevent any misunderstandings or harm. Thirdly, document the situation with screenshots and consider reaching out to Snapchat support for additional assistance. These steps will help lessen the impact of the fake account and protect your online identity.
How to Get a Fake Snapchat Account Deleted
You’ve found out that a Snapchat account is fake. It’s crucial to report the fake Snapchat account to have it deleted by Snapchat.
The steps to have a Snapchat account deleted
- Report the Account
Use Snapchat’s in-app reporting feature to flag the fake account. Open the profile of the fake account, tap on the three dots (⋮) in the top right corner, and select “Report.” Follow the prompts to provide details about why you’re reporting the account.
If you prefer reporting through a web browser, visit Snapchat’s Support website and navigate to their report form. Fill out the necessary information, including details about the fake account and why it violates Snapchat’s community guidelines.
- Provide Evidence
When reporting the fake account, provide any evidence you have to support your claim. This might include screenshots of the fake account’s activity, evidence of impersonation, or any other relevant information.
- Encourage Others to Report
If possible, encourage others who encounter the fake account to report it as well. Multiple reports from different users can help escalate the issue and prompt Snapchat to take action more quickly.
- Contact Snapchat Support Directly
If you’re unable to resolve the issue through the standard reporting channels, consider reaching out to Snapchat’s support team directly via email or social media. Explain the situation and provide any additional evidence or context.
How to Prevent Snapchat Scams
- Be cautious of Friend Requests
Only accept friend requests from people you know or recognise. Avoid adding strangers or accounts with suspicious profiles.
- Verify identities
If someone claims to be a friend or acquaintance but their account seems suspicious, reach out to them through another platform or contact them directly to verify their identity before sharing any personal information or engaging further.
- Protect your login information
Never share your Snapchat login credentials with anyone. Be wary of phishing attempts through emails, texts, or other messages that ask for your username, password, or verification codes.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Activate 2FA on your Snapchat account for an extra layer of security. This typically involves receiving a code via text message or authentication app whenever you log in from a new device.
- Stay informed about common scams
Educate yourself about the various types of Snapchat scams circulating online, such as fake giveaways, phishing messages, or impersonation attempts. Stay updated on the latest scams and tactics used by scammers.
- Verify requests for money or personal information
Be cautious of requests for money or sensitive personal information sent through Snapchat. Verify the identity of the sender and the legitimacy of the request before responding or taking any action.
- Report suspicious activity
If you encounter any suspicious accounts, messages, or activity on Snapchat, report it to Snapchat’s support team immediately. This helps protect other users and allows Snapchat to take appropriate action against scammers.
- Keep your app updated
Ensure that you’re using the latest version of the Snapchat app, as updates often include security patches and fixes for vulnerabilities that could be exploited by scammers.
- Adjust privacy settings
Review and adjust your Snapchat privacy settings to control who can contact you, view your stories, and see your location. Limiting your exposure to strangers can help reduce the risk of encountering scams.
Summary
Snapchat, with millions of users worldwide, has become a place for scams targeting individuals especially teenagers. From impersonation and phishing to fake promotions and malware distribution, users are tricked into sharing personal information or sending money, risking financial loss or identity theft. Specific scams, like romance and sugar mummy/daddy scams, exploit users emotionally for money.
Detecting fake snapchat accounts involves checking snap scores, snap maps, Bitmoji presence, and evaluating account content and interactions. To combat these threats, users should stay alert, verify identities, enable two-factor authentication, and stay informed about common scams. Reporting of suspicious activity to Snapchat authorities is crucial in reducing the spread of scams and protecting other users, emphasising the importance of informed and cautious online behaviour.
If you need assistance or have trouble with a Snapchat scam, Cybertrace is always here to help. We know how you feel when you get scammed. Let’s make them accountable for their actions.
Questions to The Audience: Do you know someone who experienced Snapchat scams? If so, what happened?
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