12 Snapchat scams, and how to protect yourself from falling victim

What are Snapchat scams?

Snapchat scams are deceptive schemes that fraudsters use to target Snapchat users. These scams are designed to manipulate individuals into handing over sensitive information, money, or access to their social media accounts  — often not just Snapchat. Scammers exploit the app's popular features, like disappearing messages and casual communication style, to cover their tracks and trick users more effectively.

This growing trend of fraud and manipulation raises an important question: Is Snapchat safe? While the app itself includes several security features, the security of your account ultimately depends on how careful you are about keeping personal information private. Like many social networks, Snapchat faces frequent social media privacy issues, where scammers exploit vulnerabilities or human behavior to cause harm.

The real danger of these scams lies in how quickly and seamlessly fraudsters can impersonate friends, brands, or influencers to gain their targets' trust. Without proper awareness, even tech-savvy users can become victims of Snapchat scams.

How do Snapchat scams work?

In most Snapchat scams, scammers send you a convincing message or an appealing offer to gain your trust. They might ask for a small amount of money to get started on an exciting but fake opportunity, such as an advertising sponsorship or investment.

Then, they’ll request your login information, claiming they need it to promote the opportunity to your Snapchat friends. Once you provide access, they’ll lock you out of your account, steal your money, and use your profile to scam others.

Scams on Snapchat often rely on manipulation and trickery and commonly involve phishing tactics to fool victims. A typical Snapchat scam works like this:

• The setup. The scammer creates a fake Snapchat account or hacks an existing one, often posing as a friend, celebrity, or organization you trust.
• The bait. They message you with a fake offer or urgent request. For example, they might offer a lucrative money-making opportunity, or even ask you to help them recover a locked account.
• The trap. To advance the scam, the scammer asks for a small payment, a code sent to your phone, or your login credentials to supposedly help them accomplish their objective.
• The payoff. Once you hand over the requested information or money, the scammer either locks you out of your account, drains your funds, or uses your account to scam others on your friends list.

For example, you might get a message saying, “I’m locked out of my account and need the code Snapchat sent to you,” or “Congrats! You’ve won $500. Click here to claim your prize!” Such fraudulent schemes use phishing links or emotional appeals to extract money, login credentials, or sensitive data. In worst-case scenarios, these scams can result in identity theft.

Signs that you might be a victim of a Snapchat scam

If you’re not sure if you've been targeted, some warning signs that you’ve fallen victim to a Snapchat scam include:

• You’ve been locked out of your Snapchat account unexpectedly.
• Friends report receiving suspicious messages or links from your account that you didn’t send.
• You receive direct requests for money, personal information, or login credentials.
• Your Snap Map location suddenly changes to a place you’ve never been.
• A scammer demands payment in exchange for giving you access to your hacked account.
• Strange purchases or transactions appear linked to your Snapchat-registered accounts.

12 most common Snapchat scams

Scammers are constantly inventing new ways to trick Snapchat users. Below, find the 12 most common scams on Snapchat, complete with examples and actionable tips to protect yourself from falling victim.

1. Romance scams

Romance scams, also called online dating scams, happen when a scammer pretends to be romantically interested in you. They use stolen photos of attractive people (common in catfish scams) and convincing messages to earn your trust, gradually building a fake emotional connection.

Once they’ve gained your confidence, they fabricate emergencies, such as a broken car or medical emergencies, and ask you to send money. For instance, a scammer might claim they’ve finally saved enough money to visit you, but they need $300 for a plane ticket to make it possible.

Once you send the money, they usually vanish. Or they demand more and keep squeezing you until you finally stop paying.

Tips to stay safe from Snapchat romance scams:

• Be skeptical of declarations of love that escalate quickly, especially if followed by a request for money.
• Never send money to someone you’ve never met in person, no matter how urgent their stories sound.

Question suspicious behavior. Scammers often avoid live interactions, such as video calls or voice messages.

2. Friend account recovery scams

In a friend account recovery scam, fraudsters impersonate Snapchat support agents or, more commonly, your friends (hence the name of the scam). They message you pretending their account is locked and ask for help retrieving it.

They’ll request a code that Snapchat sends to your phone, but that code is actually to access your own account. Once they hack you, they take over your profile and may extort money to give it back.

Tips to stay safe from this and other Snapchat text scams:

• Always verify the sender on another platform or app before sharing information — call or text your friend to confirm the request.
• Snapchat support will never message users asking for authentication details. Keep your codes private.
• If a message from someone claiming to be your friend feels rushed, overly urgent, or contains unusual grammar or phrasing, be cautious. It could be a scammer impersonating them.

3. Sugar daddy or sugar mommy scams

The infamous sugar mommy or sugar daddy scams often target younger users with promises of financial support in exchange for companionship or loyalty. Scammers bait you with offers like weekly $1,000 allowances but then demand an upfront payment to prove your trustworthiness or commitment. Once you comply, they typically disappear or steal your bank account details.

Follow these tips to stay safe from Snapchat sugar momma or sugar daddy scams:

• Block and report strangers offering large sums of money out of the blue.
• Never share your bank details or send payments to prove loyalty.
• Be skeptical of extravagant offers or anyone who offers to send checks or money through unconventional means.

4. Snapchat premium account scams

In Snapchat premium account scams, sometimes called adult content scams, scammers pretend to be adult content creators offering explicit images, videos, or private conversations in exchange for a one-time payment.

However, after receiving the payment, they usually vanish without providing any content. Worse, some scammers use personal information, screenshots of conversations, or shared images to engage in sextortion. They threaten to share this material publicly unless the victim pays more money.

Tips for protecting yourself from Snapchat sextortion and other blackmail scams:

• Avoid interacting with accounts that message you unsolicited offers for premium Snapchats.
• Adjust Snapchat settings to allow only friends to send you direct messages.
• If threatened, block the user immediately and report their account to Snapchat’s Trust and Safety team.

5. Meetup or hookup scams

In meetup or hookup scams, fraudsters promise to meet victims in person but demand money upfront for transportation or emergencies like flat tires or unexpected issues. A scammer might say, “My tire just blew on the highway. Can you send $200 for the tow truck? I’ll pay you back when I get there,” but they never show up.

Tips to avoid Snapchat scams that follow a similar scheme:

• Never send money to someone who hasn’t confirmed their identity or met with you in person before.
• Limit your visibility on Snap Map by switching to Ghost Mode.
• If planning to meet someone, ensure it’s in a public place and confirm their identity beforehand.

6. Fake money-making scams

In fake money-making scams, also called investment scams, fraudsters dangle promises of quick cash. Scammers claim to have lucrative opportunities, such as sponsorship deals, investment opportunities, or influencer gigs.

They promise high rewards for minimal effort and ask for a small sign-up fee or your account credentials to get started. For example, “Send $50, and I’ll connect you to this $5K influencer deal.” Once you comply, they take your money or hijack your account.

Tips to stay safe from financial scams:

• Always research any opportunity outside of Snapchat. Real sponsors won’t use unsolicited messages to recruit participants.
• Never share account details or credentials, even if the sender claims it’s necessary.
• If an offer seems too good to be true, trust your gut — it’s likely a scam.

7. Fake survey scams

In fake survey scams, scammers pose as research students, influencers, or company representatives. They use surveys as bait, promising rewards like gift cards or cash for participation. They direct you to fake forms or links that request sensitive details like credit card information or install malware on your device.

Tips to stay safe:

• Use reputable browser extensions or link checkers to verify links before clicking.
• Adjust Snapchat’s messaging settings so that only your friends can send you text messages.
• Avoid sharing sensitive information, such as bank account details or social media passwords, when filling out surveys.

8. Employment scams

Employment scams promise high-paying jobs with little effort. Scammers pitch ideas like “Earn $10,000 monthly from your phone” and demand application fees, starter kits, or deposits. Others recruit users into pyramid schemes, which can leave you financially drained.

Tips to stay safe from employment scams:

• Verify job listings and offers by checking official websites or LinkedIn profiles.
• Snapchats from businesses without verified accounts are suspicious — block and report them.
• Never pay upfront fees for employment or partnership opportunities.

9. Imposter scams

Imposter scams involve scammers pretending to be someone you know or trust, such as a close friend, a celebrity, or even a well-known brand. By exploiting their fake identity, scammers will request money, donations, or favors.

A scammer might say, “Hey, it’s Sarah from math class. I lost my phone and need $40 for a taxi. Can you help?” Believing them to be your real friend, you send the money, only to realize it was an imposter.

Tips to stay safe:

• Ask a verifying question only your friend would know the answer to if you suspect someone is impersonating them.
• Be skeptical of urgent money requests, even from people you know, and verify their identity outside of Snapchat.
• Block and report users if their usernames don’t match those of your real contacts.

10. Fake contest scams

In fake contest scams, fraudsters promise grand prizes like iPhones, concert tickets, or cash through fake contests. To participate, you’re asked to provide sensitive details or pay an entry fee. After you comply, the scammer disappears, leaving you without a prize.

Tips to protect yourself from fake contest scams:

• Look for verified badges on contest-hosting accounts to ensure they are legit.
• Never share personal data or payment information to enter a contest.
• If a contest seems too good to be true, trust your instincts and avoid participating.

11. Email account recovery scams

In email account recovery scams, you get emails that look like they’re from Snapchat. These phishing emails may warn about account issues like your password expiring, account inactivity, or even threats to leak your data. Clicking the link likely takes you to a fake site designed to steal your login details.

Tips to stay safe from Snapchat phishing scams:

• Snapchat will only contact you through official "@snapchat.com" emails. Always double-check the sender’s address.
• Never click recovery or login links sent through email unless you’ve requested them directly.
• Scammers often use phrases like “Your account will be deleted” or “Immediate action required” to pressure you into clicking links. Instead of reacting immediately, take a moment to verify the claim through Snapchat’s official app or website.

12. Fake product scams

In fake product scams, Snapchat scammers might claim to sell designer goods, concert tickets, or gadgets at prices far below market value. For example, they might say, “Selling AirPods Pro for $50.” After you pay, the scammer disappears, and in rare cases, they may send a counterfeit product instead.

Tips to stay safe:

• Avoid buying directly through Snapchat unless it’s from trusted friends or verified accounts.
• Request proof of ownership, such as live video or unique pictures, before purchasing.
• Use payment methods that offer buyer protection, such as PayPal. Avoid direct transfers through apps like Zelle or Venmo because they don't provide the same level of security.

How to spot a fake Snapchat account

If you want to know how to spot a fake account on Snapchat, pay attention to:

• Snap score. Real users have higher Snap scores because they use the app regularly. A low score, especially below a couple of hundred, may signal a fake account.
• Poorly written messages. Snapchat scammers often send rushed, generic, or oddly worded messages. If the language feels off, it's a red flag that the account might not be legitimate.
• Verification badges. Celebrities and influencers have a yellow Snap Star badge next to their name. If someone claims to be famous but doesn’t have this badge, they’re most likely lying.
• Bitmoji profiles. Most Snapchat users create a personalized Bitmoji. An account without one or using only a blank icon might be fake.
• Friend requests from strangers. Be cautious if someone adds you out of nowhere, especially if you have no mutual connections. Fake accounts often rely on sending random friend requests to find victims.
• Unrealistic promises or offers. Scammers like to dangle things like free money, exclusive content, or giveaways. If something seems too good to be true, assume it probably is.

What to do if you’ve fallen victim to a Snapchat scam

If you’ve clicked on a phishing link or suspect your account has been compromised, act quickly:

1. 1.Report phishing scams to Snapchat using the app’s reporting feature. To report an account, press and hold the Snapchatter's name, tap “More” (or the gear icon), and select “Report.”
2. 2.Change your Snapchat username and password immediately.
3. 3.Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added account security if you haven’t already.
4. 4.Run a virus scan to ensure your devices aren’t infected.
5. 5.Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

How can you protect yourself from Snapchat scams?

Make your Snapchat experience safer by following these quick and simple tips:

• Use a strong, unique password. To make your account harder to hack, use a combination of at least 16 characters, including uppercase letters, symbols, and numbers.
• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA). Instead of relying on texts, which scammers can intercept, use an app like Google Authenticator to confirm logins.
• Secure your email account. Hackers often target the email tied to your Snapchat account. Use a strong password for your email and set up 2FA to keep it safe.
• Adjust your privacy settings. Make sure only your friends can contact you, view your stories, or see your location. Go to Snapchat’s settings, adjust your privacy options, and turn on Ghost Mode for Snap Map so strangers can’t find you.
• Turn off “Show me in find friends.” If you have “Show me in find friends” enabled, Snapchat will show your account to other users. To avoid random friend requests from people who might be scammers, go to your Snapchat settings, tap “See me in find friends,” and turn off “Show me in find friends.”
• Regularly update your password and clear your Snapchat cache. Change your password regularly to stop hackers who might know an old one. Clearing your Snapchat cache keeps your app running smoothly and removes unnecessary files that could slow you down or pose hidden risks.
• Preview external links that raise suspicion. Scammers often hide dangerous websites in links that look legitimate. Before clicking, run the link through a trustworthy link-checking tool to see where it really leads.
• Manage active devices. Go to your Snapchat settings and scroll down to “Session management” to see all the devices and browsers logged into your account. If you spot a device you don’t use, hit the “X” next to it to log it out. This step is important to stop scammers from accessing your account, stealing information, or messaging your friends without your knowledge.
• Block and ignore strangers who ask for money. If someone you don’t know suddenly messages you asking for help or money, block them immediately. Even if they seem friendly, they’re likely looking for a way to take advantage of you.
• Avoid connecting Snapchat to unapproved third-party apps. While some may promise extra features, some third-party apps can steal your data or hijack your account. Stick only to features and tools officially associated with Snapchat, such as Bitmoji.
• Keep personal information private. Don’t post or share sensitive details like your phone number, passwords, address, financial information, or even your exact location. Scammers can use small bits of information to target you or commit identity theft.
• Get instant alerts about fraudulent sites with NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro™. This tool warns you about phishing sites or dangerous links before you click on them, keeping you safe while using Snapchat.
• Deactivate or delete your Snapchat account if compromised. If scammers take complete control of your account and you can't regain access, deactivate or delete it to stop them from misusing your profile to target others.