When you think about Snapchat, you probably imagine sharing stories, fun filters, and keeping streaks alive. The platform allows us to share events from our daily lives and post memories with people all around the world.
You probably don’t consider the risk of falling victim to an snapchat extortion scam that could leave you broken both emotionally and financially. It is an uncomfortable truth that the same features listed above can enable Snapchat scammers to reach their victims. With roughly 433 million daily users(1), Snapchat is a prime avenue for extortion scams.
Extortion Scams on Snapchat
Commonly reported cases of Snapchat extortion are of financial sextortion, dating scams, malware attacks, and fake product scams. Keep reading for advice on avoiding each of these scams.
Sextortion Scams on Snapchat
The ease of sharing photos on Snapchat and the false pretense that they are temporary enables scammers to easily deceive victims into sharing intimate photos that can be used for financial sextortion or to extract more intimate images. For more information on how to avoid blackmail sextortion on Snapchat.
Romance Scams on Snapchat
It is extremely easy to create new profiles on Snapchat. These profiles have user-created avatars rather than profile pictures, making it even easier to create a fraudulent account. These factors combine to make the platform a sought-after avenue for romance scammers. Using attractive images or videos, they develop a relationships with multiple users. Once they’ve catfished a potential victim, they can use Snapchat to extort them for financial gain.
Malware Scams on Snapchat
Snapchat users can send chats, which makes it easy to drop malicious links in a conversation. Combine this with the ability to add links to stories, and the platform opens the door for scammers to expose mass audiences to malware.
Fake Product Scams on Snapchat
Another rising Snapchat scam involves posing as a fake seller. Roughly seven out of 10 online consumers were deceived in 2023(2). A ubiquitous item used in these scams is puppies. Scammers will reach out to potential buyers through the platform convincing the buyer that they have the breed of dog they want but only accepting payments prior to meeting. Once preferred payment is received, the scammer will delay or simply ghost the victim attempting to disappear with the stolen funds.
New Snapchat Blackmail Tactics
While sextortion, romance, malware, and fake product scams are currently the most common blackmail tactics on Snapchat, new and emerging extortion scams are becoming increasingly prevalent. These threats often involve more sophisticated methods designed to catch users off guard through use of social engineering tactics.
Identifying the Red Flags of Extortion Scams
While each case of Snapchat extortion is unique, there are some common signs you can look out for to avoid falling victim to these schemes.
Common Tactics Used by Scammers
- Threats to Expose Private Information – If you have shared sensitive data, the scammer may threaten to leak it online if you don’t meet their demands.
- Threats of Physical Harm – The scammer may claim to have access to your location and intimidate you with claims they will come to them and cause bodily harm.
- Pretending to be a Trusted Entity – In the case of financial or fake product scams, the scammer often poses as a known organization to extract information from you.
Behavioral Clues of a Potential Scam
- Quickly Asking for Information – Scammers typically move fast and will ask you to divulge personal information that can be used in Snapchat blackmail scams.
- Asking for Money – The scammer may directly ask you to send them money for various reasons depending on the type of scam.
- Love Bombing – In the case of dating scams, your scammer may send a barrage of compliments and declarations of love.
What to Do If You’re Targeted by an Extortion Scam
While Snapchat extortion is a scary situation, there are steps you can take to resolve the matter.
- Don’t Block the Scammer – While this may seem like the right solution , it may lead to the scammer carrying out their threats. We recommend keeping the communication open, at least until you’ve consulted with the appropriate professionals. This approach ensures that any evidence or patterns of behavior can be documented.
- Don’t send Money or Personal Data – You may think that meeting the scammers demands will make their threats stop but it normally has the opposite effect. If you send a payment, you go to their top of their extortion list.
- Collect Evidence – For law enforcement, Snapchat administrators, and cybersecurity professionals to be able to help resolve your case, you will need proof of the scam. Gather screenshots of any messages and copies of any payments sent to the scammer.
Prevention Strategies for Staying Safe on Snapchat
After completing the steps outlined above, we recommend acting quickly to report your case to the proper professionals to prevent further extortion.
- Reporting to Admins – While reporting the scammer to Snapchat administrators may not help you recover your stolen data or funds, it can help get the scammers account removed from the platform, which prevents them from targeting others.
- Working with Law Enforcement: Your first call should always be to law enforcement. We suggest starting with your local police department. They will advise you on which national organizations you should consult based on the type of scam you are facing.
- How Cybersecurity Professional Help – Cybersecurity analysts can help you track down your scammer and gain information necessary to take legal action.
For help securing your personal Snapchat account, please review our article Locking Down Your Snapchat Account.
Let Digital Forensics Corp. Investigate & Identify Your Scammer.
If you suspect you’re being targeted or need help getting your snapchat blackmail nightmare to stop, contact Digital Forensics Corp. Our expert team provides fast and reliable support, ensuring your digital safety and peace of mind.
Our tools and techniques can help locate your scammer, set you up with the appropriate law enforcement agency in their area, and take measures to help protect you from future scams.
If you have been targeted in a case of Snapchat extortion, speak with one of our experts at our Blackmail Helpline.
Sources:
- SNAP-2024.10.29-EX-99.1 Press Release
- MSU survey: 7 in 10 consumers deceived into buying counterfeit products online | MSUToday | Michigan State University
DISCLAIMER: THIS POST IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY SUBJECT MATTER. DIGITAL FORENSICS CORP. IS NOT A LAWFIRM AND DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR SERVICES. By viewing posts, the reader understands there is no attorney-client relationship, the post should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney, and readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel on any specific legal questions concerning a specific situation.
The information presented in this article is based on sources that are not readily available to the public and may be subject to restrictions or confidentiality. It is intended for informational purposes only.
