Handling Snapchat Scam Calls

Picture this: you’re chilling on your sofa scrolling through Snapchat after a tiring day. Suddenly, you get a video call from someone you don’t immediately recognize. It says ‘Unknown’ or worse, it looks like a friend.

Unfortunately, these days, it’s less likely to be a long-lost friend. Scammers are using AI, voice and video cloning, and social engineering to create a realistic portrayal of loved ones, aimed at deceiving you into revealing personal information and sending money.

According to the latest Pew survey, nearly 70% of adults in the U.S. reported getting scam calls at least weekly! Over 30% said this happens daily with many reporting multiple incidents throughout the day.

Snapchat users tend to be more vulnerable to such phone call scams due to the app’s relatively anonymous interaction features. Messages disappear, accounts have minimal verification, and the focus is on large user lists instead of detailed profiles.

So, if you’re a regular Snapchat user, you might want to be more cautious about who’s getting in touch with you, even if it’s a familiar name. Here’s how to identify the signs of scams on Snapchat, including steps to report incidents.

Recognizing and avoiding common scams

Scammers have gotten remarkably good at blending in. This is even easier on Snapchat, where quick interactions and vanishing messages are common, making it easy for something shady to slip past your radar.

But if you know what to look for, you can spot a scam before much damage is done. Here are some of the most common Snapchat scams and how to steer clear of them.

2024’s biggest Snapchat scams

“Hey, remember me?” scams

These start with a casual message or call from someone pretending to know you—a “friend” from school, an old coworker, or someone you met “at that party last summer.” Their goal? To build quick trust, then ask for money, a code, or a favor

Fake verification or support accounts

Scammers often pose as “Snapchat Support” or “Verification Teams,” claiming your account is under review or at risk of suspension. They might ask you to click a link or share your password.

Sugar daddy/mommy and investment offers

This one’s become a social-media classic. Someone offers easy money, gifts, or “business opportunities” in exchange for a favor, often a small “deposit” or your bank info. Once you send anything, they vanish.

Romance and sextortion scams

A scammer flirts, builds a relationship, and convinces you to send intimate photos or videos. Then comes the blackmail: they threaten to leak the content unless you pay up. These scams have spiked across social platforms, with the FBI warning that thousands of teens and young adults are being targeted each year.

Fake influencer or giveaway scams

You might get a call or message claiming you’ve “won” a contest or been “selected” by a popular creator. But before you can claim the prize, you’re asked for personal details or to pay a “processing fee.”

Phishing and malware links

These scams arrive as messages that look legitimate: maybe a friend “sharing” a link or an “official” message urging you to click on or update something. The links often lead to fake login pages or malware downloads.

Fake job offers

Scammers target users with fake job or partnership offers, often asking for personal information or “application fees.” Students and young professionals are especially at risk.

Malicious surveys

Survey scams lure people with promises of cash, gift cards, or prizes in exchange for completing questionnaires. In reality, these fake surveys are designed to harvest personal information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, or even banking details. Some may install malware through malicious links or attachments. The scammers then sell the stolen data or use it for identity theft and other fraud schemes.

Event ticket scams

Fake ticket sellers post discounted or “hard-to-find” seats that don’t exist. Before buying, verify the seller (official box office, well-known reseller, or seller with strong reviews), insist on secure payment methods (card or platform that offers buyer protection), and double-check the ticket details (seat numbers, venue entry rules).

Identifying phishing attempts on Snapchat

Phishing scams are some of the most deceptive and dangerous tricks on Snapchat. They often look completely legitimate, borrowing Snapchat’s colors, fonts, and even fake “verification” messages to lure users into revealing private information. But once you know what to look for, spotting a phishing attempt becomes much easier.

Here’s how to recognize (and dodge) the most common phishing traps on Snapchat:

Suspicious links and URLs

Phishing messages usually contain links that look almost official—something like snapchatsupport-help.com or snapchatverify.net. These mimic real Snapchat links but redirect you to fake login pages designed to steal your credentials.

Urgent or threatening messages

Phishers rely on panic. You might get a message saying, “Your account will be deleted in 24 hours unless you verify now!” or “You’ve been reported—click here to appeal.”

Fake “verification” requests

Scammers sometimes pose as Snapchat staff, claiming your account needs to be “verified” to keep features like the Snap Map or Spotlight access. They’ll ask for your username, password, or a code sent to your phone.

Snapchat will never contact you via chat or DM for account verification. Stay safe: Only verify your account through official app settings—never through links or direct messages.

Personal data requests

Be wary of messages asking for personal information such as passwords, Social Security numbers, or bank details. Snapchat will never ask for this information via direct messages.

Protecting personal information on Snapchat

Snapchat offers several built-in tools to help users safeguard their personal information and minimize the risk of scams or identity theft.

Here are some measures to take:

Hide your Snap Map location

Your Snap Map can show your exact location to friends, which can be convenient—but it also carries risks if your account is compromised or accessed by someone you don’t fully trust. To maintain privacy:

Go to Snap Map settings.
Select Ghost Mode.

This ensures that no one can see your real-time location, protecting you from unauthorized tracking, stalking, or targeted scams.

Control who can view your stories

By default, Snapchat stories may be visible to all your friends, even those you barely know. To reduce exposure to unwanted attention or potential phishing attempts:

Navigate to Settings > View My Story.
Choose Custom to select which friends can see your content.

Limiting story visibility to trusted contacts helps prevent scammers or impersonators from gaining information about you through your posts.

Strengthen account security

Snapchat provides several measures to protect your account from unauthorized access:

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security by requiring a verification code in addition to your password.
Strong, Unique Passwords: Avoid using the same password across multiple platforms to reduce the risk of credential theft.
Login Alerts: Enable notifications for unrecognized logins so you can act quickly if someone tries to access your account.

What to do when encountering scams on Snapchat

Even with the best precautions, it’s possible to encounter a scam on Snapchat. How you respond can prevent further harm to your account, personal information, and peace of mind. Here’s a practical guide on what to do:

Stop communication immediately

If someone is asking for money, personal information, or anything suspicious:

Don’t reply or engage further.
Avoid clicking on any links they send, even if they seem urgent or convincing.

Verify suspicious requests

Scammers often impersonate friends, celebrities, or Snapchat staff. Always:

Contact the person through another platform (text, phone, or email) to confirm their identity.
Check official channels if the message claims to be from Snapchat.

Report the scam

Snapchat allows users to report suspicious accounts or messages:

Tap the profile of the suspicious account > Settings > Report.
For scam messages, press and hold the Snap > Report Snap.

Reporting helps Snapchat take action and prevents the scammer from targeting others.

Block the scammer

Blocking stops the account from contacting you again. To block:

Tap the user’s profile > Settings > Block.

This ensures they cannot send more messages, view your stories, or access your profile.

Protect your account

If you accidentally shared sensitive information or clicked a suspicious link:

Change your Snapchat password immediately.
Enable two-factor authentication.
Check your login history for unauthorized access.

Monitor for identity theft

If you shared personal information, stay alert for:

Unfamiliar activity in email, bank, or social accounts.
Suspicious friend requests or messages on other platforms.
Unexpected account lockouts or verification requests.

Act quickly if you notice anything unusual—contact your bank, email provider, or local authorities if needed.

Educate yourself

The more familiar you are with common scams, the less likely you are to fall victim:

Review Snapchat’s safety resources.
Stay updated on trending scams.
Share your knowledge with friends and family to protect them as well.

Take control of your digital security with ReversePhone

From recognizing phishing attempts to adjusting your privacy settings for protecting your personal information, each step you take reduces your risk of falling victim to fraudsters.

One tool that can give you an extra layer of protection is ReversePhone. By using ReversePhone, you can:

Verify unknown numbers before answering calls or responding to messages.
Identify potential scammers who might be contacting you under false pretenses.
Protect your personal information by screening suspicious contacts before engaging.

Combining Snapchat’s built-in privacy features with services like ReversePhone helps ensure that you stay informed, alert, and in control of your online interactions. Remember: scammers rely on trust and speed—slowing down, verifying information, and using reliable tools for cross-checking can be your best defense.