In recent years, Snapchat has become one of the most popular apps for sharing pictures and videos. Users can share snapshots of their lives on the platform for a finite amount of time. However, this unique function creates an opportunity for scammers to exploit users with the sextortion nude scam on Snapchat. Keep reading to learn how the scam works, red flags to watch out for, and what to do if you fall victim.
How Does the Snapchat Sextortion Nude Scam Work?
Snapchat is known for its disappearing feature, making it a popular social media platform among young adults. Users can limit how long a Snap is visible, and messages and stories disappear after 24 hours.
However, this feature has also made it a hotbed for cybercrime, especially the sextortion nude scam. Perpetrators convince users to send compromising photos or videos and then use them as leverage for extortion. This is typically carried out by someone pretending to be a friend or romantic interest.
Then, the scammer threatens to share the photos or videos with the victim’s contacts unless they pay up. With a lot of victims feeling like they do not have any options, they end up paying the criminals. Once this happens, they become entrapped in the scammer’s vicious cycle.
It is essential to protect your privacy, and being aware of potential scams is crucial in today’s online landscape. This is especially true on social media platforms like Snapchat. And if you do happen to fall victim, remember you have options.
Red Flags of the Snapchat Sextortion Nude Scam
Recognizing the red flags is an essential skill for anyone to have, especially when using applications like Snapchat. It’s important to pay attention to signs that might indicate a person you are chatting with is a scammer. Below, our experts listed some tips to spot these scammers’ red flags.
- Unknown Friend Requests. If you’re receiving a friend request or message on Snapchat, it may be from someone you do not know. It is important to be cautious and take the time to evaluate who the person might be before responding.
- Conversation That Moves Quickly. Take caution if someone starts messaging you constantly and showering you with incessant “love bombs”. These are both common tactics by online scammers to gain your trust, and you should proceed with caution.
- Requests for Personal Information. Be wary of being asked to send personal pictures or videos, especially by someone you have just met online. Remember, once something is online, it’s out of your control.
- Accounts That Look Suspicious. There are elements of a legitimate account that are hard to fake. Check their Snap Score, Stories, and even their Snap Map location. If their information is not adding up, they may not be who they say they are.
What to Do if You Fall Victim to a Snapchat Sextortion Nude Scam
Sometimes, prevention isn’t enough. Sextortion nude scams on Snapchat have targeted victims from all backgrounds and levels of internet literacy. However, there is hope for a successful recovery. Our experts have assisted thousands of clients faced with Snapchat sextortion nude scams, and here’s what they suggest.
- Do Not Pay. Some may feel that the asking price is worth their privacy. However, paying a sextortionist will not make them go away. In fact, it typically perpetuates the threats and does nothing to prevent exposure. It’s never a good idea to pay a cybercriminal or take them at their word.
- Keep the Line Open. Victims often assume that blocking the sextortionist is the best move. However, blocking can lead to retaliation, and you won’t be able to track the perpetrator’s actions. It’s best to leave them unblocked and use delay tactics while you seek assistance.
- Gather Evidence. You will want to document the sextortionist’s Snapchat account, threatening messages, and timestamps of the interaction. You’ll be able to recreate an accurate timeline of the crime using this evidence. This is necessary to legally combat the sextortionist.
- Secure Your Account. You should check your sessions and log out of any devices you don’t recognize. Update your password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if you haven’t already. You should also increase your privacy settings to limit who can interact with you.
- Notify the Authorities. With the evidence you’ve gathered, file a formal statement of the crime with the proper authorities. You should inform both Snapchat and law enforcement of the sextortion nude scam. We provide an in-depth breakdown of this process in our article on reporting sextortion nude scams on Snapchat.
Real-World Cases of Snapchat Sextortion Nude Scams
Like learning about any topic, real examples can be beneficial to better understand sextortion nude scams on Snapchat. Tangible examples display different tactics used by perpetrators and the corresponding responses of victims. Looking back on them allows us to learn what approaches are effective in combating these schemes.
English Backpacker Targeted by Snapchat Sextortionist
21-year-old Charlie Wade had recently reached Perth on his global backpacking trip when he received a new friend alert. He hadn’t had the chance to socialize in the new space, so he was excited to have some companionship.
The account, going by “Amelia”, quickly asked to exchange nudes. Wade expressed shock but went along with his new friend’s request. But once he pressed send, “Amelia” dropped the façade and threatened to send the images to his online contacts.
The perpetrator demanded £500 to keep the photos private. Wade initially tried to send the money, but the transaction was declined. After this, he decided to block the perpetrator. He has continued his life since then, but the sextortionist did eventually leak the photos.
Wade has gone on to share his story and spread awareness of Snapchat sextortion nude scams. He’s met fellow victims, one of which sent £1,500 and still had their nudes leaked. This example shows how calculated sextortionist’s approach can be, like targeting a traveler in an unfamiliar place. It also demonstrates the potential ramifications of paying or blocking the scammer.
Australian Teen Victimized by Deepfake
Mateo Veneracion was 19 years old when he was added by a stranger on Snapchat. Not thinking anything of it, he engaged the account. However, the interaction quickly took a turn for the worse. The account created a deepfake nude of Veneracion and even claimed that he’d sent it to a minor.
The perpetrator threatened to send the image to Veneracion’s family and friends if he didn’t send them $500. They sent messages such as “I’ll make you more miserable than you can even think of” and “I’ll make you think until you die.”
Veneracion expressed extreme emotional distress, despite knowing the images were fake. The scam caused intense fear and anxiety, prompting him to say, “I’ve never felt so hopeless in my life.”
He even discussed having considered paying the perpetrator, a response Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake advises against. It’s not clear how Veneracion resolved his case. However, this example still serves as a valuable reminder that anyone can be targeted, explicit content can be manufactured, and you should never pay the sextortionist.
How to Avoid a Snapchat Sextortion Nude Scam in the Future
Whether you’ve previously fallen victim or not, it’s important to be proactive with your Snapchat security. The threat of a sextortion nude scam on Snapchat will never go away, but you can safeguard yourself. Our experts suggest you take the following measures.
- Avoid Oversharing. You shouldn’t share personally identifiable information online. This includes your home address, place of work, and travel habits.
- Vet Your Friends. There is a sense of validation that comes with a high friend count. But unless you’re using the account professionally, it’s best to be selective.
- Be Selective with Sexting. It’s safest to abstain from sexting completely. If you do choose to participate, verify the recipient and ensure it’s someone you trust in real life.
- Stay Informed. Cybercriminals are always adapting their tactics. You need to continue growing your cybersecurity knowledge, and you can start by checking out our blog.
- Trust Your Gut. If your new friend seems fishy, end the interaction. It’s better to cut off an innocent internet stranger than continue speaking with a sextortionist.
And if you need additional assistance with a Snapchat sextortion nude scam, reach out to Cyber Investigation right away. Our team is trained in online sextortion and has the know-how to handle your case discreetly. You can contact our Snapchat Sextortion Helpline 24/7 to speak with one of our specialists.
