Snapchat phishing links: how to spot a fake login and what to do if you clicked
Quick answer
A Snapchat message, text or email with a link that asks you to log in, "verify" your account or claim something is a phishing attempt. Snapchat says its staff will never ask for your password. Don't tap it. If you did, change your password, check your sessions and turn on two-factor authentication.
- Comes by
- Social media, Text, Email
- Pretends to be
- Snapchat
- Last updated
How it works
The message claims to come from Snapchat and gives you a link, usually with a reason to hurry. The link opens a page made to look like Snapchat's login. Whatever you type goes to the scammer, who can then log in as you.
Snapchat's support page is clear on one point: a Snapchat representative will never ask for your password, because they don't need it to help you. It also says to never share your password with anyone and not to reuse it on other apps or websites.
A password you reuse is the bigger risk. Once a scammer has it, they try it on your email and other accounts.
Red flags
- A message from Snapchat or a friend with a link to "verify" or log in
- Anyone asking for your password or a login code
- Urgent warnings that your account will be locked or deleted
- A link that doesn't go to snapchat.com
- A message that pushes you to act quickly
Example message
Your Snapchat account was reported and will be locked in 24 hours. Verify your login here to keep it: [link]
What to do
- 1
Don't tap the link or send a password
Nobody at Snapchat needs your password. Delete the message and, if it came from a friend, tell them their account may be hacked using another channel.
- 2
If you entered your password, change it now
Use a long, unique password, and change it anywhere else you used it, starting with your email.
- 3
Check your sessions and log out unknown devices
Snapchat's Session Management Center lists every device logged in to your account. Terminate any you don't recognize, then change your password.
- 4
Turn on two-factor authentication or add a passkey
Snapchat recommends two-factor authentication and says a passkey is immune to phishing. Set one up in the app's settings.
- 5
Report it
Report the message in the app and at the FTC. If you shared card details, call your card issuer using the number on the card.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scammers pick targets from contact details on people-search sites and in old breaches. Serus finds the data brokers that list you and removes you from them, and it alerts you when your email appears in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you. Our guide to what to do after a data breach covers the steps.
More Snapchat scams
Frequently asked
Will Snapchat ask for my password?
No. Snapchat says a representative will never ask for your password and doesn't need it to help you.
A friend sent me a Snapchat link. Is it safe?
Not necessarily. Their account may be taken over. Ask them another way before you tap.
I entered my password. What now?
Change it, check your active sessions and log out devices you don't recognize, and turn on two-factor authentication.
Is Snapchat the scammer?
No. Snapchat is the company being impersonated, and its support pages tell you how to protect your account.
Sources
Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.
