Snapchat money scams: how the "send $100, get $1,000" flip works
Quick answer
If someone on Snapchat, often a friend's hacked account, says they'll turn your Cash App or Venmo payment into much more money, it's a scam. You'll get fake screenshots, then a request for more. Stop paying, report the account, and contact the payment app.
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How it works
The FBI describes this as the social media money flipping scam. It usually arrives as a private message, often from an account stolen from someone you know. The pitch: send a small amount through Cash App and they'll multiply it.
After you pay, the scammer may send fake screenshots showing your "balance" growing, then ask for more money to "unlock" it. Some also say funds are pending and ask you to change the email on your social media account. Once they reset the password, they control the account and run the same pitch on your contacts.
What they're after is the payment itself, plus your login. Money sent through a payment app works like cash, which the FTC notes makes it very hard to get back.
A related Snapchat problem is financial sextortion, where someone threatens to share intimate images unless you pay. Snap has a page on it, and its report category for threats to leak nudes is Nudity and Sexual Content.
Red flags
- A friend's account suddenly offers a way to make fast money
- A promise to multiply what you send
- Screenshots of a payment app balance instead of real proof
- A request to change the email or password on your social account
- Pressure to pay again to release the money
- Payment only by payment app, gift card or crypto
Example message
Hey, I just made $1,500 from a $150 flip. Send me $150 on Cash App and I'll send back $1,500 in 10 minutes. Here's my cashtag: [link]
What to do
- 1
Stop sending money
Don't pay anything else, including fees to "release" funds. A legitimate payout never needs more money first.
- 2
Report the payment to the payment app
Contact Cash App, Venmo or your bank right away, say it was fraud and ask them to reverse the payment. Recovery is often hard, so act fast.
- 3
Secure your Snapchat account
Change your password, turn on two-step verification and don't change the email on your account for anyone. If your account was taken over, warn your friends.
- 4
Report and block the account
Use Snapchat's in-app report on the profile or message, then block it. If someone threatens to leak images, don't pay and save the messages.
- 5
Keep records
Screenshot the chat, usernames and payment receipts for your reports.
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 friend lists and from people-search listings that connect your name to your phone number and social accounts. Serus finds where your phone number and other details are listed and removes them, and alerts you when your details show up in a breach, so fewer strangers can reach you.
More Snapchat scams
Frequently asked
Can someone really flip my money?
No. The FBI describes these offers as a scam: after you pay, the scammer sends fake screenshots and asks for more.
Why did my friend message me about it?
Scammers often use accounts stolen from friends. Contact your friend another way to check, and tell them their account may be hacked.
Can I get my money back from Cash App?
Report it to the payment app right away and ask for a reversal. The FTC says payment app transfers are like sending cash, so recovery is difficult.
What if someone is threatening to share my photos?
Don't pay. Report the account to Snapchat and file a report at ic3.gov. The FTC says platforms must remove intimate images within 48 hours of your request under the Take It Down Act.
Sources
- fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/lasvegas/news/press-releases/fbi-las-vegas-federal-fact-friday-social-media-money-flipping-scam
- values.snap.com/safety/financial-sextortion
- consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed
- consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/08/do-you-use-payment-apps-venmo-cashapp-or-zelle-read
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