The Snaptroid Snapchat Scam – What You Need to Know
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
A website called Snaptroid 2.0 (Snaptroid.vip) has been making the rounds on the internet, promising Snapchat users access to private account data like chat history, best friends lists, and “My Eyes Only” content. But is Snaptroid legit, or is it a scam? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly how the Snaptroid website operates, what information it claims to provide, warning signs that indicate it’s a scam, steps for protecting your account if you’ve interacted with the site, and more.
With Snapchat’s strong privacy policies and encryption, the bold claims made by Snaptroid should raise immediate red flags for most users. By understanding the tactics used by sites like these, you can avoid falling victim to scams that put your personal data and privacy at risk.
This article contains:
Overview of the Snaptroid Snapchat Scam
Snaptroid operates a website that promises to let users view private Snapchat data from any account, including:
Snapchat Memories/Snap recap
Best Friends lists
My Eyes Only content
Chat history
The site claims to do this by cracking Snapchat’s security and giving access to information Snapchat purposefully keeps private.
Of course, the idea that a simple online tool could bypass Snapchat’s encryption and privacy settings is highly unlikely. Snapchat’s security is robust, and any actual vulnerabilities would be patched immediately before being exploited by a random third-party website.
So how does Snaptroid operate, and is any of what it claims to offer real? Let’s take a closer look at what happens when you use the site.
The Snaptroid Website Appears Legitimate at First Glance
The Snaptroid website itself appears well-designed and professional at first glance. A homepage shows the Snaptroid logo and fields to enter a Snapchat username you want to lookup.
The site then takes users to a page with a menu of Snapchat data Snaptroid promises to reveal:
Snapchat Memories/Snap recap
Best Friends lists
My Eyes Only content
Chat History
Each menu item has an explanation of what data will be shown for the account. This gives the impression that Snaptroid has capabilities to actually access private Snapchat data.
So far, nothing overtly signals that Snaptroid is a scam. But things take a questionable turn when users try to unlock the promised Snapchat data.
How the Snaptroid Snapchat Scam Works
While Snaptroid promises access to private Snapchat account data, users never actually gain access to anything. Instead, Snaptroid uses deception and manipulative tactics to generate ad revenue, get users to download unrelated apps, steal personal information, and more.
Here’s a step-by-step look at what happens when using Snaptroid and why it’s a scam:
1. Users Are Prompted for “Human Verification”
After entering a username and choosing what Snapchat data to access, Snaptroid prompts for “human verification.” This involves completing a survey or downloading a separate app.
Ostensibly, this extra step is to “verify you are not a bot” before accessing the private data. But in reality, it’s a common scam tactic to generate ad revenue or malware downloads.
2. Downloading an App or Taking a Survey
To complete human verification, users have to:
Download and open a separate app
Complete a survey
Share the Snaptroid service on social media
The apps tend to be junk free-to-play games or spammy services. The surveys ask for personal information or sign-ups for sketchy offers or subscriptions.
Users have to complete human verification before supposedly being able to view the promised Snapchat data.
3. No Snapchat Data is Ever Revealed
Here is the crux of the scam. Even after completing human verification steps, users NEVER gain access to any private Snapchat data.
The process simply loops back to asking for more app downloads or survey completions. Snaptroid has no actual capability to access Snapchat account info.
The apps and surveys generate affiliate revenue or harvest user data for the scammers behind the site. But users receive nothing they were promised.
4. Repeated Requests for Verification
If users continue trying to access the promised Snapchat data, Snaptroid will make endless requests for more human verifications.
This traps users in a loop of downloading apps, taking surveys, or sharing the link in hopes of getting the data they want. Each time, no data is revealed.
The repeated verifications maximize how many apps are downloaded or how much personal info is harvested before the user realizes it’s a scam.
5. Personal Info and Device Security Is Put at Risk
Throughout this process, users’ personal information, privacy, and device security face grave risks.
By downloading random apps and taking dubious surveys, users expose themselves to:
Malware infections
Personal info theft
Unwanted subscriptions
Account hacks
At best, Snaptroid results in wasted time and annoyance. But at worst, it can lead to identity theft or a compromised device.
In no case does Snaptroid ever deliver on its promise of accessing private Snapchat data. There are no actual capabilities behind its claims.
Recognizing the Red Flags of the Snaptroid Scam
For users unsure if a site like Snaptroid is legitimate or not, there are many red flags that indicate it’s a scam:
Outlandish Claims of Access to Secure Data
If an app or website claims it can access data that is meant to be private and secure, it’s almost certainly a scam. Snapchat goes to great lengths to protect user data.
Requests for Human Verification as a Gatekeeper
Legitimate services don’t put arbitrary human verification steps between you and your own data. These roadblocks force specific actions that benefit the scammers.
Repeated Requests to Download Apps or Take Surveys
A never-ending loop of human verifications that lead nowhere is a sure sign you’re being manipulated and will never get the data promised.
Being Unable to Access Promised Content
If there is no payoff after jumping through hoops like downloads and surveys, you’re not dealing with a legitimate service.
Sketchy Apps or Sites Being Promoted
Questionable apps that get promoted under the guise of “human verification” are a big red flag you’re being tricked into downloading malware or providing personal info.
Spammy Surveys Asking for Personal Info
Surveys that ask for sensitive info or have unclear purposes are highly suspect and often used to harvest data for identity theft.
If you encounter any of these warning signs, cease all engagement with the site immediately. You will not get what you were promised, and are putting your info and devices at risk.
What to Do If You’ve Fallen Victim to the Snaptroid Scam
If you’ve already interacted with the Snaptroid website, here are some steps to take right away to protect yourself:
1. Run Malware Scans on Your Device
If you downloaded any apps as part of the “human verification”, run full malware scans using trusted antivirus software like MalwareBytes or Norton. Delete anything flagged as malicious.
2. Change Snapchat Account Passwords
Even though Snaptroid cannot actually access Snapchat data, it’s smart to update your Snapchat password as a precaution. Enable two-factor authentication as well.
3. Monitor Accounts for Suspicious Activity
Keep an eye out for spikes in spam emails, unfamiliar login attempts, or other odd account behavior. Check back periodically for any signs your data was compromised.
4. Cancel Any Unwanted Subscriptions
If you signed up for something unwanted via surveys or offers, track down where to cancel the subscription. Remove payment info from any sites you don’t recognize.
5. Contact App Stores About Malicious Apps
If any apps you downloaded are clearly malicious, report them to Google Play or Apple’s App Store so they can be removed and no longer distributed.
6. Reset Your Advertising ID
On both iOS and Android, reset your advertising ID, which helps scrub your device of any tracking or targeting by sketchy advertisers.
Moving forward, exercise far more caution before downloading random apps or providing personal info. If something seems too good to be true online, it almost always is.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Snaptroid Snapchat Scam
1. What is the Snaptroid website/app?
Snaptroid (Snaptroid.vip) is a website that promises it can access private and deleted Snapchat data like chat logs, memories, best friends lists, and “My Eyes Only” content. It asks users to enter a Snapchat username to lookup and claims it will then display that user’s secret Snapchat information.
2. How does Snaptroid claim to access private Snapchat data?
Snaptroid claims it can crack Snapchat’s encryption and security measures to reveal deleted content, chat logs, memories, and other private user data. It offers no actual details on how it bypasses Snapchat’s protections. Of course, this is technologically impossible, which is an immediate red flag.
3. What happens when you use Snaptroid?
When users enter a Snapchat username, Snaptroid takes them to a menu promising different types of data it can reveal. But it then prompts for “human verification” involving surveys or sketchy app downloads. After completing these, no Snapchat data is displayed. The cycle simply repeats with more verification requests.
4. What is Snaptroid’s “human verification”?
Human verification typically involves completing spammy surveys with personal info or downloading junk apps. This generates money for scammers via affiliate services and harvested user data. But it never results in accessing the promised Snapchat account details.
5. Is Snaptroid a scam?
Yes, Snaptroid is 100% a scam. It lures users in with promises of accessing deleted Snapchat data, then manipulates them into taking actions that generate money or steal data. It never actually reveals any private account information.
6. Is Snaptroid safe to use?
No, Snaptroid is not safe. The app downloads and surveys pose huge threats of malware, identity theft, and other account breaches. Users receive none of the promised Snapchat data.
7. Can Snaptroid actually access my Snapchat data?
No. Snaptroid has no capability to bypass Snapchat’s privacy protections and access user data. Anything promising access to your private Snapchat account is a scam.
8. What are the risks of using Snaptroid?
Major risks include malware, stolen personal info, unwanted charges from shady subscriptions, and compromised online accounts. At minimum it wastes your time; at worst it leads to identity theft.
9. What should I do if I used Snaptroid?
If you entered info or downloaded apps from Snaptroid, change your Snapchat password immediately and scan your device for malware. Monitor your accounts closely and watch for any suspicious activity.
10. How can I protect myself from Snapchat scams?
Use unique passwords, enable 2FA, don’t download random apps or take sketchy surveys, monitor your accounts, and avoid sites offering access to private account data. Be cautious online and use common sense.
The Bottom Line on Snaptroid and Similar Scams
Third-party websites like Snaptroid use deceptive techniques to scam users out of their money, personal information, or both. No site can actually access the private data in your Snapchat account. Here are the key takeaways:
Claims of accessing your private Snapchat data are completely false.
“Human verification” steps force you into actions that benefit the scammers, not you.
You never gain access to any exclusive Snapchat data, regardless of the hoops you jump through.
Downloading apps and taking surveys puts you at huge risk of malware, identity theft, and account breaches.
Snaptroid exploits the desire to view private or deleted data from social media accounts. No third party app can actually deliver that.
Similar scams exist for other platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. The methods are largely the same.
Avoid entering personal info or downloading unverified apps to “unlock” data from your accounts. It will never actually work.
Pay close attention to app permissions. Only allow what is absolutely necessary, like photos for a camera app.
Use strong unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and monitor your accounts regularly for suspicious activity. This helps protect you when your info is compromised.
Think twice before taking online surveys, even for brands you know. Many harvest data for unscrupulous purposes or contain malware.
No quick online fix can help recover lost Snapchat memories or similar data. While painful, accept that certain things are gone for good. Don’t fall victim to scams offering false hope.
If an app or site seems sketchy, report it to the appropriate platforms so others don’t fall victim. Snapchat, app stores, cybersecurity authorities, etc.
Talk to friends and warn others who may be vulnerable to these Snapchat scams. Awareness and education are key to stopping these operations.
The bottom line is never trust any website offering access to secure account data that is supposed to be private. And avoid downloading random apps or taking shady surveys, no matter how convincing the pitch. With caution and vigilance, you can protect yourself online and avoid falling victim to scams.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
Meet Thomas Orsolya
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
