Snapchat has become extremely popular among Internet users because it (at least in theory) allows them to send photos and videos that self-destruct after a few seconds. However, since there are a number of ways to save self-destructing photos, many websites have emerged that promise to have such images.
Cybercriminals are also taking advantage of the fact that many users are looking for websites that leak Snapchats, to trick users into handing over information or visiting specific websites.
A perfect example is provided by security researcher Troy Hunt. He recently came across a Facebook page that advertised lewd photos leaked by Snapchat users .
However, users who wanted to view the photos were directed to a website, since they could not be posted to Facebook. The website in question, of course, does not host Snapchats. Instead, it presents users with a fake Facebook login page.
The fake Facebook page garnered over 100,000 likes, while the initial phishing page tricked hundreds of users into giving up their username and password. In addition, the same website was also designed to trick users into participating in surveys.
The trick is that, while desktop versions of web browsers often warn users that they are about to visit a potentially dangerous website, mobile browsers do not offer the same level of protection.
That's why scams targeting mobile users are much more effective.
The Facebook page Hunt analyzed has been removed. However, another one could take its place at any time. That's why it's important for users to be cautious.
