Instagram and Snapchat two of the most popular social media platform have been attacked by hackers.
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Action Fraud, the United Kingdom’s National Centre for Fraud and Cybercrime, has received multiple cases of scams.
Many Instagram and Sanpchat users have reported that their Two Factor Authentication on these social media platforms have been compromised.
What is Two Factor Authentication on Snapchat and Instagram?
Two-factor Authentication is the addition of an extra layer of security on an account.
While logging in an account user have to enter username and password. However, users with the Two Factor Authentication enabled requires a special code to login into the account. This code is received from a code generator app like Google Authenticator or through SMS.
Snapchat and Instagram: The account hacking scam
The scammers have been targeting users to give away their two-factor authentication code. After getting the two-factor code they use it to log in and change the credentials.
These scammers are forcing the users and extorting money from them in return to the access of their account.
How does this scam work?
These scammers send a message to the users saying that they are on a list called ‘Naughty List’ which is serious. The message tells users a fake rank with a link to this supposedly naughty list.
When the users of the Instagram and Snapchat clicks on the link they are asked to enter their username and password which is actually sent to these scammers.
If a user follows the link it is possible that all of his followers will also receive a similar message. The security firm Sophos that by clicking these links users hands down the full control of their account. As Action Fraud Department suggest do not click on any link from unknown sources.