Signal App Scams: How They Work and What to Look Out For
Signal burst into the digital world in 2014, touting its increased protection in privacy and encryption. The promise of encrypted messages and videos along with voice and video calls was a major differentiator from other apps. But even Signal isn’t free from scams. There are cybercriminals on Signal that think just because it’s encrypted, they can’t get caught. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. Read on to learn about Signal scams, how to avoid them, and what to do if you fall victim.
What Is the Signal App?
Signal App has become the go-to messaging platform for discerning users who want to message peers privately and securely. With end-to-end encryption, any messages that are sent remain private between the sender and receiver.
While most peer-to-peer messaging apps collect users’ data, Signal doesn’t. This makes it a popular choice for those looking for the utmost privacy in their online conversations.
After receiving some high-profile endorsements from celebrities like Joe Rogan and Elon Musk, Signal App’s popularity skyrocketed. Today, the platform touts over 70 million active monthly users.
Common Scams on Signal
The possibilities for a scammer on Signal are virtually endless. From social engineering to malware attacks, anything that can be delivered through a text can be carried out. The following are the scams our experts receive reports of most frequently.
- Signal Blackmail Scams. Signals encryption lends it to be a valuable facet for blackmailers. Users are more inclined to exchange private information with a sense of heightened security. Blackmailers know this, and they use the platform’s privacy to their advantage.
- Signal Sextortion Scams. Like Signal blackmail, sextortion is also prevalent due to the same security feature offered on the platform. Perpetrators can easily convince unsuspecting users to send intimate photos they believe will only be seen by the recipient.
- Signal Impersonation/Fraud Scams. Signal scammers use stolen identities to commit a number of crimes. They may pose as wealthy personalities and pitch a fraudulent investment opportunity. Or maybe they reach out as a corporation asking you to confirm your credentials to verify your account.
How Do I Spot a Signal Scam?
Despite its promise of privacy, or maybe because of it, Signal has its fair share of scammers. Once users realize this, they can stay more aware and protect themselves from a potential Signal scam. However, these scams can look legitimate and lead even the most internet-savvy individuals to fall victim. This is why you need to understand the common red flags.
Here are some of the ways to spot a Signal scam:
- Unsolicited messages. You should be wary of any unsolicited messages from contacts you don’t know — especially if they contain links or ask you for personal information. Legitimate companies won’t ask for personal information through a messaging app.
- Urgent requests. Most scammers will create a sense of urgency to pressure users into acting fast before they can suspect anything. Take a moment to verify your sender’s authenticity first before making a mistake that can cost you.
- Suspicious links. Make sure you always double-check any links before clicking on them. Confirm the actual URL matches whatever the sender claims it does and avoid clicking on links from unknown sources.
From impersonating a trusted contact to creating fake accounts, scammers use sophisticated methods to make their messages appear legitimate. Knowing the common tactics scammers use can help you identify them first and avoid them.
How Do I Protect Myself from a Signal Scam?
While the Signal App provides heightened security features, you still need to protect your personal information on the platform. You can stay vigilant by implementing the following practices on Signal.
Two-Factor Authentication
One of the easiest ways to protect your account is by turning on two-factor authentication. This adds a second level of verification, even if someone gains access to your password. This often comes in the form of a code sent via a text message or another verified contact method.
You can turn this on in Signal by following these instructions:
- Open Signal. Go to the app settings.
- Navigate to Privacy. Find the privacy settings menu.
- Enable Registration Lock. Follow the prompts to set up a PIN. This PIN will be required when registering your phone number with Signal again to prevent unauthorized access.
Review security settings
Additionally, you should regularly check your privacy and security settings to make sure they’re updated and optimized. Some of the top security features on Signal App include:
- Screen Security. Turn this option on to prevent screenshots within the app. This can help minimize the chance of your information getting shared without your consent.
- Incognito Keyboard. Activate incognito mode for your keyboard to avoid predictive text from reading and learning from your conversations. Even though Signal doesn’t keep your data, it can add peace of mind as you use the app.
- Read Receipts and Typing Indicators. Decide whether you want others to see when you’ve read their messages or when you’re typing. This can help keep your activity secure and more discreet.
- Disappearing Messages. Set a timer for messages to disappear after a certain period. This ensures any content you send isn’t accessible for a longer period of time.
Verify contacts
Before sharing any information on Signal, make sure you verify who you’re speaking with. Cybercriminals will frequently try to impersonate other people to get access to your personal information or scam you.
That’s why it can be helpful to set up a video call to confirm their identity. However, we should note that advancement in AI technology has made it possible to fake these. Ultimately, you need to trust your gut. If someone seems suspicious, you may want to seek professional help to verify their identity.
Stay informed
Knowledge is power when it comes to staying informed about the common scams going around on Signal. You can subscribe to newsletters from cybersecurity organizations like The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency or follow blogs like ours. When you’re aware of the current cybercrime trends, you can better protect yourself from a Signal scam.
What Should I Do If I Fall Victim to a Signal Scam?
If you think you’ve been scammed on Signal, you’re probably going through a range of emotions. Many victims experience intense fear, guilt, and anxiety. However, you need to try to remain calm and respond rationally for the best outcome. Here’s how our experts advise you respond to stop a Signal scam.
- Don’t comply but keep communication open. It’s never a good idea to give into a scammer’s demands and take them at their word. However, blocking or ignoring won’t get rid of the scammer and may lead to retaliation. This is why our analysts suggest using delay tactics to buy yourself time.
- Secure your Signal account. The scammer may not have compromised your account, but it’s best to be safe. Check your “Linked devices” in your Signal settings and remove any you don’t recognize. You should also update your password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if you haven’t already.
- Collect evidence of the Signal scam. You will want to document any relevant data that pertains to the Signal scam. This includes the scammer’s account, and messages used to initiate the scam, and timestamps of the events. This evidence will help support any future legal action you decide to take.
- Report the scam to the proper authorities. Start within the Signal App itself by filing a report about suspicious activity or a security vulnerability. You should also report the scam to law enforcement. Begin with your local police before moving up to federal organizations like the Federal Trade Commission and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
- Inform your bank if you transferred money. Depending on the type of scam, you might want to notify your financial institutions about potentially fraudulent activity. They can issue you a new card number or change your account information. This ensures the scammer doesn’t get access to your finances, which can cause wide-ranging effects.
- Consider working with cybersecurity experts. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and aren’t sure where to start, getting support from a cybersecurity agency can help. These experts can assess the situation, gather evidence, and provide you with the support and advice you need.
The Bottom Line for Signal Scams
As Signal grows in popularity, the potential for scams naturally increases. By staying informed and keeping your security features updated, you can better protect yourself and your personal information.
If you’ve been a victim of a Signal scam, our team at Digital Forensics is here to help. From data breach response to spyware detection, our services can help you take control. You can reach out to us today on our 24/7 helpline to connect with one of our specialists.
