Fake Review Scams on Snapchat
Fraudulent product promotions on Snapchat use staged reviews and testimonials to drive purchases of goods that do not match the claims made.
Part of: Fake Review Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Snapchat's peer-to-peer communication culture means product recommendations carry the implied endorsement of a trusted contact. Scammers exploit this by distributing fake product testimonials through Stories and group chats, making purchases feel socially validated rather than commercially driven.
Because Snapchat content is temporary and predominantly consumed in a casual social context, users apply less critical analysis to product claims encountered on the platform than they would to conventional advertising.
How this scam works on Snapchat
Accounts post Snapchat Stories featuring exaggerated product demonstrations — skincare results, fitness devices, or lifestyle products — and encourage followers to purchase through a linked code or URL. The 'review' is staged or incentivised, not a genuine customer experience.
In some cases, the scammer sends product samples to real Snapchat users and asks them to post genuine Stories, then drives sales to a website selling a lower-quality version than what was sampled. The reviewed version and the sold version are different products.
Because Stories expire, buyers who find the product does not match the review have no record of the claims that were made.
Common red flags
- Story review shows dramatically exaggerated results with no caveats
- Account posts only product reviews with no genuine personal Snapchat content
- Review Story expires before any alternative perspectives can be offered
- Product cannot be found through any established retailer under its own name
- Order link leads to an external site with minimal contact information
- Discount code is the primary purchase mechanism with no standard retail option
How to protect yourself
- Screenshot Stories that influence your purchase decision for future reference
- Search for independent reviews of the product outside Snapchat before buying
- Be very sceptical of results-based product demonstrations on social media
- Use a credit card for any social media-influenced purchase for chargeback protection
- Report misleading promotional accounts to Snapchat through the in-app report function
How to report it
- Report the Snapchat account using the report function on the user profile
- File a complaint with your national advertising standards authority about misleading promotions
- Initiate a chargeback if a product was significantly not as described
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to purchase products recommended in Snapchat Stories?
Use the same caution you would with any social media recommendation. Search for independent reviews, verify the seller's legitimacy outside Snapchat, and use a protected payment method. The ephemeral format makes it especially important to do this before the Story expires.