Fake Customer Support Scams on Reddit
Fraudsters monitor Reddit for posts about banking, crypto exchanges, and tech problems, then respond via DM posing as official support staff. Victims who engage hand over credentials, remote access, or payments.
Part of: Fake Tech Support Calls
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Reddit is frequently used by consumers seeking peer help with financial services, cryptocurrency exchanges, and tech products. This creates a predictable hunting ground for scammers: they monitor subreddits like r/binance, r/coinbase, or r/techsupport, waiting for posts that signal a frustrated user who needs help.
Within minutes of a help post appearing, a scammer sends a direct message claiming to be official support, often using a username that sounds plausible (e.g. 'Coinbase_Official_Support'). Reddit does not verify whether accounts represent real companies.
How this scam works on Reddit
After contacting the victim via DM, the fake support agent asks for account details to 'verify identity' before troubleshooting. Depending on the platform being impersonated, this might mean asking for a 2FA code, a seed phrase, or the victim's login credentials on a fake form they are directed to.
For tech support scenarios, the agent directs the victim to install remote-access software, claiming it is needed to diagnose the problem. Once installed, the agent takes control of the victim's device and may access banking apps, crypto wallets, or saved passwords directly.
Some operations run semi-automated: bots scan subreddits using keywords and auto-generate the initial DM reply, with human operators taking over if the victim responds.
Common red flags
- Reddit DM from an account claiming to be official support shortly after posting a public help request
- Support account was created recently and has no post history
- Request for your 2FA code, seed phrase, or account password via DM
- Instruction to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or similar remote-access software
- Support agent directs you to an external website to 'verify' your account
- Username resembles a company name but has added words like 'Official,' 'Support,' or 'Help'
How to protect yourself
- Understand that legitimate company support never contacts you via Reddit DM in response to a public post
- Only contact support through official websites, apps, or verified social accounts listed on the company's homepage
- Never share 2FA codes, seed phrases, or passwords with anyone, under any circumstances
- Decline any request to install remote-access software from an unsolicited contact
- Turn off Reddit DMs from users you do not follow, or set DMs to 'trusted users only'
- Report the fake support account to Reddit via the three-dot menu on the DM or profile
How to report it
- Report the Reddit account via the profile page: 'Report User' > 'Spam' or 'Account Impersonation'
- Report to the official company being impersonated — they often have a security or fraud team
- File a complaint with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or your national fraud body
Frequently asked questions
Do any companies offer support through Reddit DMs?
Some companies have official Reddit accounts that participate in their own subreddit's comments publicly — they do not initiate private DMs with users who post help requests. Any DM that arrives shortly after you post a public help request should be treated as suspicious.