Discord, your (and our) favorite social media, isn’t immune to scams, including the lure of Discord Nitro perks. Users should be wary of enticing offers, as they often lead to cryptocurrency or NFT (non-fungible token) theft. For instance, in May 2022, OpenSea’s Discord server was hijacked, and users were tricked into connecting their wallets, resulting in substantial NFT theft. Welcome to this short post about common Discord Nitro scams and how to avoid them.
The Most Common Discord Scams and How to Spot Them
Bogus Nitro Giveaways
Scammers send direct messages offering free Discord Nitro subscriptions. The catch is a link to a fake website that steals personal information. Spotting the Scam: Look out for unsolicited messages, especially with links that don’t lead to official Discord domains.
QR Code Scams
These involve QR codes that direct users to malicious sites.Spotting the Scam: Be cautious of QR codes in offers from unknown sources, especially if they redirect to non-Discord websites.
Phishing Emails
Emails that falsely offer free Nitro subscriptions or NFTs.Spotting the Scam: Check for unusual sender addresses and avoid emails that don’t come directly from Discord.
Non-System-Tagged Nitro Bots
Bots sending messages about free Nitro upgrades.Spotting the Scam: Be wary of multiple messages from bots, particularly in popular servers.
Discord-Steam Scams
Messages claiming integration between Discord and Steam, offering free Nitro.Spotting the Scam: Verify any such offers through Google and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
Other Nitro scams
- Messages from Compromised Accounts: Scammers use hijacked accounts to spread malicious links.
- Discord Token Theft: Attempts to steal Discord tokens through ransomware.
- Fake NFT Drops and Crypto Giveaways: Scams involving bogus NFT drops.
- Impersonation of Discord Staff: Scammers posing as Discord representatives.
- Roblox-Discord Scams: Scams targeting Roblox users via Discord.
- Name-and-Shame Scams: Using compromised accounts to spread false accusations.
13 Steps to Safeguard Your Discord Account, as a User
- Identify Discord System Messages: Learn to distinguish official messages.
- Use the Official Discord Website for Login: Avoid third-party sites.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security.
- Strong Passwords: Use unique passwords for different accounts.
- Filter Explicit Content: Set Discord to automatically block explicit content.
- Manage DM Settings: Block unwanted messages.
- Control Friend Requests: Adjust settings to manage who can send you requests.
- Avoid Suspicious Links: Don’t click on links from unknown sources.
- Protect Your Credentials: Never share your Discord login details.
- Block Malicious Users and Servers: Regularly review and block suspicious accounts.
- Prune Unused Servers: Reduce exposure to potential scams.
- Know How to Report Incidents: Familiarize yourself with Discord’s reporting system.
- Use a VPN: For enhanced online privacy and security.
Reducing Discord Scams as Server Owners
- Set Clear Server Rules: Establish and enforce community guidelines.
- Member Screening: Ensure new members agree to server rules.
- Review Roles and Permissions: Manage member access and responsibilities.
- Choose Verification Levels: Control who can send messages.
- Enable Server-Wide 2FA: Require moderators and administrators to use 2FA.
- Use Explicit Content Media Filter: Automatically remove inappropriate content.
- Update Server Invite Links Regularly: Prevent spam bots from imitating your server.
- Use Security bots, like Double Counter, AltDentifier or Wick
With the rise of online scams, especially on platforms like Discord, it’s crucial to stay informed and vigilant. Remember, scams can target anyone, including young and inexperienced users. Adopting preventive measures and educating yourself and others can help maintain a safe online environment on Discord. Enjoy!
