How to Avoid Discord Scams

Discord is one of the most popular platforms among gamers who want to communicate with one another outside of games. However, in recent years, Discord has evolved to become an app that many people use to form collaborative Internet communities. The platform offers VoIP calls, chat messaging, and even screen-sharing. Unfortunately, with the rise in Discord’s popularity, there has also been a rise in scams and security threats. Today, we’ll teach you how to avoid Discord scams and keep yourself safe online. 

How to Identify a Discord Scam

The first step to learning how to avoid Discord scams is identifying them. Once you can spot a scam, you can take steps to carefully avoid it. Unfortunately, scammers have found many new ways to trick their victims into surrendering personal data and financial information. In many cases, these scams can cause serious financial consequences for targets. Whether it’s a phishing scam or a social engineering attack, it’s important to learn how to identify these threats.

Discord scams can take many different forms. One popular form of a phishing scam on Discord is to appear as a direct message. These messages may come as requests from accounts you know or ones that “look” legitimate. In 2020, a spam bot was targeting Discord users under the guise of being “official” representatives from Twitter. Other scams will involve accounts that offer free Discord Nitro access. One recent attack saw scammers posing as game developers asking Discord members to try their game. 

Scammers will use any means necessary to get you to participate in their attack. These scam attacks can be identified by a few different qualities, including the following:

• Messages containing suspicious links.
• DMs from accounts that aren’t in any of your servers.
• Messages contain excessive incorrect spelling and grammar.
• Language in messages is urgent or asking for money.
• Messages that have suspicious file attachments. 

Of course, many online attacks that you encounter will contain other specifications that aren’t listed above. This is because cybercriminals are constantly developing unique methods to trick their victims. Want to ensure that the users on your Discord server don’t have to encounter these security threats? It’s simple: increase your server security. 

Improve Your Discord Server Security

There are several best practices that you can incorporate into your server to improve your security. Fortunately, many of these options are free and can be put into practice immediately. Ultimately, the security of a server comes down to whether an admin or moderator is following basic safety guidelines. There may be attacks that slip through the cracks, but it’s necessary to take as many precautions as possible.

How to Improve Discord Security

• Never click suspicious links.
• Avoid adding strangers to your server.
• Require an invitation to join your server.
• Use two-factor authentication.
• Update your ‘Verification’ level.
• Create server rules about safe practices.
• Avoid opening suspicious file attachments.
• Turn off the setting for DMs from non-server members.
• Report server issues to Discord immediately.

Scams are a huge problem online, and Discord scams have been causing massive amounts of financial damage for victims. Once you instill these practices in your fellow server members, you have a better chance for total security. Another great option for increasing your Discord safety is to use a VPN. With a VPN installed on your favorite devices, you can keep your location and activity safe from prying eyes. Luckily, you can install a VPN for Discord on your phone, tablet, computer, and even your router. Your VPN can help you stay secure no matter where you are or what app you’re using.

What is a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a type of software that routes your IP address through an encrypted server in another location. VPNs protect you by masking your true IP address from scammers and cybercriminals that want your data. Attackers read the IP address of the server you connect to instead of the IP address for your device. This provides you with an extra layer of protection from invasive attacks. 

Using a VPN is a great way to combat security breaches, but it also improves your overall safety and security. Some VPNs also offer Kill Switch integration, which can immediately disconnect you from the Internet in case of an emergency. If you believe that your security is in danger, you can activate your Kill Switch and disconnect. This can help prevent serious cybersecurity attacks and keep your device safe from criminals. 

Protect Yourself Online with PrivadoVPN

It’s never been more important to protect yourself on the Internet, especially on Discord. Cybercriminals are always looking for new and innovative ways to manipulate their targets. Unfortunately, no platform is ever truly safe from these security threats, and Discord is no exception. However, with robust protection from PrivadoVPN, you can feel safe knowing that your device and network are secure.

PrivadoVPN brings you access to encrypted global servers, strong security protocols, and more. Plus, when you sign up for a premium account, you get unlimited monthly VPN data. Premium users also get access to 300+ servers and the ability to create up to 10 active connections at once. With more features than ever, PrivadoVPN is making it easy for you to keep yourself safe online no matter what. Sign up today to learn more!