Warning: These 7 Discord Scams Are Catching Users Every Day

From fake Nitro offers to phishing bots, Discord scams are everywhere. See which tricks scammers are pulling & how to protect yourself. Read the complete guide now.

Discord is a vibrant hub for gamers, creators and communities. With over 300 million users, it’s a place to chat, share and connect. But its open nature makes it a playground for Discord scams.

In 2023, Discord banned 70,000 accounts for scam-related antics. Scammers trick users into sharing passwords, money or personal info, targeting trusting folks, especially younger ones. Losses can hit hard. Some users report losing $500 or more.

This guide will break down how Discord scams work, how to spot them and how to stay safe. We’ll use easy words, real stories and clear tips to keep you hooked. Plus, we’ll show how NordVPN can boost your online security.

Discord’s huge, trust-based chat ecosystem makes it a magnet for scams. The biggest threats are fake Nitro/giveaways, staff or friend impersonation, phishing links (including and QR codes), malicious files, token-grabbers, and crypto/NFT cons often delivered by DMs or unverified bots.

Red flags: Urgency, off-domain URLs (not discord.com/discord.gift), unsolicited downloads, payment requests, or login prompts. Protect yourself by enabling 2FA and strong, unique passwords, tightening Privacy & Safety, verifying identities outside Discord, scanning files, and avoiding unknown links.

Report offenders, prune risky servers, revoke shady apps, and consider a reputable VPN for safer browsing.

What Are Discord Scams?

Discord scams are tricks where scammers exploit Discord’s chat features to steal your info or money. They send fake messages, links or files through DMs, servers or bots.

For example, a scammer might offer free Discord Nitro but lead you to a fake login page. Discord’s trust-based setup makes Discord scams sneaky.

In 2022, Discord suspended 27.7 million spam accounts, many tied to scams. Knowing what Discord Scams are helps you stay sharp.

Why Are Discord Scams on the Rise?

Discord scams are booming because Discord is huge. With 300 million users, especially gamers and teens, it’s a prime target. Scammers love the platforms with direct messaging and server chats, where trust flows freely.

New tricks like AI voices and fake links in square brackets make Discord scams harder to catch. With 20% of Discord links being phishing or malware, per Bitdefender’s 2024 data, Discord scams are a significant threat.

How Do Discord Scams Work?

Discord scams work by exploiting trust. Scammers send DMs pretending to be friends, Discord staff or bots. They might claim you have been reported and need to pay to fix it. Or they offer free Nitro but send you to a phishing site.

Some send files that install malware, stealing your Discord token for account takeover. For instance, a fake Nitro link like discord-app.uk can grab your password. Using NordVPN can protect you from phishing attacks online.

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The Most Popular Discord Scams

Here’s a rundown of the most popular Discord scams in with examples and tips to dodge them:

1. Fake Games, Programs, and Downloads:

Scammers offer free games or hacks via DMs or servers. These files often carry malware like AxLocker, which can lock your account. A user downloaded a free game and lost their account.

Tip: Never download files from unknown sources. Scan files with an antivirus.

2. Fake Giveaways/NFT Drops:

Bots or DMs promise free Nitro or NFT drops. Links lead to phishing sites that steal your login. A user warned about fake links in square brackets.

Tip: Check URLs, real Nitro links start with discord.gift.

3. Discord Impersonation:

Scammers pose as Discord staff or friends. They ask for info or money. Discord Safety says real staff never DM you for support.

Tip: Verify identities outside Discord, such as via text.

4. Free Nitro Scams:

Fake Nitro offers via DMs or emails lead to phishing pages. NordVPN notes emails claiming free Nitro are common Discord scams.

Tip: Only claim Nitro through Discord’s official app.

5. Nitro Phishing Emails:

Emails mimic Discord. They ask you to log in for free Nitro. These steal your credentials. A user clicked a fake Nitro email and lost their account.

Tip: Log in via Discord’s app, not email links.

6. Crypto Scams:

Scammers push fake crypto or NFT giveaways, stealing wallet info. Comparitech reports these as major Discord scams.

Tip: Ignore crypto offers on Discord. Verify investments elsewhere.

7. Discord Steam Scams:

Scammers claim that linking your Steam and Discord accounts gives rewards, but it actually steals your credentials. NordVPN highlights this cross-platform trick.

Tip: Don’t link accounts via unverified links.

Other Types of Discord Scams

Beyond the big ones, here are more Discord scams to watch for:

1. Unsolicited Messages from Accounts:

Hacked accounts send DMs with links or money requests. A user told about these messages.

Tip: Block unknown DMs and verify friends outside Discord.

2. Attempts to Steal Your Discord Token:

Scammers trick you into sharing your token, which allows them to take over your account. Aura notes token theft via fake links.

Tip: Never share your token. Reset it if exposed.

3. Phony NFT Drops and Crypto Giveaways:

Fake NFT or crypto offers lead to wallet theft. NordVPN calls these common Discord scams.

Tip: Research crypto projects on official sites.

4. Discord Staff Impersonation:

Scammers pretend to be Discord staff, demanding info or payments. A user got a fake “support” DM.

Tip: Real staff use official channels, not DMs.

5. Roblox-Discord Scams:

Scammers target Roblox users with fake bans or mod impersonation. Aura notes these platform-specific Discord scams.

Tip: Verify Roblox issues on official platforms.

6. Name-and-Shame Scams:

Hacked accounts accuse you of bad behavior and extorting money. Aura lists this as a unique scam.

Tip: Report to Discord and don’t engage.

Comprehensive List of Discord Scams

Here’s a detailed table of Discord scams, with descriptions, red flags and prevention tips:

Swipe for further info

This table covers the most popular Discord scams and how to avoid them.

How to Report a Scam on Discord

To report a scam on Discord, act fast. Use Discord’s reporting tools in the app. Click the user or message, select “Report,” and pick “Spam or Abuse.” Include details like message IDs or screenshots.

For serious discord scams, email trustandsafety@discord.com. A Reddit user reported a Discord scam and got the scammer banned. Don’t share personal info with fake admins. Reporting helps stop discord scams like accidental report tricks.

How to Protect Your Discord Account

Protecting your Discord account keeps Discord scams at bay. Here’s how:

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
  Go to User Settings > My Account > Enable Two-Factor Auth. Use Authy or Google Authenticator. 2FA stops scammers even if they get your password.
• Use Strong Passwords:
  Create a 12+ character password with letters, numbers and symbols. Use a password manager like LastPass. A user avoided a Discord scam by using a unique password.
• Adjust Privacy Settings:
  In User Settings > Privacy & Safety, set “Keep Me Safe” to filter DMs. Limit friend requests to server members or friends of friends.
• Be Skeptical of DMs:
  Don’t trust unsolicited messages offering Nitro or claiming issues. Verify friends via text or call. A user dodged a Discord accidental report scam this way.
• Check Links:
  Hover over links to see the URL. Only trust discord.com or discord.gift. Avoid shortened links like bit.ly. NordVPN blocks phishing sites.
• Avoid Unknown Files:
  Don’t download files from DMs. Scan them with an antivirus like Malwarebytes. A user lost their account to a malware file.
• Use Trusted Bots:
  Only add verified bots with system tags. Check bot permissions before adding. Comparitech warns about malicious bots in Discord scams.
• Stay Informed:
  Follow Discord Safety or X posts for scam updates. Discord’s February 2025 “Ignore” feature helps block unwanted DMs.

Steps to Protect Your Discord Account

Follow these steps to lock down your account:

• Turn on 2FA in User Settings.
• Set a strong, unique password.
• Limit DMs in Privacy & Safety settings.
• Don’t click links or download files from strangers.
• Use NordVPN for safe browsing.
• Report suspicious users or messages to Discord.
• Monitor linked accounts for odd activity.

These steps prevent discord scams, such as token theft or phishing.

Safety Tips for Discord Server Owners: How to Reduce Discord Scams

Server owners can curb discord scams with these tips:

• Prune Servers: Remove inactive members regularly.
• Check Permissions: Limit who can send links or add bots.
• Use Verified Bots: Only add trusted bots like MEE6.
• Educate Members: Share scam warnings in announcements.
• Ban Scammers: Remove users sending fake Nitro links.
• Enable Moderation: Use bots to filter phishing links.
• Report Issues: Alert Discord about scam servers.

A server owner avoided a Discord scam by pruning fake accounts. These steps create a safer space.

What Can You Do If You Get Scammed on Discord?

If you get scammed on Discord, act fast:

• Change Password: Go to User Settings > My Account > Change Password.
• Enable 2FA: Update or add 2FA for extra security.
• Scan for Malware: Run an antivirus to check for threats.
• Revoke Apps: In User Settings > Authorized Apps, remove any apps you don’t recognize.
• Report to Discord: Use reporting tools or email trustandsafety@discord.com.
• Warn Friends: Inform your contacts that your account has been hacked.
• Check Finances: Monitor bank accounts for fraud.

A user recovered their account after a Discord scam by resetting their password and reporting the scammer.

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The History of Discord Scams

Discord scams started with its gaming roots in 2015. Early tricks were simple phishing links. By 2019, fake Nitro scams grew as Discord hit 100 million users.

The 2020 pandemic led to a surge in online scams. In 2022, 27.7 million spam accounts were banned. Now, AI voices and square bracket links fuel Discord scams.

Real Stories from Victims

Users share Discord scam stories online:

• Reddit: “A ‘friend’ said they accidentally reported me. The fake admin asked for my login. I reported it to Discord instead.”
• Reddit: “EMERGENCY!!! DO NOT FALL FOR THIS DISCORD SCAM!!! HIGHLY DANGEROUS!!!”
• Quora: “Got a fake Nitro email. Checked the URL and blocked it. Always hover over links.”

These stories highlight why spotting discord scams matters.

Controversies Around Discord Scams

Discord scams spark debates:

• Younger Users: Teens fall for Discord scams due to trust, per Aura.
• Fake Links: Square bracket links hide phishing, frustrating users.
• Slow Bans: Some say Discord is slow to ban scammers.
• Platform Risks: Open DMs make Discord scams easy to spread.
• Cross-Platform Issues: Roblox and Steam scams exploit Discord links.

These issues necessitate the development of better safety tools.

Discord Scams: FAQs

Discord is not a scam. It’s a legitimate communication platform with over 300 million users, used for gaming, communities and more. But Discord scams exist, where scammers exploit Discord’s open nature with fake Nitro offers or phishing links.

In 2023, Discord banned 70,000 accounts for scams. Stay safe by avoiding suspicious links and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA).

Chatting on Discord is generally safe if you are cautious. Discord’s privacy settings and moderation tools help but Discord scams like impersonation or malware links can target users.

Set DMs to “Keep Me Safe” in Privacy & Safety settings. Avoid unknown links or files. Use NordVPN for secure connections.

Discord.com is trustworthy as the official site for Discord, a reputable platform. But Discord scams use fake sites like discord-app.uk to steal info. Always check the URL. Only trust discord.com or discord.

Gift for Nitro. NordVPN notes that 20% of Discord links are phishing. Use Total VPN to block malicious sites and stay safe online.

Real Discord staff never DM you directly or asks for personal info. They use official channels like support tickets on discord.com. Discord Safety confirms staff won’t request passwords or payments.

Discord scams, like the “accidental report” trick, involve fake staff demanding money. Verify claims via Discord’s Trust & Safety team.

Yes, someone can steal your info from Discord through Various scams, including phishing links, fake Nitro emails, or malware files. These methods involve grabbing passwords or tokens, which risks account takeover.

In 2022, 27.7 million spam accounts were linked to scams. Enable 2FA, avoid unknown links, and use an antivirus. NordVPN protects against phishing.

Yes, you can get scammed on Discord. Discord scams, including fake Nitro offers and impersonation, affect thousands. In 2023, 70,000 accounts were banned for scams. Younger users are easy targets, per Aura.

Discord Nitro scams trick you with free Nitro offers. Scammers send DMs, emails or QR codes linking to fake login pages. Entering your details gives them access to your account.

For example, a link like discord-app.uk steals credentials. NordVPN notes that 20% of Discord links are phishing. Only use Discord.gift for Nitro. Total VPN blocks fake sites.

Final Thoughts

Discord scams are a real threat, with 70,000 accounts banned in 2023. From fake Nitro to Discord accidental report scams, scammers exploit trust. Knowing how to scam on Discord helps you avoid tricks. Use 2FA, check links, and report scams.

NordVPN keeps you safe online. Server owners, prune your servers. If scammed, act fast to recover. Stay smart and keep your Discord account secure.

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