Keeping Our Community Safe: Discord Best Practices

Discord started as a place where video game fans and other enthusiasts could chat and bond. Over time, it’s grown into a popular social media platform for millions of people, used for everything from work to fun. Even though the safety measures on Discord have improved since it first started, there are still some major gaps. This has, unfortunately, made the site a magnet for scam artists and mischief-makers who want to make money or create confusion.

So to stay safe out there, we have put together these best practices for our community:

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an additional layer of security to your account by requiring a second verification form.
  
• Beware of Phishing Attempts: Phishing scams attempt to trick you into providing your personal information, such as your username and password. Never provide your login credentials in response to an unsolicited request.
  
• Watch Out for Suspicious Links: If a link seems suspicious, don’t click it. Scammers often use malware links to gain access to your account or personal information.
  
• Monitor Your Account Activity: Regularly check your account activity. If you notice any unfamiliar activity, report it immediately.
  
• Privacy Settings: Only allow direct messages and friend requests from people you know. Adjust your security settings to avoid getting contacted by potential scammers.
  
• Maintain Vigilance with QR Codes: It’s crucial to stay alert when encountering QR codes from unknown senders. Refrain from scanning any QR codes through your Discord app, except when trying to log in. Nonetheless, avoiding this practice is generally recommended, unless you are entirely sure you are accessing Discord’s official login page.

For issues within our Discord, community members should immediately bring those to the attention of our moderators and support staff if they see any activity that seems suspicious.

Common Discord Scams

Here are some typical scams encountered in the Discord environment:

• Free Game Scams: These types of scams often involve advertisements for free games or in-game rewards. The scammer provides a link to access the ‘free’ content, which redirects you to a fraudulent login page or downloads malware onto your device.
• Friend Request Scams: In these instances, a scammer sends a friend request and initiates a conversation. They will eventually either send a malicious link or request personal information.
• Bot Scams: These scams involve bots that can send bulk messages containing phishing links or deceptive claims. It’s important to be cautious of unanticipated messages or friend requests from bots.
• Cryptocurrency Scams: Be on guard against those who might tempt you into ‘foolproof’ cryptocurrency investments with promises of astronomical returns. These are often duplicitous schemes, known as rug pulls, or they harbor other malign intentions.
• Nitro Scams: Scammers may promise free Nitro subscriptions in exchange for your account details or other information. Discord Nitro is a premium service, and there’s no way to obtain it for free.
• QR Code Scams: Scammers could send a QR code and ask you to scan it for various reasons, such as part of an alleged verification process. Upon scanning, it could reroute you to a deceptive, cloned website resembling the Discord login page, exploiting this to obtain your login credentials/token.
• The bottom line: The underlying similarity among all these scams is their objective to steal personal information or deliver malware. Always remember, if something appears too good to be true, it probably is.

In conclusion, while Discord has evolved from its initial purpose to become a multifaceted social media platform utilized by millions, it remains a target for those with ill intentions. However, by taking a proactive approach to your safety, you can help to shield yourself from these threats. By implementing these best practices, you can enjoy a more secure experience on Discord. Always remember your digital safety is in your hands. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and most importantly, stay safe!