Loom Video Scams

2 min read 10-01-2025

Loom, the popular video messaging platform, has become a target for scammers looking to exploit its ease of use and widespread adoption. While Loom itself is a legitimate and useful tool, its inherent features – quick video creation and sharing – make it an attractive vector for fraudulent activities. This post explores the emerging landscape of Loom-based scams and offers advice on how to protect yourself.

Common Loom Scam Tactics

Scammers are increasingly creative in their methods, but several common tactics emerge:

1. Phishing through seemingly legitimate videos:

This is perhaps the most prevalent approach. Scammers create seemingly innocuous Loom videos that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as banks, employers, or government agencies. These videos often contain urgent requests for personal information, login credentials, or financial details. The lure might involve a "pending payment," a "security breach," or an "important update." The seemingly professional presentation of the video can be highly convincing.

2. Malicious links disguised within video descriptions:

Even if the video itself contains no malicious code, the description box below might harbor a dangerous link. This link could lead to phishing websites, malware downloads, or other forms of online threats. The link might appear innocuous, such as a purported tracking number or a link to view supporting documentation.

3. Compromised accounts:

Unfortunately, some scammers gain unauthorized access to legitimate Loom accounts. From these compromised accounts, they send out fraudulent videos to the account's contacts, impersonating the account owner. This method leverages existing trust relationships to increase the likelihood of success.

How to Protect Yourself from Loom Video Scams:

Strong password practices: Employ strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts, including Loom. Consider using a password manager to help you generate and manage secure passwords.

Verify the sender: Always verify the identity of the sender, especially if the request involves sensitive information. Contact the supposed sender through a verified channel, such as a known phone number or email address, to confirm the legitimacy of the communication.

Scrutinize the video content: Be wary of urgent requests for personal information. Legitimate organizations rarely demand sensitive details through informal channels like Loom videos.

Report suspicious activity: Report any suspicious Loom videos or accounts to the platform's support team. This helps protect other users and potentially aids in the identification and prosecution of scammers.

Conclusion

The rise of Loom video scams underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy level of online vigilance. By understanding common scam tactics and adopting proactive security measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated attacks. Remember, caution and verification are your best defenses in the ever-evolving landscape of online threats.