Technique

Off-Platform Luring

Also known as: Platform migration, Off-platform communication, Channel switching, Moving off-platform, App switching

MANIPULATION

Luring victims off monitored platforms to private channels where scams are harder to detect.

Common attack flows

How it fits in a scam

This technique shows up duringMANIPULATION

Before

This is often where the scam begins.

After

Defense

How to defend against this

How to spot it

  • Pressure to switch to WhatsApp Telegram WeChat or personal email early in relationship
  • Excuses like for privacy or its more convenient to justify switching platforms
  • Requests for phone number soon after initial contact
  • Claims that platform messaging is unreliable or limited
  • Reluctance to use the platforms built-in messaging system
  • Request comes before meeting in person or video chatting
  • Immediate request to switch after first contact within hours
  • Claim the current platform will delete or suspend their account
  • Offer of exclusive deal or discount for communicating off-platform
  • Request to use encrypted messaging for your protection
  • Refusal to video chat while pushing for platform change

Tools you can use

Steps you can take

Seen in the wild

Where we’ve seen it

Campaigns

Commonly targets

Further reading