High riskSocial Media

Is This You Video Scam

This scam sends a message from a friend's hacked account asking 'is this you in this video?' with a link that leads to a fake login page; if you enter your details, your account is taken over and used to send the same message to your contacts.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Account phishing scam
Main red flag
A short 'is this you in this video?' message with a link, often from a friend's account that is behaving oddly.
What to do first
Do not click the link. Check with your friend through a different channel before doing anything.

What this scam usually looks like

This scam sends a message from a friend's hacked account asking 'is this you in this video?' with a link that leads to a fake login page; if you enter your details, your account is taken over and used to send the same message to your contacts.

Social media scams spread through direct messages, ads, hacked friends' accounts, and fake profiles. They range from account-takeover phishing and fake giveaways to investment and romance fraud, exploiting the trust and reach of your own network.

The single clearest warning sign to remember is this: A short 'is this you in this video?' message with a link, often from a friend's account that is behaving oddly. Do not click the link. Check with your friend through a different channel before doing anything.

Not sure this matches what you received? Compare it with the Facebook Account Recovery Scam or the Hacked Friend Help Scam, browse the Social Media Scams guides, or paste the exact message into our free scam checker.

By the numbers

$1.4B
reported lost to fraud that began on social media in the US in 2023
Source: US Federal Trade Commission
Top channel
social media was among the most common ways scams reached people in 2023
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

Example message pattern

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'OMG is this you in this video?? [suspicious link] I cant believe someone posted this'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Why this is a red flag: A short 'is this you in this video?' message with a link, often from a friend's account that is behaving oddly.

Red flags to watch for

  • A vague, alarming message with a link and little other context
  • A claim that there is an embarrassing or shocking video of you
  • A link that leads to a login page asking you to sign in again
  • The message coming from a friend whose account may have been hacked
  • Pressure or curiosity designed to make you click before thinking

What to do

  • Do not click the link or enter your login details anywhere it leads
  • Message your friend through a different app or in person to warn them
  • Report the message and the link as phishing within the platform
  • Make sure two-factor verification is turned on for your own account

If you already clicked or replied

  • Do not enter your username or password on the linked page
  • If you already signed in, change your password right away from the official app
  • Log out all active sessions and review devices connected to your account
  • Warn your contacts that messages from you may be fake, and enable two-factor verification

What not to do

  • Do not enter your login details on a page reached through the link
  • Do not forward the message or link to others
  • Do not assume it is genuine just because it came from a friend

Similar scams

High risk Social Media

Facebook Account Recovery Scam

This scam uses a hacked friend's account to ask you to be a 'recovery contact' or share a code, which actually hands your own account to the scammer.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Social Media

Hacked Friend Help Scam

A message arrives from a friend's account asking for money, a verification code, or to click a link. In reality the friend's account has been taken over, and the scammer is using your trust in them to reach you.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Social Media

Cloned Account Friend Request Scam

A scammer copies a real person's name and profile photo, then sends friend requests to that person's contacts and messages them asking for money, verification codes, or to click a link.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Frequently asked questions

Why did this come from my friend's account?
Their account was likely taken over by the same scam. It then auto-sends the 'is this you' message to their contacts, which is why it can look like it comes from someone you trust.
What happens if I enter my login?
The fake page captures your username and password, letting scammers take over your account and send the same message to your friends. Change your password immediately if you entered it.
How can I tell the login page is fake?
Check the web address carefully before signing in. If it is not the platform's genuine domain, or you were not expecting to log in, treat it as suspicious and close it.
My account was taken over. How do I recover it?
Use the platform's official account-recovery process, change your password, log out all sessions, and turn on two-factor verification to help lock scammers out.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.