Home / Crime and Justice / Man Admits Snapchat Phishing Scheme for Nudes
Man Admits Snapchat Phishing Scheme for Nudes
6 Feb
Summary
- Kyle Svara pleaded guilty to hacking nearly 600 Snapchat accounts.
- He impersonated support staff to steal nude images from female athletes.
- A former coach paid Svara to obtain the private photos.
Kyle Svara, 27, has admitted guilt to federal hacking charges for targeting nearly 600 Snapchat accounts. Between May 2020 and February 2021, Svara engaged in a scheme to steal nude and semi-nude images from female student athletes. He achieved this by impersonating Snapchat customer support.
Svara used a service that allowed him to send texts from a different number. He sent over 4,500 messages, successfully tricking 571 victims into revealing their login codes. This enabled him to access at least 59 women's Snapchat accounts and solicit passcodes for a secure section.
Investigators identified Svara as he registered the service account under his name. It was also revealed that Steve Waithe, a former university coach, allegedly paid Svara $50 to obtain the images. Waithe was previously sentenced to five years in prison for similar offenses.
Svara promoted his hacking abilities on internet forums, including Reddit, and traded or sold the stolen images. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 18, where he faces up to 32 years in prison.
