Scam library · Kids & teens · Email & phishing
Free Discord Nitro scam
A friend or server member sends a message: 'Discord is giving away free Nitro for 3 months! Claim here.' The link looks like Discord's but is slightly different.
Logging in or scanning a QR code on the page hands over your account. The scammer then uses it to send the same message to your friends.
What the message looks like
From: Discord message from a friend's account
Hey, Discord is giving free Nitro for 3 months, just claim it here before it runs out: discord-gifts-nitro[.]com
Scan the QR code to verify your account 👍
How this scam works
Scammers spread through hacked accounts, so messages often come from friends. Some use fake 'Discord staff' messages or bots in servers.
The QR code trick asks you to scan with the Discord app to 'verify'. That actually logs the scammer in as you.
Discord says it doesn't send Nitro gifts through random links or require you to log in on other sites.
Other Discord scams include 'try my game' links that install malware, fake moderator messages warning that your account will be banned, and offers to buy art or commissions with fake payments. The pattern is the same: an unexpected link, a login or download, and urgency.
Once scammers take over an account, they often change the email and password, then send the same scam to every friend and server. Some use stolen accounts to promote crypto scams or sell items. Others hold accounts for ransom or sell them.
Teen users are frequent targets because Discord is central to their social life and gaming. Parents can help by turning on two-factor authentication together, reviewing privacy settings, and talking about why free offers from links are risky. Telling kids they won't be in trouble for reporting a mistake makes them far more likely to speak up quickly.
Red flags
- Free Nitro offers from links.
- Domains that look like Discord but aren't discord.com or discord.gift.
- QR codes to 'verify' your account.
- 'Try my game' downloads.
- Messages from 'Discord staff'.
How to tell it’s fake
- Real Discord gifts appear as embedded cards in chat.
- Check the link's domain carefully.
- Never scan QR codes from strangers or unexpected messages.
- Ask your friend by another method if they sent it.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- Don't click. Report the message and warn your friend.
If you paid
- If you paid anything, contact your card issuer.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- Change your password, enable two-factor authentication and log out of all devices. Check your authorized apps.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
Scam Guard in Chrome and Edge on your computer recognizes fake Discord login and gift pages. It warns before you sign in or scan QR codes. If a gift seems legit, check with a scam expert.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- How do real Discord gifts look?
- As embedded gift cards in chat, not outside links.
- I scanned a QR code. What now?
- Change your password and log out all sessions.
- Why did my friend send it?
- Their account was likely hacked.
- Is 'try my game' safe?
- Be careful. Downloads from strangers can be malware.