Bluesky’s newest DM-scam update: what actually changed, and why it matters

Over the past week, Bluesky pushed out a new warning and an app update after more people started getting hit with DM scams the kind where someone pretends to be “Bluesky Support” and tries to freak you out into clicking a link. If you’ve been seeing these messages around, you’re not alone. The platform finally stepped in with clearer guidance and better tools to report them.

The biggest update? Bluesky’s safety team made it extremely clear: they will NEVER DM you about verification or moderation. If someone messages you claiming otherwise, it’s a scam full stop.

A few days later, the app rolled out version v1.110, which includes a big improvement to reporting: users now have way more specific categories to choose from. Instead of just five vague options, there are now thirty-nine. That means you can report things like impersonation, phishing, or fake support accounts much more accurately, and moderators get better signals.

What the scam actually looks like

If you’ve never been targeted, here’s the usual pattern:

1. A fake account pops up pretending to be Bluesky staff or someone important.
2. They DM you saying your account is “under review” or “needs verification.”
3. They tell you to click some link or join an off-platform Discord.
4. That’s where the phishing starts they want your login info.
5. If they get in, they use your account to message more people.

Users have been talking about these scams for months, and some threads show multiple versions of this same tactic.

What Bluesky actually changed

Here’s what’s new and why it matters:

1. A public, blunt warning

Bluesky’s safety account posted a very direct message telling people that staff do not contact users by DM for verification or moderation issues. That alone helps people instantly recognize fake accounts.

2. Better reporting tools

The v1.110 update massively expanded reporting categories 5 → 39. When people can report scams more precisely, moderators can respond faster and automated tools can learn quicker.

3. Building on earlier protections

Back in March, Bluesky introduced Chat Requests / DM filters, which helps keep unknown people out of your main inbox. This new update builds on that foundation.

Taken together, these changes don’t magically eliminate scams, but they make them easier to spot and easier to report — which is really the only way platforms can fight this stuff at scale.

What you should do to stay safe

• Don’t trust any DM about verification. Staff won’t contact you that way.
• Report suspicious accounts using the new categories.
• Block the sender don’t engage or argue.
• Avoid clicking any off-site links from strangers.
• Make your DMs “followers only” if you’re getting a lot of spam.

People have been reporting these scams across Reddit and Bluesky for a while, so you’re not overreacting if you’re cautious.

Why this matters

Scams happen on every platform, but on Bluesky a place that’s still growing they can spread fast because people expect a friendlier, less toxic environment. The new warnings and the boosted reporting tools won’t stop scammers entirely, but they give regular users a better chance to avoid getting tricked.

And honestly, the clearer guidance helps a lot. Telling people “we will never DM you about verification” removes the guesswork that scammers rely on.

Sources:

https://bsky.app/profile/safety.bsky.app/post/3m5mhtizjq22b

https://bsky.app/profile/bsky.app/post/3m5ypzhscb22q

https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueskySocial/comments/1mwes80/is_anybody_else_getting_these_thing_in_their_dms

https://www.theverge.com/news/627296/bluesky-three-minute-videos-dm-filter