We live in the information age. Curiosity, jealousy and even fear of betrayal make many people look for ways to invade the privacy of others — especially on social media. This is where so-called “spy apps” come in, many of which claim to be able to show other people’s DMs (direct messages), even without their consent. But is this possible? Or is it just another digital scam in disguise?

The Tempting Promise: Seeing Other People’s DMs

There’s no doubt that apps that claim to show secret DMs are mind-bending for those seeking answers. The idea of being able to read what someone is talking about privately on Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp or even Telegram may seem irresistible to some. These apps promise easy, fast and undetectable access to any user’s DMs — sometimes all it takes is typing in a username. It sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it?

Well, maybe it's just that: too good to be true.

What do the laws say about this type of espionage?

First of all, it is important to remember that invading someone else's privacy without their consent is illegal in almost all countries. In Brazil, article 10 of the Brazilian Internet Bill of Rights, together with provisions of the Brazilian Penal Code, expressly prohibits this type of behavior. Therefore, any attempt to access third-party DMs without permission can result in legal action, fines, and even imprisonment.

Furthermore, by using these applications, the user also runs the risk of becoming a victim. But how so?

Scams in Disguise: The Real Danger Behind the Promise

Many apps that promise to show you other people’s DMs are actually scams. They use sophisticated strategies to trick users. Here are some common examples:

• Login Request: They pretend to need your login to “check permissions”, but they are actually stealing your data.
• Fake apps: They look legitimate, but contain malware that infects your device.
• Advance payments: They ask you to pay to unlock the “view DMs” feature, but the content never appears.
• Phishing: direct users to fake social media pages, stealing passwords and access.

So the desire to see someone's DMs can end up turning into a digital nightmare.

mSpy: Functionality or Scam?

Among the best-known applications in this market is mSpy. This app is marketed as a parental control tool, aimed at parents who want to monitor their children's online behavior. So far, so good. However, it is also often used by suspicious partners and even employers.

mSpy can indeed monitor direct messages — but with one very important condition: It needs to be installed directly on the device of the person to be monitored.. In other words, it is not enough to know the Instagram @ or cell phone number.

Additionally, the app requires specific permissions and, on the iPhone, jailbreaking (a technical process that voids warranties and can leave the device vulnerable).

So yes, mSpy can show DMs — but only if you have physical access and permission to install the app. Using it in secret? That’s spying, and again, illegal.

Unseen – Invisible and Online: just for reading hidden messages?

Another application that has gained popularity is Unseen – Invisible and Online. It promises to allow messages to be read without the other user knowing — that is, without accusing the “seen”.

Unseen's approach is less invasive than mSpy's, as it doesn't offer direct access to other people's DMs, but rather hides the reading of your own messages. It works by synchronizing your notifications with a hidden panel within the app itself.

So, unlike many that promise access to third-party DMs, Unseen is not a scam — as long as it is used with this restricted function. However, it can violate the terms of service of messengers like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, which can result in blocking.

Why do these apps keep multiplying?

Even with countless reports and warnings from experts, apps that promise access to DMs continue to be downloaded in droves. This is due to a few factors:

• Lack of information: Many users are unaware that they are being scammed.
• Human curiosity: the desire to “discover the truth” can lead to reckless actions.
• Professional design: Many of these apps are well-made and convey an image of credibility.
• Invasive ads: often appear in banners and videos suggesting that access is simple and secure.

Unfortunately, what many people discover too late is that in trying to access other people's DMs, they ended up exposing their own.

The real danger: your own DMs could be at risk

An ironic detail is that by installing an app to spy on other people's DMs, you may be giving away your own DMs on a platter to criminals. Many of these tools have unrestricted access to your storage, contacts, location, and messages.

So instead of discovering a betrayal, you may end up being a victim of extortion, cloning or identity theft.

How to protect yourself from digital scams?

Here are some essential practices to avoid falling for scams involving “DM apps”:

• Be wary of miraculous promises.
• Never provide your access credentials.
• Do not install APKs from unknown websites.
• Check ratings and reviews in the app stores.
• Use reliable antivirus on your cell phone.
• Please read the terms of use and requested permissions carefully.

Additionally, whenever possible, keep your device's software updated to fix security flaws.

In short: DMs are private — and should stay that way

While technology enables incredible advances, it also presents significant ethical challenges. DMs, by definition, are direct and private messages. If someone needs to invade that privacy to confirm suspicions or satisfy curiosity, perhaps the problem lies in trust — not technology.

The reality is clear: apps that promise to show other people's DMs are most often dangerous scams or lawbreakers. Even the ones that actually work, like mSpy, require physical access to the device and involve legal risks.

So next time you see an ad offering “secret access to your partner’s DMs,” think twice. After all, it’s your own safety that’s at stake.

In short, the idea of finding out who is viewing your messages or seeing other people’s messages may be tempting, but the reality is that this information is, at best, only an estimate. So use these apps with caution and keep your expectations in line with reality.

It is important to note that no platform has the ability or possibility to access the system of mobile devices to reveal precise data about who has seen your messages or see messages from other people. However, it is important to be cautious, as many of these applications can compromise your security, steal data and even expose you to scams. Respect for privacy is essential, and dialogue will always be the best solution to any concern.