Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with friends, sharing experiences, and discovering new content. But it’s also a hotspot for scams. Cybercriminals use clever tactics to trick users into giving up personal information, money, or even access to their accounts. Follow these tips to learn how to spot these scams on social media.
Watch for Red Flags in Messages
Scammers often send messages that look like they’re from someone you know or a trusted company. These messages might ask for personal information, like your password or Social Security number, or try to get you to click on a suspicious link. Be cautious if:
- The message seems urgent or too good to be true.
- The person asks for money, especially through gift cards or wire transfers.
- The language or tone doesn’t sound like the person you know.
Be Wary of Unverified Accounts
Before you trust a profile or page, check for verification. Official accounts often have a verification badge—a blue checkmark on platforms like Twitter or Facebook. Scammers sometimes create fake accounts that look almost identical to real ones. Look for these signs of a fake account:
- The username or handle is slightly off (e.g., extra letters or numbers).
- The account has few followers or posts.
- The content is repetitive or copied from other sources.
Question Unsolicited Offers
If you receive an unexpected offer for a prize, job, or investment opportunity, proceed with caution. Scammers often lure victims with promises of easy money or amazing deals. Before you engage, ask yourself:
- Did I enter a contest? (If not, it’s likely a scam.)
- Why would a legitimate company offer this out of the blue?
- Can I find reviews or information about this offer from trustworthy sources?
Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links
Links in posts, messages, or ads can lead to harmful websites designed to steal your information. These sites might look like real ones but will ask you to log in or enter sensitive information. Protect yourself by:
- Hovering over links to see where they actually lead before clicking.
- Avoiding links that shorten or obscure the real destination.
- Only logging in to websites by typing the URL directly into your browser.
Don’t Share Too Much Personal Information
Scammers can use your publicly shared information to target you more effectively. Be careful about what you post on your profile and in your posts. Limit the personal details you share, such as:
- Your phone number, address, or email.
- Information about your family, like your mother’s maiden name.
- Details about your daily routines or travel plans.
- Be leary of quizzes and personality tests. These tests seem like harmless fun. However, these tests have become a jackpot for scammers due to their popularity. When you open a quiz or personality test on social media, the platform will ask you for access to your profile information. When you encounter a quiz or social media test that asks for unnecessary personal details or permissions, do not proceed.
Report Suspicious Activity
If you come across a potential scam, report it to the platform immediately. Social media companies rely on user reports to identify and remove scams. Reporting helps protect others from falling victim as well.
Protect Yourself on Social Media
People are losing over $2.7 billion in total losses due to social media scams. That figure alone should be enough to convince you to be cautious online. When on social media, always think before you click and adopt a skeptical attitude towards unsolicited messages or offers. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution.
Stay safe, and think before you click!
