Kansas State University

Social media has become a central part of many of our daily lives which makes it a prime target for scammers to carry out their fraudulent activities. One step to protect yourself is by staying aware of their scam tactics such as fraudulent ads, fake giveaways, romance scams and more.

The following are some tips to help you stay safe online:

• Watch for red flags in messages – Scammers often send messages that look like they’re from someone you know or trust. These messages might ask for personal information, like your password, Social Security number, banking details or try to get you to click on a suspicious link.Be cautious if:
  • You receive unsolicited messages or friend requests from people you don’t know.
  • 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 suspicious 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 Facebook or X (formerly Twitter). 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.

• Avoid clicking 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.

Stay safe, and think before you click!