We all love social media, don’t we? It’s how we keep in touch with friends, discover new ideas, and share those cute dog photos. But as awesome as social media is, there’s one downside: scammers. They’re out there, trying to trick people into giving up their money, personal information or even access to their accounts.
Why you need to stay smart on social media
According to Statista, 78 percent of all Americans have a social media account and it continues to grow. That’s a lot of people and as social media grows, so do the scams. But here’s the good news: with just a few smart habits and a little know-how, you can avoid being scammed and keep having fun online. Let’s dive into how we can stay smarter, safer together.
Look for the red flags
The first step in staying safe? Spotting a scam before it catches you off guard. Here are some things to watch out for:
- Offers that are too good to be true
Ever seen a post that promises you free money, a brand-new iPhone, or a dream job? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers love these flashy offers because they get people’s trust before asking for personal info or money. - Urgency to act fast
Scammers will often try to rush you. They might say, “Act now or your account will be locked!” or “You’ve won, but you have to claim it in 5 minutes!” Don’t fall for it. They want you to act without thinking. - Suspicious links
Be super careful when opening links, especially if they’re from someone you don’t know. Scammers will send fake links to trick you into giving them your info or downloading harmful stuff. - Weird friend requests or messages
If someone you don’t know suddenly wants to be your friend and starts talking about money or asking for personal info, that’s a huge red flag. Scammers love to create fake profiles to get people’s trust. - Fake accounts
Scammers sometimes pretend to be someone you know. They might say they’re a friend, family member, or even a celebrity, and ask for money or share a “business opportunity.” If something feels off, double-check with the person another way before acting.
Common types of social media scams
Now that you know the warning signs, let’s talk about some of the most common scams you’ll find on social media:
Phishing scams
Scammers pretend to be someone you trust (like “Facebook Support”) and ask you to open a link to “verify” your account. Don’t do it! Always check who’s sending the message and never enter your password on a suspicious site.
Giveaway and lottery scams
“Congrats, you’ve won an iPhone!” If you’ve ever gotten a message like this, you’ve probably encountered a scam. They want you to hand over personal information or pay a small fee to claim a non-existent prize.
Investment and cryptocurrency scams
Scammers promise big money from “special investments” or “cryptocurrency opportunities.” They ask you to send money to get even more back, but when you do, you’ll never hear from them again.
Romance scams
These scams are sneaky. Someone builds a fake emotional connection with you online and then asks for money, claiming they’re in trouble. If someone you’ve never met is asking for money, be extra cautious.
Fake shopping and marketplace scams
Ever seen a website selling expensive items real cheap? Scammers create fake shops to take your money, and you’ll never get the product. Always check reviews, verify the seller, and use safe payment methods.
Job scams
Job offers that are hard to believe (like high pay for little work) are usually a scam. They might ask you for a fee or your personal information. Legit job offers won’t ask for money upfront.
How to protect yourself from social media scams
Now that you know the scams, let’s get into how you can keep yourself safe:
Think before you click
Never open links from people you don’t know. Even if it looks like it’s from a friend, take a moment to verify. Scammers can hack accounts and send fake messages.
Double check before you share information
Real companies won’t ask for sensitive information on social media. If you’re not sure, contact them directly through their official website or phone number.
Use two-factor authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts. Even if someone gets your password, they won’t be able to get in without the second step.
Verify accounts and websites
If someone claims to be a company or public figure, look for that blue checkmark (the verified badge). Also, make sure you’re on the official website before entering any information.
Tighten your privacy settings
Change your privacy settings to keep your information safe. Limit who can see your posts and remember that scammers sometimes gather details from public profiles to make their scams look real.
Report and block suspicious accounts
If you see something shady, report it! Most social media platforms let you block scammers and report fake accounts. You can also report scams to places like the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, Federal Trade Commission, Interpol and Scamwatch to name a few.
What to do if you suspect a scam
If you think you’ve encountered a scam, here’s what to do:
- Change your passwords immediately.
- Enable two-factor authentication (if you haven’t already).
- Report the scam to the social media platform and any relevant authorities (like your bank or cybersecurity agencies).
- Monitor your accounts for anything unusual.
- Tell others about the scam. If it happened to you, it might happen to someone else too.
Scammers are out there, but you’ve got the tools to stay safe. The trick is to trust your instincts. If something feels fishy, it probably is. Take a moment to think before acting and remember: you’re in control!
You’ve got this! If you’ve sent money with us and think it’s part of a scam, check out our Fraud Awareness page and call the helpline number that’s available in your country. Stay safe, stay smart!
#BeFraudSmart and enjoy the social side of life!
