8 Scams to Avoid on Social Media

Social Media can be a positive in so many ways. You can learn about new deals from your favorite stores, keep in touch with old friends you haven’t seen in years or simply entertain yourself with that new viral video of the adorable squirrel that is just so darn relateable.

However, social media can also seem overwhelming at times too – especially when it comes to your security.

Scammers flock to social media because it’s a treasure trove of personal data all sitting there just waiting to be discovered. Even if you are a social media user who is mindful of what you post in an effort to avoid being the victim of a scam, you can still be at risk.  Bad actors aren’t afraid to try and trick you with phishing links or even a flirtatious message.

There are many types of social media scams out there. Here are some of the most common, and how you can avoid falling victim to them:

Phishing Attempts
Phishing links could pop up anywhere: DMs, Posts, Emails. By clicking on a phishing link, you run the risk of infecting your computer with malware or being redirected to a fraudulent website that is designed to steal your personal information. Before clicking that link, hover over it and examine it carefully to determine if where it is sending you is where you expect to be directed. Do not click links from sources you don’t know, or if links are misspelled.

Romance Scams
Dating apps aren’t the only place online where people go looking for love. Some social media apps even have a section of the app specifically meant for dating. For those apps that don’t – a DM will suffice. Though some of these Direct Messages might actually be someone trying to flirt with someone they think is cute, many are just scams.  Be cautious of any messages you get from strangers who seem interested in you – especially if they start pressuring you to give up some of your personal information or send them money.

Job Offers
Did you see a job offer on Facebook or Instagram that you think might be perfect for you? Take some time to think before you click that link, especially if you’re on a site not specifically geared toward professionals. We know you’re excited and you want to get your application in, but that is what threat actors are banking on.  Instead of reacting quickly, visit the company’s website to see if the job in question is even available (or if the company even exists). When applying for a job online you’ll likely have to fill out a form, which threat actors can use to steal your information. Confirm that the site you’re using to apply for a job is legitimate and trusted before handing over all of your personal information.

Games/Quizzes
We’ve all done it. We see a game or a quiz making the rounds through our friends on social media, and we want to take part. Although it’s not the answer you want to hear - don’t do it – unless of course you’re ok with how you’re data will be used and are ok with it. 

Many times you can read how your personal data will be handled, and if you’re not comfortable with the terms, you can opt to not participate.

With quizzes, there is an added element to note. Some of these quizzes may have been constructed by bad actors looking to gain information out of you that can be used to guess your passwords or even the answers to your security questions.

Charity Scams
Unfortunately, scammers take advantage of truly awful situations such as the war in Ukraine and COVID-19, and use them to steal your money.  Anyone can set up something like a GoFundMe, so before you donate to what seems like a worthy cause, do your best to verify its legitimacy before you do – so you don’t get scammed out of your hard earned money.

Fake Investments
No matter how a situation about an investment falls into your lap, never give money to strangers online. Next thing you know that massive return you were promised from your small investment turns into you never hearing from the scammer again once they have your money.

Brand Collaborations
This one is geared more towards social media influencers, but beware of messages from “brands” offering payment for product promotion. While many of these requests are likely legitimate, some could come with a message containing a phishing link or some other way of scamming you out of information or money. To be sure that the request is real, reach out to the company’s brand manager and request a video chat or meeting before a deal is established. Additionally, having the agreed upon terms in writing so your lawyer can look it over would be a good move before signing on the dotted line.

Buying Followers or Likes
Scammers may contact you offering you a set amount of likes or follows for a nominal fee. More often than not, they’re just going to steal your financial information once you send it. It is always better to grow your accounts organically, as opposed to paying for followers who won’t engage.

Story via PCMag