Blog Post

Blog Post  Don't Fall for a Social Media Scam

Understanding the latest scam tactics is vital for protection from online predators.
10/23/2024
  • Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
White, yellow, and dark blue illustration with the headline "Social Media Scams" in the center and man on a laptop in left corner.

Navigating the world of social media has become a daily activity for many, but it's not without its risks. Digital safety is more important than ever and understanding the latest scam tactics is vital for protection from online predators.

“So much of our lives is on social media and digital platforms today and scammers are ready to take advantage of all of us,” said Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation Undersecretary Layla R. D’Emilia. “Your best defense is educating yourself, and using protection measures like frequently changing passwords, not clicking on suspicious links, and verifying people and businesses before you engage. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it is.”

Knowing the most common scams, understanding how to identify a fraudulent post or person, and using consumer protection tactics will help you from becoming a victim.

Common Social Media Scams

Scammers often create fake profiles, pretending to be someone they’re not. Once a connection is made, they send spam messages or links that lead to malicious websites designed to steal your personal information. According to a report from Aura, these are some of the worst social media scams of 2024:

  • Malicious Links: These links may look innocent, but clicking on them can infect your devices with malware, compromising your personal and financial data.
  • Online Dating Scams: Scammers may pose as potential romantic partners, coercing you into sending money or signing up for fake investment platforms.
  • Fake Ads: Be cautious of ads promoting deals that seem too good to be true. These often lead to fake stores that steal your personal information or money.
  • Social Engineering Tactics: Scammers may use psychological manipulation to trick you into giving them access to your accounts or sending money and cryptocurrency.
  • Surveys and Quizzes: Seemingly harmless, these can be used by scammers to gather sensitive information that can be used to steal your identity.
  • Impersonation: Scammers often impersonate brands, celebrities, or even people you know to trick you into giving them money or personal information.

How to Identify a Scammer on Social Media

Knowing how to spot a scammer is crucial in protecting yourself online. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

  • Poor Grammar and Spelling: Many scam messages include numerous grammar and spelling errors, a common indicator of a scam.
  • New Profiles: Be wary of brand-new social media profiles with little content or few friends.
  • Duplicate Profiles: If the profile belongs to someone you thought you were already friends with, it could be a scammer using a duplicate account.
  • Random Messages with Links: Be cautious of receiving unsolicited messages containing links, especially if you don’t recognize the sender.
  • Requests for Money or Investments: If someone you just met online asks you to send money or invest in cryptocurrency, it’s likely a scam.
  • Suspicious Online Stores: Scam stores often have missing basic information, such as shipping times, costs, address, and direct contact information.
  • Taking Conversations Off Social Media: If someone insists on moving the conversation off social media and asks you to text them, it’s a major red flag.

Tips for Avoiding Social Media Scams

To effectively protect yourself from scams as an active social media user, consider these tips to enhance your online security.

Start by regularly reviewing your privacy setting on your social media platforms. Limiting the visibility of your posts and personal information can significantly reduce the risk of exposure to scammers. Change your passwords often and enabling two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for scammers to access your accounts. Avoid easily discoverable information when setting up your security question information. Additionally, disabling location tracking and avoiding public Wi-Fi networks helps prevent unauthorized access to your whereabouts, as recommended by Aura. 

SafeWise also mentions when making purchases through social media or online, opt for credit cards over debit cards. Credit cards offer better fraud protection and provide a safer way to dispute unauthorized charges if necessary.

Lastly, setting up account alerts can help you stay ahead of potential threats. Many social media platforms offer security notifications that alert you to suspicious activity, such as unfamiliar login attempts or changes to your account information. By responding to these alerts promptly, you can minimize the risk of unauthorized access and quickly secure your accounts.

What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed

If something seems off, it probably is. Always verify the authenticity of profiles, messages, and online stores before engaging with them. If you have fallen into a social media scam, antivirus software company Norton notes that it is important to act quickly. 

The first step is to document everything by taking screenshots of any scam messages, profiles, or relevant details. Then, immediately stop all communication with the scammer and block their account to prevent further contact. Afterward, report the scam to the social media platform, using your screenshots to support your claim. Finally, visit the FTC’s website to file a detailed complaint about the incident.

We’re Here to Help

The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) helps protect and empower consumers through advocacy and education. If you have questions about social media scams or other concerns, call our Consumer Hotline at 617-973-8787, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Live language translation is available. 

  • Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation 

    The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation protects and empowers consumers through advocacy and education, and ensures a fair playing field for the Massachusetts businesses its agencies regulate.
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