Social media and cyber security scams are becoming more and more common. According to a recent study, 25% of people surveyed were scammed on different social media websites and apps in the past year and it is a widespread problem.

But what are social media scams and how can you avoid falling victim to one…

Read on to learn how by following some simple security-minded steps, you can keep your information and accounts safe from even the most persistent scammer. 

What Are Social Media Scams?

Social media scammers are sneaky, they are the equivalent to a real life con artist. That’s why it’s important to stay vigilant when logging onto your favourite platforms. They often create fake profiles, befriend innocent people, and send spam messages or links that lead to malicious websites. It can happen on any platform from Facebook to Instagram and LinkedIn to TikTok, so it pays to be aware of the signs and stay vigilant. Don’t take every message or post at face value – if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

How to identify a scammer on social media

Remember that not all scammers wear a sign saying “Beware! I am here to scam you”. In fact, most of them look like regular users and can be difficult to identify. 

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to spot social media scammers more easily: 

1. Check their profile – does the profile have little or no activity? Do they have no or few friends or followers and rarely post anything? If so, this could be an indication of a fraudulent account.

2. Look for clues on the page or their messages – Misspellings and incorrect grammar can be a dead giveaway that something’s not right. If someone is asking for money or your personal information, take a step back and proceed with caution—chances are it’s probably fishy.

3. Someone you thought you were already friends with just tried to add you – Before accepting a friend request, do a search of their name – if it says you’re already friends, then you know that something isn’t right! Protect yourself and others by being wary of cloned profiles; they may look like your bestie, but they’re nothing more than imposters in disguise! 

4. Consider the timing – if someone is messaging you out of the blue, it could be a hint that something isn’t right. Keep an eye out and trust your gut; if something seems off, then chances are it might be. Don’t be afraid to speak up or block troublesome contacts; after all, your safety comes first. 

5. Do your research – use Google to search for their name or picture. That way, you can quickly check whether they have any history of scamming people. So if someone seems too good to be true, just give ’em a quick Google and see what comes up! It may save you from getting into an unsavoury situation down the line. 

6. You receive a random message with a link in it – If you thought your hand sanitizer was overkill, think again! Unsolicited online messages can be just as dangerous to your computer as germs are to your health. So don’t be tempted to click on links or engage with DMs in response – no matter how tempting it may seem. It’s better to stay safe than sorry. Protect yourself and keep those cyber pathogens at bay!

What can I do to protect myself from scammers?

The best way to stay safe and protect yourself from social media scams is to take a few simple precautions. Put on your detective hat and do a bit of digging before you trust someone, even if they seem nice! Don’t be too trusting or gullible; being overly cautious can save you from becoming the next victim of an online scam. 

Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to protect yourself from them: 

1. Make sure you change your passwords regularly – so no one else can access your accounts or personal data. Don’t forget to use strong and unique passwords that are difficult for hackers to guess.

2. Don’t click on suspicious links – Unless it comes from a trusted source, avoid clicking on any questionable links as they may contain malicious software that could give hackers access to your private information.

3. Keep your personal information to yourself – Never give out any of your credit card or bank account numbers, date of birth, etc. over social media. Even if it seems like a trusted source is asking for the information, never give it away without double-checking their identity first. Consider looking into your provider’s stance on information security, eg: Call your bank and ask would they contact you in this way.

I think I have been scammed! What do I do now?

If you’ve been the victim of a social media scam, don’t lose heart! The important thing is that you take action now to protect yourself from any further misfortune. Fortunately, there are lots of steps you can take to both minimise your losses and make sure it never happens again.

1. Report the scam – to both the platform (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) and if necessary, the  relevant authorities (such as your local police department), and make sure to provide them with any information about the scam that you have gathered. 

2. Block the scammer – If possible, block the person or page who has perpetrated the scam so they can no longer contact or interact with you. 

3. Contact your financial institution – Give your financial institution a call and fill them in on the drama. They’ll be able to keep an eye out for any funny business so you can get back to living life stress-free – except for when it comes to taxes of course. Don’t worry, one mess at a time! 

4. Change your passwords – It’s important to create a strong password that scammers won’t be able to guess. And don’t forget about changing your passwords regularly too – at least every few months or so. Now that you’re secure, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re protected from scammers!

5. Monitor your accounts – Keeping a sharp eye on your bank accounts and credit card statements can help you spot any suspicious activity before it’s too late.

6. Stay alert – If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stay alert and don’t let scammers make fools of you – trust your gut instincts! 

Social Media is not the devil and you don’t have to be scared of it!

With the right strategies and precautions, your business can still thrive and it can be your company’s ticket to success.

Social media can be an incredibly powerful tool and can help grow your business exponentially. Our team of experienced professionals is passionate about helping businesses achieve their social media goals – from increasing brand awareness and engagement to driving leads and sales. Plus, with our comprehensive training programs, you’ll be equipped with the skills needed to keep up with the ever-evolving world of social media marketing.

Learn more about our social media services here: https://www.thecreativecollective.com.au/social-media/ 

Learn more about our social media training solutions here: https://thetrainingcollective.com.au/