Social Media Scams

Collage of social media app logos, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Social media has become a significant platform for scammers to target users with various fraudulent schemes. Criminals exploit these platforms, pretending to be legitimate individuals or businesses to steal personal information, money, or access to accounts. Scams can range from fake offers and phishing attacks to impersonation schemes.

Recent Scam Alert: Scammers post offers of live video streaming of funeral services for the recently deceased on Facebook. When bereaved friends and family click the links to access the service, they are asked to enter their credit card information. These scams have expanded to target many events advertised on Facebook, including weddings and other social gatherings. Learn more about streaming services scams here.
  • Phishing Scams: Fraudulent messages posing as reputable sources to steal login credentials or personal data.
    Signs: Suspicious links, requests for login information, or urgent requests to act fast.
    Example: A message claiming to be from a social media platform asking you to verify your account by clicking a link.
  • Impersonation Scams: Scammers create fake profiles, impersonating someone you know or a celebrity to gain trust.
    Signs: Messages from new accounts or people you don't usually contact, asking for personal favors or financial assistance.
    Example: Someone claiming to be a friend in distress, asking for urgent financial help.
  • Investment Scams: Fraudsters promise high returns on investments, especially cryptocurrency or stock trading.
    Signs: Guarantees of quick profits, pressure to invest immediately, or testimonials that seem too good to be true.
    Example: A "financial advisor" offers a guaranteed way to double your money in days.
  • Romance Scams: Scammers pretend to be in a romantic relationship with the victim to gain money or personal information.
    Signs: Rapid development of an emotional relationship, reluctance to meet in person, and requests for financial support.
    Example: A new online partner asks for money to travel and meet you or claims to have an emergency.
  • Fake Giveaways and Contests: Scammers set up fake contests or giveaways to collect personal information.
    Signs: Promises of free gifts or prizes in exchange for personal details or completing a survey.
    Example: A post promising a free iPhone if you provide your phone number and address.
  • Job Offer Scams: Fraudulent job opportunities targeting individuals seeking work.
    Signs: Job offers that require upfront payments, requests for sensitive information, or promises of high earnings with minimal effort.
    Example: An online "employer" asks for your bank details or money to process an application.
  • Unexpected messages from unknown individuals or entities.
  • Promotions or giveaways that seem unrealistic.
  • Scammers often ask for sensitive data.
  • Scammers push victims to act quickly without verifying details.
  • New or unverified accounts with little interaction or content.
  • Before interacting with any offers or messages, check if the account is verified or legitimate.
  • Do not click on suspicious links in unsolicited messages.
  • Don’t overshare personal details on social media platforms.
  • If you suspect an account is a scam, report it to the platform and block the user.
  • Check for unusual activity or unauthorized changes in your bank account and credit cards.
  • Stay informed about common scams and new fraud tactics.
  • Use unique complex passwords with a mix of characters, or use multiple-word passphrases. 
  • Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. A  password manager makes this much more manageable. 
  • Use antivirus software and keep devices updated.
  • Use  Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on your accounts for added security.
  • Immediately update your passwords if account information is compromised.
  • Inform the social media platform about the scam to block the perpetrator and possibly recover lost access.
  • Contact your bank and credit card companies to prevent further fraudulent charges.
  • Monitor your credit report and bank statements for unusual activity.
  • Change your privacy or security settings  to limit scammers' access to your accounts.
  • Review recent transactions and report any discrepancies.
  • File a report with the police department and other relevant agencies. See How to Report a Fraud.
  • Place a fraud alert on your credit reports and consider a credit freeze to prevent further misuse of your personal information. See Identity Theft for more on how to do this.
  • Monitor your bank accounts and credit cards for unauthorized activity.

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