Spotting and Avoiding Social Media Scams

Posted in Consumer Protection, Health & Wellness on March 6, 2024

In today’s digital world, social media has become a central part of our lives, connecting us with friends, family, and the latest trends. But along with the fun and excitement, there are also risks lurking in the shadows – social media scams. In fact, we experienced our own social media scam recently with a contest we hosted on our Facebook page. It can happen to anyone!

These scams come in all shapes and sizes, targeting people from all walks of life. Whether it’s a too-good-to-be-true giveaway or a fake message from a friend in need, scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick us.

How To Spot Social Media Scams

• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut and be cautious if a message or offer seems suspicious or too good to be true.
• Check Before You Click: Before clicking on any links or giving out personal information, take a moment to pause and double-check. Hover over links to see where they lead and ensure they match the source.
• Look for Red Flags: Watch out for signs of a scam, such as urgent or overly dramatic language, requests for personal or financial information, or offers that seem too generous.
• Do Your Homework: If you’re unsure about an offer or message, do some research. Look up the company or individual online, read reviews, and see if others have reported similar scams.

What to Do If You’ve Fallen Victim to A Scam

• Don’t Panic: If you’re already given out personal information or fallen for a scam, don’t panic. Take a deep breath and stay calm – you’re not alone, and there are steps you can take to minimize the damage.
• Take Action: Change passwords for any affected accounts immediately and keep an eye on your financial statements for any unusual activity. Report the scam to the social media platform and consider contacting authorities if you’ve experienced financial loss.