Social media platforms are one of the most popular online tools available on the internet and billions of users around the world are hooked to it. In fact, research from Statista estimated that by 2027, there will be around 6 billion active social media users around the world.
Owing to its popularity, there has also been an increase in cases of social media scams. So much so that FTC or Federal Trade Commission has reported a loss of around $770 million on social media platforms from back in 2021 alone! This is alarming and calls for protection against such scams.
That is why you are here; this article will discuss how you can identify and keep yourself safe from social media scams.
Social media scams come in many different forms, ranging from phishing attempts to fraudulent offers that trick you into giving up personal information or downloading a file disguised as a virus onto your computer. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of what these scams look like which is why they fall prey to it. As long as you have all the information, you can keep yourself safe from any kind of scam.
How to Identify Social Media Scams
If you have used social media consistently, then you should be familiar with the following:
- Content that includes a lot of grammatical and spelling errors
- Content encouraging you to participate in giveaways
- A relatively new social media profile with a few followers
- You receive messages with enticing offers
It is understandable that we get carried away and click on unusual links. To prevent yourself from that, you need security tools or apps on your device that can quickly identify threats and prevent them from making matters worse.
Also, it is incredibly important that you have a secure internet connection because you do need protection when you are scrolling through social media platforms. If you are looking for one, we recommend calling the Xfinity customer service number to sign up for a super-fast as well as secure internet connection. This secure connection monitors the online traffic and prevents any unknown threats from approaching the network.
5 Most Common Social Media Scams
Check out some of the most common social media scams that you can keep yourself safe from when you are scrolling;
Free Application Download
Ignore content that compels you to download some popular free application because it definitely has hidden malicious content that is harmful to your device. Once you download this application, the virus corrupts your device and the system and breaches the privacy of your data.
Investment Scams
This kind of scam is when hackers ask you to invest in a business that is not reliable or legitimate. The hacker might present a proposal that seems alluring to you that it is difficult to say no to. Such a scam offers a promise of a high return on investment or huge profit. To take part, you initially need to invest an amount in stock, bonds, or real estate. But once you invest your money, the scammer disappears and you never hear back from them.
Fake Job Offer
Yep, this is also how scammers can enter your device and access your private information.
These scammers might offer you huge salary packages included with great benefits and perks. They might approach you through a bogus email address or a fake social media profile. And job seekers on social media platforms, who are in dire need of a job, often fall for it.
Times are hard, it is understandable, but do verify before you reach out for an interview.
Fake Giveaways
Everyone loves free things. The scammers know this, so they have also designed schemes offering fake giveaways that they encourage social media users to accept.
These giveaways may be advertised on social media platforms through a fake page, encouraging you to post a comment, if interested, or send a DM. They will then ask you to provide your personal information so that they can send you the huge sum of money that you supposedly won. Or they will ask you to click on links to sign up for the giveaway, ultimately leading you to a page that threatens your privacy and device.
Healthcare Scams
Most of us are aware that healthcare isn’t cheap, to be honest. This is why you will often come across healthcare scams on social media platforms that are offering free medical services, items, consultations, etc.
The scammers may design a social media profile to impersonate a legit healthcare provider so that people will seek out their profile for medical help, and then ultimately give up their personal information.
Wrapping Up
The majority of our days are spent scrolling through social media platforms and we have often come across such offers, that we never initially realize were bogus. Now that you know how to spot different kinds of social media scams, you can keep yourself safe from any financial loss or reputational damage. Do share with your friends, family, and loved ones too, so that they can also stay safe while scrolling through social media platforms.