07.27.24

Friend request—stranger danger on social media

Social media is all about connecting but be cautious who you add! Here’s why:

  • Fake Friends, Real Danger: Cybercriminals love creating fake profiles to trick you. They might use them to gather personal information or launch phishing scams.
  • Phishing for Trouble: They might even impersonate someone you know, hoping you’ll accept their request and share personal details.

So, how can you avoid these social media imposters?

  • Don’t Know, Don’t Add: If you don’t recognize the person sending the friend request, hit that “Reject” button! No hesitation.
  • Suspicious Lookalike? Verify First: See a request that looks like someone you know, but something feels off? Don’t just accept! Message them outside of social media to confirm it’s really them.

Here’s how being picky about friend requests protects you:

  • Guarding Your Info: By limiting who you connect with, you make it harder for cybercriminals to access your personal information.
  • Avoiding Scams: Phishing scams rely on trust. By being cautious, you reduce the risk of falling victim to one.

Bonus Tip: Review your privacy settings regularly. Make sure only people you know and trust can see your personal information on social media.

By being a little more selective with friend requests, you can turn your social media experience into a safe and fun way to connect with real people.