Archives - Social Media Scams


Set clear privacy rules for your social media accounts

Normally, by default, anything you post on social media is viewable to the public. If you don’t want everything you say and do to be made publicly viewable, adjust your privacy settings. You can, for example, make your posts only viewable to people you have listed as your friend. You can set some posts to […]

Be wary of bad actors on social media

Social media can be useful for staying connected with friends, family and coworkers — but there are also people with bad intentions. Don’t accept friend requests or private messages (PMs) from people you don’t trust. Report any aggressive or indecent behavior to the platform itself, and if someone threatens your life, contact the police. Block […]

If you’re not sure about a piece of information, corroborate it

Misinformation, often produced by bad actors, targets social media users, where they hope it will spread and make you (and everyone you share that information with) believe something that is potentially untrue. The general rule is to check the source and corroborate it with reputable sources.

Avoid linking your social media accounts

Dating apps in particular typically let you link your social media accounts with their service. This has both the advantages and disadvantages of letting strangers know more about you, which can leave you open to identity theft. Avoid linking accounts altogether. This suggestion not comprehensive, but they’re just the start of safe, reliable social media […]

Don’t get in a stranger’s vehicle if you’re meeting them for the first time

IIt’s been good advice since you were a child, but it applies when you’re an adult, too: Avoid getting in vehicles with strangers. If you’re meeting someone online for the first time, arrange your own transportation. Online dating – once the ugly cousin of the dating world – is now hitting it off. As with […]

Never respond to requests for money

A common scheme on social media and dating sites is to connect with someone online, trick them into thinking the relationship is legitimate, and then attempt to steal money from the victim. This can come in many forms, but often the cybercriminal will make up a story like they’re stuck in another country and can’t […]