Facebook and other large social media platforms try hard to create a digital space that you would want to hang out in:  pleasant, attractive and safe for you, friends, family, and like-minded acquaintances to gather and share.  But it is exactly this casual, upbeat feel that makes the major sites a ripe hunting ground for digital crooks. 

 

The following are some of the scams that have been seen involving social media—as well as some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim.

 

Facebook:  Friending an account from a scammer allows the crook to have access to your profile and make a cloned account.  They can also clone an account from one of your friends and send you another friend request, hoping you will automatically accept, giving them access to your personal information.  Tip: Do not accept friend requests from people you don’t know personally, and, if you’re already friends, don’t accept a second request.

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Instagram:  This platform is about following the photo and video posts of your favorite celebrities or hobbyists.  But crooks can see who you follow and use personalized direct messages (DMs) based on your interests to hook you.  Follow a celebrity and you might get a DM from someone pretending to be that person, or a member of their team, asking for a charitable contribution.  Tip:  Keep your profile settings secure and don’t respond to any unsolicited messages.

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Words with Friends:  We often hear about romance scams on this popular digital game.  After playing a couple of rounds with a stranger, you might be told you are really smart and they’d like to meet you.  Soon after you’ll get a pitch that their daughter needs an operation and ask for your financial help.  Tip: Play games only with people you know; if you do play with strangers, never give out personal or financial information.

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Google Hangouts:  It’s supposed to be a place to chat with friends, share pictures and make phone calls.  But there have been recent reports of rip-offs originating there.  The latest are employment scams.  For example, you’ve been talking about looking for a job and you receive an email offering you a job and your first paycheck in advance.  All you need to do is send a portion of it back for “application fees”.  Of course, the check will bounce and there is no job.  Tip:  You will never be asked to send money to get a job and no employer is going to pay you before the job starts.  Avoid all offers like this.

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Nextdoor:  Many people have an inflated sense of security about this social platform because the networks are supposed to be limited to your neighbors. There are reports of criminals posting fake car sales or contractors for hire—even pretending to be nannies.  They want your information so they can steal your money.  Tip: Don’t assume you can trust an online stranger, even one who claims a local connection.  Use neighborhood apps to keep up with news and events, not as a marketplace.

 

Remember that old saying…

If it looks, acts or reads like a too-good-to-be

true “opportunity”, it probably is!