Social media has a lot of benefits for consumers looking to obtain information and connect with people, but unfortunately, scammers can seek to exploit that connectivity. Scams continue to be prevalent, but consumers can take precautions, so they don't end up on the receiving end of one. Here are five tips to avoid social media scams.
1. Update Passwords and Privacy Settings
Update your passwords frequently and make sure your privacy settings are how you want them. It's a good idea to update all of your passwords across various sites and services, and social media. Don't reuse passwords because this makes it easier for scammers to guess them.
"One of the easiest ways to prevent unwanted logins on your accounts is to keep your login credentials in a password manager and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your accounts," says Kim Key at PCMag.* "Facebook and Instagram offer a few kinds of authentication, but I recommend using a mobile authenticator app such as Authy."
When it comes to privacy settings, these should stay the same once you've set them, but just to be sure, check them occasionally because you might have missed an announcement by the social media company about changes. Make sure they're still how you want them.
2. Verify Information Before Acting on It
Always verify the legitimacy of information from social media before you act upon it. There is a lot of misinformation and disinformation on the Internet, and much of this is amplified by social media. Even though platforms may claim to be doing their best to combat this, some will slip through, and you can't be too careful. Anytime you wish to act upon information you've received via social media, go to the source, and verify that it's valid, especially if there is any kind of financial transaction involved.
3. Check with Friends Through Other Channels
If you receive messages from friends or family through social channels, make sure you're really talking to whom you think you are, particularly if they are asking for money or sensitive information. Social media profiles are hacked all the time, and hackers are known to engage in dialogues with people from the user's friends list. If you are unsure that you are speaking to your real friend or family member, contact them through another channel, such as by email, phone, or text message, and ask them if they were the one talking to you. It's also nice to let them know if they've been hacked, in case they are unaware, so they can take the proper measures to resolve the situation.
4. Be Aware of Deepfakes
Deepfakes are increasingly part of the digital world, and that means consumers must be extra vigilant to keep from being fooled. In case you're unfamiliar, a deepfake is an artificial image or video created using artificial intelligence technology, which is designed to look realistic and portray a real person or setting. They can be tough to spot, but signs to look for can include inconsistent facial expressions, blurring, unusual shadows, and audio inconsistencies. If something seems off, consider that it might not be real. Verify its legitimacy.
5. Stay Up to Date on the Latest Scams
Popular scams don't always stay the same. There are some that don't seem to go away, but scammers are always looking for the next trick, and their tactics evolve over time. Just because you were familiar with the big scams of 2023, doesn't mean that they'll be the same in 2024. Keep up to date on the latest ones. Follow tech, security, and business news. Set up news alerts about scams so you're really up on all the latest ones that have been covered in the media.
Conclusion
If you're going to use social media as a source of information and connection with people, be aware that there are bad actors who are also using it to potentially scam you. Be very careful when sharing any information on these platforms as well as with accepting the information you see at face value. Verify information before acting and keep up with the latest scams to avoid becoming a victim to one.
* https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/7-ways-to-avoid-scammers-on-social-media