Decoding the Rise of Social Media Frauds

Alexandru_BD

"One major difference between scams before social media and after is that criminals had to look for victims; now, victims find the scammers online."

What are the most popular social media scams and how do fraudsters operate online? Here's an interesting article on their evolution:

https://www.bitdefender.com/blog/hotforsecurity/behind-the-screens-decoding-the-rise-of-social-media-frauds/

Have you identified or experienced a social media scam? Tell us in the comments below.

Flexx

https://community.bitdefender.com/en/discussion/98163/decoding-the-rise-of-social-media-frauds

Some additional information from various sources:

Here are some of the most popular social media scams and how fraudsters operate online:

Impersonation scams: Scammers create fake profiles of celebrities, influencers, or even friends and family to gain trust and exploit victims. They might solicit money, spread misinformation, or trick people into clicking malicious links.

Phishing scams: Deceptive messages, posts, or ads lure victims into clicking links that lead to fake websites designed to steal personal information like passwords, credit card details, or social security numbers.

Investment scams: Fraudsters offer "get rich quick" schemes or fake investment opportunities through social media, often promising unrealistic returns on minimal effort.

Fake giveaways and contests: These entice users with the promise of winning prizes but require them to share personal information, pay fees, or click on suspicious links, leading to data theft or financial losses.

Romance scams: Pretending to be someone else, scammers build online relationships with victims, gaining their trust and eventually requesting money or gifts.

Social engineering scams: Fraudsters exploit human emotions like fear, curiosity, or greed to manipulate victims into making rash decisions, sending money, or revealing personal information.

How to spot and avoid social media scams:

• Be wary of too-good-to-be-true offers. If something seems unrealistically lucrative, it probably is.
• Check the profiles and credentials of anyone contacting you. Look for inconsistencies and red flags.
• Never click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources.
• Don't share personal information publicly on social media. Be cautious about what you reveal online.
• Be skeptical of unsolicited messages, even from seemingly familiar accounts.
• Report suspicious activity to the social media platform and relevant authorities.

Regards