10 Most common Social Media frauds and how to prevent them.
When you are using social media, it is always important to be aware of illegal and should stay away from things happening online. Following is a list of 10 threats you might face when you use the social media platforms. How many of them have you come across?
Lottery and gift card scam
Often we spot posts on social media which claims to giveaway free gift cards from well-known stores such as Starbucks, Target and the Cheesecake Factory and etc. Otherwise they tell you that you have won a lottery. The posts persuade you to click on them and once you do you will be taken to a site where they ask for your personal information (Eg: Phone number) to claim your gifts. They may ask for your banking information as well in order to steal money from your account.
Why people get caught?
1.Everyone loves free money.
How to identify?
1.Phrasing in general
2.Words announcing urgency
Prevention
1.It will be from a lottery that you never entered
2.Be cautious about the websites before giving out your personal information to them.
Gossip scam
These scams rely on people’s curiosity to know celebrity gossips. Eg: Steve Jobs’ secrets to success. When someone clicks on such a post, he/she might be directed to a page which asks them to download the latest Adobe Flash or something of that kind. But the twist is when you click on the link, you are going to download a bot Trojan or other malware instead of a software.
Why people get caught?
1.Their guilty pleasures in reading gossips.
How to identify?
1.Captivating and gossipy headline
2.Requests for personal info.
Prevention
1.Read the headline and pay attention to the URL of the source
2.If you want to download Adobe flash, go to the official site and do not follow any link for the purpose.
Healthcare Scam
False medicare or social security ads are the most common form of healthcare scams. They claim to offer corrected social security cards with the person’s married name, social security statements or a social security numbers for children. The profiles of these companies seem to be original featuring the Medicare logo. A most common way of how they do fraud is, asing for money to do things that someone could get done free from Social Security.
Why people get caught?
1.Healthcare is a basic need of people
How to identify?
1.No valid explanation
2.The number does not seem to be official.
Prevention
1.Compare the same service features with the other service providers.
2.Verify the information they send with the authorities.
Catfishing
In the modern world as the social interaction is high, the relationships started via social media is high as well. Reports suggest that 1/5 of relationships begin online and the number is expected to go up to 70% by 2040.
Catfishing is using a fake identity and cheating people for the sake of starting a relationship. Then the scammers will use the trust they generate with the victim to extract money out of them.
Why people get caught?
1.It plays with people who are vulnerable and seek for love.
How to identify?
1.The person is too good to be true
2.The profile of the person has inconsistencies.
3.The person is rushing things in for a relationship.
4.The person rejects to meet you in person.
Prevention
1.Search thoroughly about the person.
2.Always stay alert on, how badly he/she want to start a relationship with you
Photo of You Scam
Phishing is common in email medium and now it has steppes into social media as well. You might get a link asking the question “Have you seen this photo of yours?” or something similar. When you click on the link it might deliver you to a page which asks for your login credentials exactly looking like a social media website. If you proceed, they will get the ability to gain access to your social media profile.
Why people get caught?
1 .It deals with people’s reputation and dignity
How to identify?
1. Sketchy link
2. A profile photo you are unfamiliar with
Prevention
1. Update your profile settings and make sure only your connections can message you.
2. Before logging into social media, double check the URL>
3. Not to click on suspicious links.
Account Cancelled Scam
The scammer sends you a message or email claiming himself/herself to be from Facebook. This tells you that your account would be disabled unless you take action. Your account information could be what they ask for and they might need you to login via a link. The ultimate purpose of this action is stealing your information and scamming more people via your account.
Why people get caught?
1.People are so much addicted to social media and the scammers make use of it.
How to identify?
1.Grammatical errors
2.Fake email ID
Prevention
1.Facebook always sends an official message through its site only. Mind it.
2.Double check the requests which prompts you to take action.
3.Never disclose your account information.
The 419 Scam or Nigerian Scam
If someone abroad is promising you a hefty sum of money for helping them transfer the money out of their country you should recognize that it is a Nigerian Scam. The scammer might ask for your banking onformation or ask you to pay some amount. This originated in Nigeria but now is a technique adopted by scammers throughout the world.
Why people get caught?
1.Everyone loves easy money.
How to identify?
1.The scammer might recite a tragic story
2.Making you rush to take action.
Prevention
1.Whenever someone offers you free money, you are in danger
2.Make your profile private.
3.Do not make the mistake of disclosing your banking information to a stranger.
Stuck Abroad Scam
You are always prompted to take action when a friend or family member messages you saying, “I’m stuck in Paris and my wallet was stolen. Please send money!” This is a common tactic used by scammers after hacking into your close ones profile.
Why people get caught?
1.It uses people’s trust on their loved ones.
How to identify?
1.Recent changes made in their profiles
2.Grammatical errors or broken English
Prevention
1.Verify the information through any other mode of communication.
2.Never transfer money without the verification
3.Check the profile of the person who sent the message for any suspicious activity.
IQ Scam
In many of the platforms including Facebook, there have featured an application from which you can test your IQ. Those who signed in have paid bad, as they were subscribed to a text messaging service as well which cost them 30USD per month.
Why people get caught?
1.People’s ego as they are desperate to prove their intelligence
How to identify?
1.They ask for your phone number claiming to send the results.
Prevention
1.Be careful about the plugins you use on Facebook
2.Do not give your number to any website to receive the answers.
See Who Viewed Your Profile Scam
Here you would be asked to click on a link that will direct you to a login page which is fake. It will collect your information and might use them against you.
Why people get caught?
People’s desire to standout socially.
How to identify?
It requires installations
Many unknown entities have liked the app already.
Prevention
When you are directed to a page, check the legitimacy of the URL
Beware when you are going to enter your sensitive information.
Always be careful when using social media. Follow the precautions we listed out and do not let the scammers ruin your day.
