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4 Common Social Media Scams and How to Avoid Them

Social media has become an integral part of our routine, it’s almost like we cannot survive without it. The days of face-to-face interactions are long gone. Virtual life is the only life we have anymore – all thanks to the current global pandemic we are in. According to a survey, social media usage hiked up to 280 minutes per day from an average of 150 minutes per day during the 2020 nationwide lockdown.

 

With a population of over 1.9 billion, India surely isn’t lacking behind in using the internet. More than 680 million active internet users are reported over the last decade – Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Instagram being the most used social sites.

 

As we talk about virtual socializing, we shouldn’t forget the drawbacks of going digital. Below are the 4 most common social media scams and ways to avoid them.

 

1. Catfishing

One of the most frequent online scams of all time – catfishing – is a deceitful practice of faking an entire identity on the internet. From personal information to their photos on a social site, everything is a lie. It is done with the intent to harm someone financially or make a compromise in any other way.

 

2. Clickbait Scamsters

If you ever come across emails like “Is this you in the photo/video?”, never click on it. It’s a scam. Messages like these will make you click on malicious links and make you type your account details in an attempt to feed your curiosity. A devious ploy to get access to your account.

 

3. Fake Celebrities

 

We all love meeting our favourite celebrities. Who would’ve thought they could make this innocent wish of ours turn into a complete business for scamming people? Scammers usually ask for money to make you meet your celebrities. Make sure you stay alert when such demands are made.

 

4. Facebook Quizzes

Yet another way to trap innocent people are the Facebook quizzes. These seem fun and harmless until they poke into your privacy. Quiz apps may give creators a way to have access to your personal information.

 

How to Avoid Getting Scammed?

 

It takes a little effort and alertness from your side that will save you from oodles of damage. Here are some ways you can avoid getting scammed on social sites.

 

  • Update your privacy settings.

 

  • Avoid giving out your personal information.

 

  • Make use of the two-factor authentication feature given to you.

 

  • If possible, keep your social media account private.

 

  • Do not login into your accounts through someone else’s phone or computer unless you completely trust them.

 

  • Avoid clicking suspicious URLs and quizzes.

 

  • Use strong passwords.

 

  • Installing antivirus software goes a long way.

 

Social media can help bring people together and give you an affordable way to market your services as a business. However, you must remain vigilant to prevent yourself from falling victim to these scams.

 

Get in touch with us today for a complete vulnerability testing of your organization and to fortify your business against such scams. 

 

Follow Trixter Cyber Solutions on LinkedIn and get a dose of cyber insights and security.

 

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