Archives - Social Media Scams


Avoid linking your social media accounts

Dating apps in particular typically let you link your social media accounts with their service. This has both the advantages and disadvantages of letting strangers know more about you, which can leave you open to identity theft. Avoid linking accounts altogether. This suggestion not comprehensive, but they’re just the start of safe, reliable social media […]

Don’t get in a stranger’s vehicle if you’re meeting them for the first time

IIt’s been good advice since you were a child, but it applies when you’re an adult, too: Avoid getting in vehicles with strangers. If you’re meeting someone online for the first time, arrange your own transportation. Online dating – once the ugly cousin of the dating world – is now hitting it off. As with […]

Never respond to requests for money

A common scheme on social media and dating sites is to connect with someone online, trick them into thinking the relationship is legitimate, and then attempt to steal money from the victim. This can come in many forms, but often the cybercriminal will make up a story like they’re stuck in another country and can’t […]

Don’t meet up with anyone online without getting to know them better first

Online dating may be here to stay, but with it comes the risk of criminals trying to take advantage of you by claiming to be someone they’re not. If you engage in online dating, be sure you have a good idea who they are before meeting up with them, and always meet in a public […]

Be aware of social engineering attacks

In a social engineering attack, an attacker uses human interaction (social skills) to obtain or compromise information about an individual or organization computer system. An attacker may seem unassuming and respectable, possibly claiming to be a new employee, repair person, or researcher and even offering credentials to support that identity. However, by asking questions, he […]

Be cautious about solicitations to meet in person for any reason

Meeting someone you’ve met online in-person for the first time can be exciting for social reasons and practical if you’re checking out merchandise before you buy it. However, sometimes people on the internet aren’t who they say they are — and they might not actually have the PlayStation 5 you’re after. If you’re meeting an […]