Staying Safe on Social Media Boils Down to These Three Things

You don’t want to get spammed; nobody does. Unfortunately, it happens to EVERYONE, and it’s just getting worse. All this unwelcome correspondence happens over the phone, through email, and especially on social media. In today’s blog, we’ll talk a little bit about how social media puts users at risk and what you can do to keep that risk from becoming a problem for you. 

How Social Media Invites Risk

Think about how integrated today’s companies are with the way you navigate online. Do you use the “sign in with ___” feature when you access other apps? Do you have near-constant notifications dinging because you have every email, every update in an application, and every message you get sending you one? Do you spend an unhealthy amount of time scrolling through shorts and reels and whatever? 

No matter what type of user you are, today’s technology has got our attention. Unfortunately, it also has gained the attention of scammers. Let’s take a look at four ways to avoid being scammed on social media.

Nothing Is Too Good To Be True, Except on Social Media

You’ve probably seen those ads: "Get thousands of dollars with this secret trick!" Yeah… no. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers use flashy deals to lure people in, but once you click, they might steal your personal info or install malware on your device. Always double-check offers and only trust verified sources.

Avoid Clicking on Random Links

Scammers love sending shady links in DMs, comments, and even fake emails pretending to be from brands you trust. If you don’t know the person sending it—or if the message feels a little off—don’t click. Even if it’s from a friend, their account might be hacked. When in doubt, ask them directly before opening anything. Always verify if there is any question.

People Are Often Not What They Seem

Scammers create fake accounts pretending to be celebrities, brands, or even people you know. If a friend suddenly messages you asking for money, take a step back and verify first. And if a celeb slides into your DMs saying they need you to help them with an urgent matter, just block and report. Always check for blue verification badges on official accounts and look out for weird usernames with extra numbers or letters.

Try to Keep Private Information Private

People who overshare on social media play right into the hands of scammers. Posting your full name, birthday, or even where you work makes it easier for scammers to impersonate you or hack your accounts. Also, be careful with those viral quizzes that ask for personal information. These quizzes are often phishing for answers to security questions. Keep your info locked down and update your privacy settings regularly.

Unfortunately for everyone, scammers aren’t going anywhere, but you can stay one step ahead. If you ever feel like something’s off, trust your gut. Block, report, and move on. Stay smart, stay safe, and enjoy social media, without the scams.

For more great technology-related best practices, tips, and tricks, return to our blog soon.