Watch out for these 5 Common Social Media Scams

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As humans, we’re basically wired to social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. And because of our obsession scammers are taking advantage and more and more people are falling for social media scams.

Here are the 5 most common social media scams to look out for.


1. Chain Letters. You’ve probably seen this one before. For example, retweet or like this and we’ll donate a million dollars to charity! The truth is both the post and the claim are obviously fake. Either a post like this is done by someone looking for a laugh or simply sharing it from someone else; otherwise, it could be a scammer trying to trick you into clicking a dangerous link.

2. Cash Grabbing. We use social media to stay in touch with friends, right? But how well do you really know half the people on your friend's list? Always think twice if you get a request from someone claiming they need cash for an emergency. Rather call your friend first to double check if it’s really them or a scammer.

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3. Hidden Charges. Take this quiz to find out what kind of doughnut you are! This may sound tempting, but first, you have to enter your personal details such as your cell phone number. You’ve just signed away your private information, plus you’re now subscribed to a monthly cellular service. Always be on the lookout for these bait-and-switch games on social media.

4. Phishing. You receive an email about some new photos of you on Facebook, but first, you have to click on a link and log in. Scammers use fake emails as well as fake landing pages to steal your account information, your password and hack your account. This is called phishing and to avoid it NEVER click on links in an email and ensure your computer is updated with the latest internet security system.


5. Hidden URL. Before you just click on any shortened URL on Twitter, always think twice because it could lead to a dangerous site or install malware on your computer without your knowledge. Always be aware of scammers and be sure to install reliable anti-virus software on your computer.

Social media sites are bound to lure in scammers, so always be sure to take safety precautions beforehand and defend yourself from the dangers online.

Have you been the victim of a social media scam? Contact OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) on 021 110 0422 or email contact@osint.co.za

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