Social media scams in 2023

Scammers have always taken advantage of people's trust and social media platforms have only made it easier for them to do so.
One of the most well-known examples of this is the Tinder Swindler, who used the dating app to manipulate unsuspecting individuals.

The social media scam works by creating a fake profile and establishing a relationship with the target.
This is done by building trust through friendly conversation, eventually leading to the scammer asking for personal information or money.
This can take the form of a crisis situation or an emotional plea for help.

Unfortunately, social media scams are becoming increasingly common.

According to a report by the Better Business Bureau, social media scams have increased by over 450% in the past three years.
This shows just how effective scammers have become at exploiting people's trust through these platforms.

To protect yourself, your loved ones, and your business, you need to be aware of these scams and take steps to verify the identity of those you meet online.
You can do this by taking these actions:

1. • Think twice before accepting strangers’ invitations on social media, especially if you have no friends/contacts in common.
2. • If you receive an invitation or a message from someone you already know and already have in your contacts, it could be a social media profile scam.
3. Check with your friend over the phone whether they are the ones behind that invitation or message.
4. • Do research on the person's background using a reverse image search on their profile picture, or by checking their social media profiles.
5. • Be careful of what you share and who you trust on social media.

Social media scams have increased by over 450% in the past three years

In conclusion, scammers like the Tinder Swindler exploit a fundamental aspect of human nature – trust – to manipulate individuals through social media platforms.
With the rise of social media of scams, it is crucial that you are cautious and take steps to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your business.

Remember to share this information with your employees or co-workers.
Usually, social media scammers also aim to steal work information from their victims to either use them themselves or sell it on the dark web.

By being aware and vigilant, you can avoid falling victim to these scams and keep your personal information and money safe.