How to spot likely scammers on social media
Social media is a great way to stay connected with friends and family, but it’s also a hunting ground for scammers. Fraudsters use clever tricks to gain your trust and steal personal details or money.
Here’s how to spot them and stay safe.
1. Too good to be true? It probably is
If someone offers a prize, job, or investment that sounds unbelievably good, be wary. Scammers try to lure people in with promises of easy money, free gifts, or exclusive opportunities.
2. Unfamiliar friend requests
Be cautious if you receive a friend request from someone you don’t know – especially if they have few photos, little activity, or mutual friends. Scammers often create fake profiles to connect with victims.

This is an actual scam request that I received under a comment I had left when I reviewed a memorial bench that I had received ~ Sally Lock
3. Romance scams
If a stranger quickly declares their love, be suspicious. Romance scammers often claim to be working overseas (e.g., in the military or on an oil rig) and will eventually ask for money due to a supposed emergency.
4. Urgent messages from ‘Friends’ or ‘Family’
If you receive a message from someone you know claiming they’re in trouble and need money, verify their identity first. Scammers hack or impersonate accounts to trick people into sending funds.
5. Requests for personal or financial information
Legitimate companies or individuals will never ask for passwords, bank details, or other sensitive information via social media messages. If in doubt, contact the company directly using their official website.
6. Suspicious links and emails
Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources, even if they appear to come from a friend. Scammers use fake links to steal personal details or infect devices with malware.
7. Poor grammar and strange language
Many scam messages contain spelling mistakes, odd phrasing, or awkward language. This can be a sign that the sender is not who they claim to be.
8. Pressure to act quickly
Scammers try to create a sense of urgency so you don’t have time to think. They may say an offer is expiring soon or that you must act immediately to avoid trouble. Always take your time before responding.
9. Fake celebrity or influencer accounts
Be cautious of messages or friend requests from people claiming to be famous figures. Scammers create fake profiles to trick fans into sending money or sharing personal information.
We spoke about this on @bbc5live with @ChrisGPackham who was also a victim of fake articles being used by scammers.Listen back @BBCSounds 1100-1130.X
BBC News – Naga Munchetty: Scammers spread fake nude pictures of me on social mediahttps://t.co/vLMlXDB2OC
— Naga Munchetty (@TVNaga01) February 5, 2025
10. What to do if you suspect a scam
- Ignore & Delete – Don’t respond or engage.
- Report – Use the social media platform’s reporting feature to flag the account.
- Block – Prevent the person from contacting you again.
- Verify – If a friend’s account seems hacked, contact them another way to check.
By staying alert and knowing the signs, you can enjoy social media safely without falling victim to scams. If in doubt, always seek advice from a trusted friend or family member. Stay safe and stay connected!


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