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.

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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Sally - Silversurfer's Editor

Mother of three grown-up daughters and a proud grandma too, I am the ultimate multi-tasker and am passionate about my role as Silversurfers Website Editor and Social Media Manager. Always on the lookout for all things that will interest and entertain our community. Fueling fun for the young at heart!

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