Social media is now an integral part of my daily life, just like it is for many others. It’s a fantastic platform for staying connected and sharing experiences, but it also comes with various risks, particularly from scammers hiding everywhere. Throughout my time online, I’ve adopted some practices that help me avoid these hazards.
1 Restricting My Online Sharing
The primary step I take is to be cautious about what I disclose. It can be tempting to share fun facts about myself, but even minor details—like my pet’s name or my birthday—can be extremely useful to scammers. They might use that information to guess passwords or create believable phishing schemes. For this reason, I’ve made it a rule to share as little personal information as possible, particularly on public accounts.
I also think carefully before posting about personal events, such as vacations or daily routines. Scammers—or even burglars—can take advantage of that information. For instance, broadcasting that I’m away can signal that my home is vulnerable. The less they know about me, the more difficult it is for them to exploit me.
2 Being Cautious with Friend Requests
Over the years, I’ve learned to be selective about who I connect with online. I never accept friend requests from strangers on Facebook. Many scammers create fake profiles that can appear authentic initially, using stolen images and vague details to seem credible.
Before accepting any friend request, I always investigate the profile thoroughly. If I discover few posts or a suspiciously low number of friends, or if something just feels off, I avoid accepting the request.
Although it’s tempting to add new connections, accepting unknown requests can expose me to various scams. By only connecting with people I know or can verify, I ensure my social circle remains secure and protect my private information.
3 Viewing Messages from the Requests Folder with Skepticism
When I see messages in my Message Requests folder, I treat them with suspicion. This folder usually contains messages from folks I’m not connected with, and while some could be legitimate, it’s also a hotspot for scammers.
If a stranger offers me an “amazing opportunity” or shares a bizarre story, I’m cautious. Oftentimes, it’s just spam or a phishing attempt. If something feels off—like poor grammar, unrealistic promises, or a request for my personal info—I don’t hesitate to block or report the sender. It’s always better to err on the side of caution.
4 Avoiding Links from Unknown Sources
One rule I adhere to is never clicking on links from sources I don’t trust. Scammers are adept at making malicious links seem genuine, often disguising them as coming from a friend or a reputable brand. Once clicked, you could be directed to a fraudulent site designed to steal your login info or to install malware on your device.
Even if a message appears to be from someone I know, I always double-check. If a stranger sends me a link, I ignore it. And if it’s from a friend, I verify that it’s intended and not a result of their account being compromised.
I also dismiss flashy ads promising incredible deals or prizes. Scammers often use attention-grabbing advertisements to lure people in, leading them to counterfeit websites or tricking them into providing personal information.
If something appears too good to be true, I remind myself that it likely is. Legitimate businesses don’t need to resort to over-the-top ads to attract customers. Instead of clicking, I prefer to look the brand or offer up on authorized websites.
5 Implementing Two-Factor Authentication
One of the simplest yet most effective ways I protect my social media accounts is by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of security, requiring not only my password but also a second form of identification—such as a code sent to my phone. Thus, even if someone manages to obtain my password, they cannot access my account without that additional verification step.
Most social media platforms offer 2FA, and it’s straightforward to set up. It has become a must-have for me; the peace of mind it provides outweighs the minimal effort required to establish it.
6 Analyzing Customer Service Profiles
When I need to contact customer service via social media, I make an extra effort to ensure I’m actually communicating with the real entity. Scammers excel at creating phony customer service profiles that closely mimic the official ones—complete with logos and friendly responses.
Before I engage, I check for verified badges and observe the account’s activity. If anything feels off, I hold back from sharing any personal information and go straight to the company’s official website for help. Scammers often prey on urgency, so taking a moment to verify can save me from potential traps.
7 Reporting Suspicious Activity
If I encounter anything suspicious—whether it’s a fake profile, a scammy message, or dubious content—I report it immediately. Most social media platforms provide easy options to flag or block questionable accounts, and I believe it’s my duty to help keep the online environment safe for everyone.
Reporting suspicious behavior doesn’t just safeguard me; it also helps others avoid falling prey to the same scams. It’s a small action, but when enough users take it, platforms can take quicker action to shut down these scammers.
Ultimately, staying safe on social media hinges on awareness and caution. By limiting what I share, scrutinizing friend requests and messages, and using protective measures like two-factor authentication, I can enjoy connecting with others while shielding myself from potential scams. A little vigilance can go a long way—it’s always better to miss an opportunity than to risk becoming a victim.
