- Fake comments on popular posts – Fraudsters leave deceptive links on trending posts that lead to phishing websites designed to steal your information.
- ‘Help, I’m in Trouble’ messages from genuine friends – Messages from a friend claiming they need urgent financial help may mean their account has been hacked or impersonated. Always verify before responding.
- Miracle Products & Free Trials – Be wary of too-good-to-be-true beauty or health products that require your card details upfront – they often result in hidden long-term subscriptions. Read the terms and conditions carefully.
- Job/Work from Home Scams – Scammers offer fake jobs that require upfront payments for training or materials. Always research the company independently before providing any financial details.
- Romance Scams – Fraudsters create fake online profiles and persona to form relationships, they will find some compelling reason to ask for money, gifts or your card details. They may use a fictional name or falsely take on the identities of real, trusted people such as military personnel, aid workers or professionals working abroad.
Key Advice
Be Informed:
- Think before you post—fraudsters can use your personal details for scams.
- Be skeptical of unexpected job offers, prize giveaways, and investment opportunities that require upfront payments.
Be Alert:
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links in comments, messages, or ads.
- If a friend contacts you asking for money, verify their request by calling them directly.
- Look out for slightly altered usernames or email addresses pretending to be well-known companies or people.
Be Secure:
- Adjust your privacy settings to limit who can see your personal information.
- Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts and avoid using personal details like birthdays or pet names.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.