Enhancing Employee Awareness: Top 5 Social Media Scams and Avoidance Tactics

Top Social Media Scams and How to Avoid Them

Social media has transformed the way we communicate, connect, and share information. With over 3.7 billion active users worldwide, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn have become prime targets for cybercriminals.

As usage continues to grow, so too does the prevalence of social media scams. Criminals exploit trust, familiarity, and human curiosity to steal personal data, spread malware, and commit fraud.

The Growing Risk of Social Media Scams

Social media-enabled cybercrime generates billions annually for the global cybercrime economy. Attackers constantly adapt their techniques, using convincing profiles, malicious links, and fake promotions to trick users into revealing sensitive information.

The consequences of social media scams can include financial loss, identity theft, reputational damage, and compromised business systems.

Top 5 Social Media Scams to Watch Out For

1. Catfishing Scams

Catfishing involves creating a fake online persona to form emotional relationships with victims. Once trust is established, scammers often fabricate personal crises and request money. Warning signs include reluctance to meet in person, generic profiles, stolen photos, and early financial requests.

2. Social Media Quiz Scams

Quizzes such as “What’s your spirit animal?” or “Which city should you live in?” may appear harmless, but many are designed to harvest personal data. Answers often mirror security questions used to reset passwords, enabling attackers to compromise accounts.

3. Hidden URL Scams

Shortened URLs disguise malicious websites and phishing pages. Clicking these links can result in malware installation or credential theft. Tools such as ExpandURL or Google Safe Browsing can help verify suspicious links.

4. Profile Hijacking

Hackers may clone legitimate profiles or take over existing accounts to scam contacts. A sudden message from a friend containing an unusual link is often the first sign of account compromise.

5. Malicious Third-Party Apps

Some apps request excessive permissions, granting attackers access to social media accounts. Always review app permissions and privacy policies before granting access.

How to Avoid Social Media Scams

• Do not click suspicious links or attachments.
• Limit the personal information shared on profiles.
• Avoid accepting friend requests from unknown individuals.
• Use strong, unique passwords and a password manager.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
• Regularly review privacy settings and app permissions.

Protect Your Organisation from Social Media Scams with MetaCompliance

Social media scams rely heavily on human error and social engineering. MetaCompliance helps organisations reduce these risks by educating employees on how to recognise suspicious behaviour and respond appropriately to online threats.

Our Human Risk Management Platform supports social media threat prevention through:

• Automated Security Awareness
• Advanced Phishing Simulations
• Risk Intelligence & Analytics
• Compliance Management

To protect your workforce from social media scams and social engineering attacks, contact us today to book a demo.