IN THE KNOW
SAFEGUARDING YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA: RECOGNIZE AND AVOID SCAMS
SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 | FRAUD PREVENTION
Social media connects us like never before. We share moments, follow trends, and engage with friends. But this digital proximity also opens the door for scammers targeting our trust, curiosity, and sometimes even our assets. AB&T understands the importance of vigilance in this space. Here is a guide to help you spot social media scams, understand common tactics, and protect yourself and others.
THE INVESTMENT SCAM DISGUISED AS FRIENDLY ADVICE
Imagine this scenario: a familiar name appears in your newsfeed, claiming to have discovered a foolproof investment strategy. They post screenshots of dramatic gains, promise high returns, and tell you it is risk-free. You comment and receive a private message urging you to invest via Venmo, PayPal, or cryptocurrency. You transfer funds. Then the account disappears. That friend was not behind those posts. Instead, their account was hijacked by a scammer using it to trick trusted contacts into sending money. This is a common social media investment scam, and you can spot it by paying attention to a few telltale signs:
1. There is pressure to act immediately. Scammers aim to short-circuit your hesitation.
2. They promise guaranteed returns. Real investments always carry risk.
3. They use personal payment apps or crypto transfers, which are hard to trace or recover.
4. If the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
If something feels off, pause. Google the company or program with keywords like “review,” “scam” or “fraud.” Visit trusted resources such as for credible investment guidance. You might also reach out to your friend another way to confirm whether their account was compromised. If your instincts prove correct, report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at .
UNDERSTANDING PLATFORM-SPECIFIC SCAM TACTICS
Social media platforms attract scammers in different ways. The Better Business Bureau categorizes the most common strategies by platform:
• LinkedIn: This platform enables trust through professionalism. Scammers exploit that by creating fake profiles with impressive resumes or credentials. They often issue claims about lucrative cryptocurrency or investment opportunities to appear authoritative.
• Facebook: Fraudsters who gain access to a trusted account may ask friends for money citing emergencies or push malicious links. Fake charity posts or emotional pleas are also common ways to exploit user sympathy.
• Instagram: Many scams involve misuse of visuals. Fraudsters repost legitimate work as their own or leverage influencer-style before-and-after images to sell ineffective or misleading subscription services. Romance scams are also prevalent; they often include attempts to recruit victims into bogus investment or crypto schemes.
• TikTok: Users may be lured by short, polished videos that depict easy money schemes or trends. These often promote products or investment opportunities that never materialize or lead to insecure websites that collect payment information.
• X (formerly Twitter): Impersonators tailor scams based on your public posts. They might lure you into fake surveys or phishing sites asking for personal information, potentially compromising security questions and leading to identity theft.
AVOID GIVING AWAY KEY PERSONAL INFORMATION
A quiz that seems harmless might be more dangerous than it appears. Some Facebook quizzes or personality tests ask seemingly innocent questions such as “What was your first car?” or “What is your mother’s maiden name?” These are often used as security questions for financial or insurance accounts. By sharing answers, you might unwittingly provide a scammer with the means to impersonate you or gain access to your accounts.
To stay safe when you come across these quizzes:
1. Always check who created the quiz. Is it a reputable brand or a random link?
2. Review your privacy settings and think twice before allowing access to your data.
3. Avoid answering questions that resemble common security questions.
4. Be cautious about accepting friend requests from strangers or duplicate accounts. One could be a clone aimed at harvesting personal data.
BEST PRACTICES TO STAY SAFE ONLINE
Here are steps AB&T recommends for navigating social media safely:
• Use caution with links and messages even from friends. Confirm the sender’s identity if the message seems uncharacteristic.
• Go private wherever possible. Restrict your profile visibility and limit what strangers can access.
• Think before you share. Oversharing vacation plans or personal milestones may enable criminals to target your home or use your information against you.
• Shop wisely. Avoid purchases that require payment via gift cards or unprotected apps. Prefer the protection of credit cards when making online purchases.
• Stay informed. Regularly review reliable sources like the FTC or BBB Scam Tracker. Reporting suspicious incidents can help protect yourself and your community.
As social media continues to shape how we connect, scammers are adapting too. AB&T is committed to helping our community stay alert, informed and confident online. When in doubt slow down, verify, and report suspicious activity. That simple approach helps keep your digital life, and finances secure.
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