I signed up for my first social media accounts as a requirement during my MPA. I made just enough posts to enable me scale through the specific classes. Prior to that, I hadn’t embraced social media for personal reasons. I didn’t feel comfortable being on those platforms.

I then had a short stint at an organization. I honestly don’t remember now which came first: the MPA or the short stint. Anyhow, this organization not only demonstrated how easy it was to create fake profiles/accounts on social media platforms, but also it left an indelible impact of social media aversion. It also explains why I rarely show my face on these platforms.

Warming Up … But

Lately, however, I find myself warming up to social media. No sooner had I warmed up than I already have catfishes on a certain platform “visiting.” I’ve read several posts inferring to this in the past. What do you do and how do you handle the catfishes? My first question is “why are all accounts not scrutinized before being allowed on the platforms?” Why is it so easy to use fake profiles? Can the authorities go after such accounts? Who are these predators, preying folks, and handles? How do you verify who’s talking to you via following, liking, or commenting on these platforms?

I might be singing to the choir, but it’s still a concern. A deeper concern especially when younger or elderly folks are also on these platforms. As a matter of fact, no one under 18 should be allowed on these platforms. About couple of weeks ago, I heard that a young boy committed suicide because he was “talking” to predators … click here for more details. Extremely sad.

We’ve all heard of catfishes. Many have preyed on people who are unawares. But what is being done about it?

Europe is big on internet regulations. Click on the links below to read about Euro’s proactive internet policies:

• https://www.michigandaily.com/opinion/columns/look-to-the-eu-for-internet-regulation/
• https://www.berec.europa.eu/en/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-open-internet-rules-in-the-eu-0#
• https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2023/08/24/how-europes-new-digital-law-will-change-the-internet

When will America become serious about protecting the internet vulnerabilities?

In the interim, how can we protect ourselves and loved ones from the web predators?!

How to Combat the Scourge of Scammers on Social Media Platforms

In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become integral to our lives. We use them to connect with friends, share experiences, and even conduct business. Online learning has also become a pivotal part for schools and colleges, However, with their growing popularity, these platforms have also attracted scammers who prey on unsuspecting users. From phishing schemes to fake accounts and fraudulent advertisements, the landscape of social media is fraught with deception. Combating this issue requires a multi-pronged approach that involves individual vigilance, platform responsibility, and collective awareness. Here’s how we can work together to protect ourselves and others.

1. Recognize Common Scams

The first step to combatting scams is recognizing the most common types of fraud on social media:

• Phishing: These scams involve scammers posing as legitimate companies or individuals, sending messages with malicious links that trick users into revealing sensitive information.

• Fake Profiles: Scammers create fake profiles to lure people into online relationships or financial scams.

• Fraudulent Ads: Many scammers use social media’s ad platforms to promote fake products or services.

• Ponzi Schemes and Giveaways: These involve promises of large returns on investments or winnings from non-existent giveaways.

2. Stay Vigilant with Suspicious Accounts

Scammers often operate under fake or compromised accounts. To identify these:

• Look for Red Flags: Be wary of accounts with incomplete profiles, a lack of personal posts, or poor-quality photos. Many scam accounts will have limited engagement or strange, non-cohesive posts.

• Verify Account Authenticity: If you’re unsure whether a company or individual is legitimate, look for verified checkmarks or search for their official page on other trusted sources.

• Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Even when an account seems authentic, avoid giving out personal details like your address, phone number, or financial information over social media.

3. Don’t Click on Suspicious Links

Scammers often send links that appear legitimate but lead to harmful websites. These phishing links may attempt to steal personal information or install malware on your device.

• Double-Check Links: Hover over the link to see where it directs you before clicking. If you’re unsure, don’t click. Instead, go directly to the official website by typing it into your browser.

• Beware of Shortened URLs: Scammers often use URL shorteners to hide malicious links. Use link expansion services to reveal the original destination before clicking.

4. Enable Privacy and Security Settings

Most social media platforms offer privacy and security features that can help you protect your personal information:

• Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA on all your social media accounts for an added layer of protection. This means even if your password is compromised, a second verification step is required to access your account.

• Adjust Privacy Settings: Review and adjust your privacy settings to limit who can see your posts, send you messages, or follow you.

• Be Cautious with Third-Party Apps: Avoid linking your social media accounts to untrustworthy third-party applications. Scammers can exploit these apps to gain access to your personal data.

5. Report Scams and Fake Accounts

Social media platforms rely on user reports to combat scammers. If you encounter a suspicious account or fraudulent activity:

• Report It Immediately: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and others have mechanisms in place to report suspicious activity. The more people report these scams, the faster they can be addressed.

• Block Scammers: If a scammer contacts you, block them to prevent further interaction and report their account to the platform.

6. Educate Yourself and Others

Scammers thrive on ignorance and confusion. By staying informed about the latest scams and helping others do the same, you can reduce the risk of falling victim.

• Share Information: If you’ve encountered a scam, share your experience with your followers or in community groups to warn others.

• Stay Updated on Scams: Follow reputable sources and cybersecurity experts who track the latest trends in scams and online fraud.

7. Encourage Platform Responsibility

Fake profiles can serve various purposes, often with malicious intent. Scammers may create them to steal personal information, while predators might use them to groom unsuspecting individuals. Recognizing the signs of a fake account is the first step in protecting ourselves.

While social media can be a powerful tool for connection, it’s important to remain vigilant against fake profiles and accounts. By understanding the signs and taking proactive measures, you can safeguard your personal information and contribute to a safer online community. Always prioritize your digital safety and encourage others to do the same.

While individuals must be vigilant, social media platforms themselves have a role to play in stopping scammers. Hold platforms accountable by:

• Demanding Stricter Verification: Advocate for better verification processes, especially for accounts dealing with sensitive topics like financial transactions or investments.

• Support Anti-Scam Initiatives: Some platforms have invested in AI and machine learning to detect fraudulent activity. Support these initiatives by staying engaged with the platform’s updates on security features and developments.

8. Know Where to Seek Help

If you’ve been scammed or suspect you’ve shared your information with a fraudulent account, immediate action can help minimize the damage:

• Change Passwords: If you think your account has been compromised, change your passwords immediately. Use a strong combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.

• Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Company: If financial information has been compromised, alert your bank or credit card company and monitor your statements for unauthorized transactions.

• Report the Scam to Authorities: Depending on your location, report the scam to local authorities or a national fraud reporting center. Many countries have agencies that deal specifically with online scams.

Final Thoughts

Scammers will always seek new ways to deceive, but with vigilance, awareness, and the right tools, we can reduce their impact. By following these steps, you can safeguard your social media experience and contribute to a safer online environment for all. Don’t underestimate the power of collective effort—when we look out for one another, we help create a digital world where scammers find it harder to thrive.

In today’s digital landscape, social media is a vital tool for connection, networking, and sharing ideas. However, it also poses risks, particularly from fake profiles and accounts. These can often belong to scammers or predators, making it essential to be vigilant. Here’s how to identify these threats and handle them effectively.

Understanding Fake Profiles

Signs of a Fake Profile

1. Profile Picture: Many fake accounts use stock photos or images of celebrities. Use reverse image searches to check if the photo appears elsewhere.

2. Limited Activity: It has been said that fake accounts often have few posts, likes, or followers and that a genuine user typically engages more actively. Well, how true is that statement. I, for example, though I post almost everyday have few likes and followers and I rarely engage on social media until recently. Does that make me a scammer to those outside the WordPress community?

3. Vague or Incomplete Information: If the profile has minimal information or is filled with inconsistencies, it’s a red flag.

4. Unusual Behavior: Be wary of accounts that send unsolicited friend requests or messages, particularly if they quickly move to personal topics or requests for help.

5. Generic or Robotic Language: Scammers often use generic phrases and may struggle with nuanced conversation.

How to Protect Yourself

What to Do if You Encounter a Fake Profile:

1. Report the Account: Most social media platforms have mechanisms for reporting fake accounts. Use these tools to help protect others.

2. Block the User: If you receive messages or friend requests from a suspicious account, blocking them can prevent further contact.

3. Inform Friends: If a friend or family member may be targeted, warn them about the fake account, especially if they’re being contacted by it.

4. Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your gut. It’s better to be cautious than to engage further.

Conclusion

Report the scammer(s) to the police, especially if they have committed a crime, such as fraud or harassment. Here’s how you can approach this:

1. Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant information, including screenshots of messages, the profile details, and any other interactions.
2. Report to Local Law Enforcement: Visit or contact your local police department to file a report. Provide them with the evidence you’ve gathered.
3. File a Complaint with Federal Agencies: In the U.S., you can report online scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
4. Inform the Social Media Platform: Report the scammer to the platform as well, as they can take action against the account.
5. Stay Informed: Keep track of any responses from law enforcement and be aware of any updates regarding the case.

Taking these steps helps in addressing the issue and potentially preventing others from falling victim to similar scams.