KnowBe4 Scam of the Week: Beware of Friend Requests on Social Media
In our digitally connected world, the bad guys aren’t limiting their scams to just your email account – they’re attacking you via social media, too! Social media plays a vital role in staying in touch with friends, family, and even local businesses. But with convenience comes vulnerability. Lurking among genuine connections can be fake profiles, designed to deceive and exploit unsuspecting users. They create a fake profile and request to be your friend or send you a message. These “random” profiles reaching out to you come off as wanting to be friends (in some cases, maybe even more), but what they really want is your money or your friend list. With access to your friend list, the bad guys will have even more people to target leading to a potentially dangerous situation. It is important to be mindful of these imposters and to protect yourself – and your bank account from fraud.
Declining fake friend requests helps to protect you against:
- Phishing scams: Fake profiles often act as bait, luring you into clicking malicious links or sharing personal information. By declining the request, you cut off this initial point of contact, minimizing the risk of falling victim to elaborate phishing schemes.
- Identity theft: Fake profiles can be used to gather information about you, such as your birthday, hometown, or even financial details from past posts. Declining fake friend requests helps to protect you against having your personal data exposed to potential thieves.
- Spreading misinformation: Fake profiles can be used to spread false news, propaganda, or even malware. By not connecting with them, you limit the reach of their harmful content and protect yourself, and others, from inadvertently spreading disinformation.
But how do you spot these imposters? Here are some red flags to watch out for:
- Unfamiliar profile: Does the profile picture seem generic, stolen, or low-quality? Are there few or no personal details listed? These could be signs of a fake account.
- Sudden friend request: Did someone you barely know, or haven’t met at all, send you a request out of the blue? Proceed with caution, especially if their profile seems suspicious.
- Suspicious activity: Does the profile engage in excessive spamming, share irrelevant or harmful content, or constantly try to solicit personal information? Steer clear!
Remember, don’t add or message people on social media that you do not know. Declining fake friend requests helps to protect you against scams, identity theft, and misinformation campaigns that could affect your financial accounts. Never click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown profiles. Be cautious about sharing personal information, even seemingly harmless details. If you’re unsure about a profile, it’s best to decline the request and report it to the platform.
At Murphy-Wall State Bank and Trust Company, we take your online safety seriously. That’s why we’re committed to educating our community about cyber threats and providing resources to help you stay secure. By following these tips and declining fake friend requests, you can help protect yourself, and others, from falling victim to online fraudsters.
Original article: KnowBe4.com