{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-blog-post-tsx","path":"/top-social-media-scams-to-avoid","result":{"data":{"site":{"siteMetadata":{"siteUrl":"https://guard.io","title":"Browser Protection | Data & Privacy Security | Guardio Personal Blog"},"pathPrefix":"/blog"},"contentfulBlogPost":{"slug":"top-social-media-scams-to-avoid","title":"Top Social Media Scams to Avoid","metaTitle":"Prime Social Media Snares: Dodging Digital Deceptions","showExitPop":true,"descriptionMeta":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"rawMarkdownBody":"Stay alert! Delve deep into prevalent social media scams and master the art of sidestepping these crafty digital pitfalls to secure your online presence"}},"description":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"rawMarkdownBody":"Top 7 social media scams to avoid and how to avoid them."}},"author":null,"coverImage":{"fixed":{"width":810,"height":477,"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/3mKTjTnVUK9aBboWuGBW3G/253d26f3dd59291349934fc0f993266b/shutterstock_1728918238_1.png?w=810&h=477&q=50&fit=fill"}},"tags":null,"publishDate":"2022-02-17T00:00+02:00","publishDateFormatted":"February 16th","body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"tableOfContents":"","timeToRead":2,"htmlAst":{"type":"element","tagName":"div","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Digitalization continues to impact every facet of our lives. But our increasing involvement in the digital world exposes us to malicious activities that exploit our weaknesses and pain points.\nSocial media has become one of the most popular mediums for cybercriminals to identify loopholes and wreak havoc on your data and information. Yet, widespread awareness has helped thousands prevent potential attacks.\nHowever, scammers employ new daily tactics to practice fraudulent activities, and social media is an easy target. So, let’s learn how to "},{"type":"element","tagName":"a","properties":{"href":"https://guard.io/blog/how-to-protect-yourself-from-social-media-scams"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"protect yourself from social media scams"}]},{"type":"text","value":"."}]},{"type":"element","tagName":"native-ad","properties":{"id":"ad_install","href":"https://guard.io/lp","btn_label":"start free scan","title":"Clean up your browser and prevent future scams"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\nProtect yourself from money scams & other online threats, begin with a free scan.\n"}]},{"type":"element","tagName":"h2","properties":{"id":"7-common-social-media-scams","style":"position:relative;"},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"a","properties":{"href":"#7-common-social-media-scams","ariaLabel":"7 common social media scams permalink","className":["anchor","before"]},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"svg","properties":{"ariaHidden":"true","focusable":"false","height":"16","version":"1.1","viewBox":"0 0 16 16","width":"16"},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"path","properties":{"fillRule":"evenodd","d":"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z"},"children":[]}]}]},{"type":"text","value":"7 Common Social Media Scams"}]},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Here is a list of common social media scams:"}]},{"type":"element","tagName":"h3","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"1. Fake Customer Service"}]},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Fake customer service accounts made by online criminals can access your personal information and sensitive data. These accounts are designed to seem legitimate but usually feature one or two extra characters in the names that customers easily miss."}]},{"type":"element","tagName":"h3","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"2. Fake News"}]},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"People use social media for entertainment and socializing. So, it is common for them to follow different pages that give them a peek into the life of celebrities or the latest industry news. Scammers use this as an opportunity to tempt users to click on attractive fake news.\nFor example, an article titled “Kim Kardashian is Pregnant,” accompanied by a fake picture that verifies the claim, can lure in thousands of people. Such reports even get confirmed links and are thus a perfect way to attack your device with malware or phishing attempts."}]},{"type":"element","tagName":"h3","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"3. Confirm Email"}]},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"A common social media phishing attempt redirects you to the “confirm your email” page when browsing or opening a page/site. These phishing attempts trick users into updating their private information, all the while being tracked down by a hacker."}]},{"type":"element","tagName":"h3","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"4. Fake Comments"}]},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Do you often see comments under popular posts or news with links? These links are often placed with buzzy headlines such as “XYZ Video leaked” that attract readers to click the link. These links lead to credit card scams and the exposure of the information available on your social media account."}]},{"type":"element","tagName":"h3","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"5. Fake Contests and Surveys"}]},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Fake contests have been around since the advent of social media. Fake surveys and contests are designed to get personal information later sold and mined. Scammers embed fake surveys as legitimate social media posts with profile pictures."}]},{"type":"element","tagName":"h3","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"6. Check Who Viewed Your Profile?"}]},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"How tempting is it to identify your stalker? It is quite fascinating, we agree. Scammers give users a similar incentive, luring them to click on a link that leads them to an online survey with a scammer at the backend. These surveys collect information that is later sold for marketing purposes. No social media site keeps track of such information or reveals it to the general public."}]},{"type":"element","tagName":"h3","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"7. Online Discounts"}]},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Social media is all about entertainment and information. Social media informs you of everything from getting regular updates about your favorite brand’s latest collection to their upcoming sales. Fake online discounts have a similar mechanism.\nScammers create social media accounts that offer exciting discount offers on real products. These legit promotions lead you to an information channel where they collect your personal information and sell it to a website for marketing purposes."}]},{"type":"element","tagName":"native-ad","properties":{"id":"ad_install","href":"https://guard.io/lp","btn_label":"start free scan","title":"Clean up your browser and prevent future scams"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\nProtect yourself from money scams & other online threats, begin with a free scan.\n"}]}]}}},"exitPop":{"title":"Try Guardio For Free","buttonDest":"https://guard.io/lp","btnText":"Get Started Now","contentfulid":"BFscams","image":null,"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"

Install Guardio's Chrome extension to start your free security checkup and browse with protection.

"}}}},"allContentfulBlogPost":{"edges":[{"node":{"title":"Beware of Black Friday and Cyber Monday Scams: How to Avoid Falling Victim ","slug":"beware-of-black-friday-and-cyber-monday-scams-how-to-avoid-falling-victim","coverImage":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[{"srcSet":"//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/U694JmqKG6a7N9azexkdw/f09e848a6e217e5aa3181193ff99a4d4/Black_Friday.png?w=110&h=50&q=50&fm=webp 110w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/U694JmqKG6a7N9azexkdw/f09e848a6e217e5aa3181193ff99a4d4/Black_Friday.png?w=220&h=100&q=50&fm=webp 220w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/U694JmqKG6a7N9azexkdw/f09e848a6e217e5aa3181193ff99a4d4/Black_Friday.png?w=440&h=200&q=50&fm=webp 440w","sizes":"(min-width: 440px) 440px, 100vw","type":"image/webp"}],"fallback":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/U694JmqKG6a7N9azexkdw/f09e848a6e217e5aa3181193ff99a4d4/Black_Friday.png?w=440&h=200&q=50&fm=png","srcSet":"//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/U694JmqKG6a7N9azexkdw/f09e848a6e217e5aa3181193ff99a4d4/Black_Friday.png?w=110&h=50&q=50&fm=png 110w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/U694JmqKG6a7N9azexkdw/f09e848a6e217e5aa3181193ff99a4d4/Black_Friday.png?w=220&h=100&q=50&fm=png 220w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/U694JmqKG6a7N9azexkdw/f09e848a6e217e5aa3181193ff99a4d4/Black_Friday.png?w=440&h=200&q=50&fm=png 440w","sizes":"(min-width: 440px) 440px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#181818","width":440,"height":199.99999999999997}},"tags":["scams","Cybercrime","Browser protection","Online Security","Online scams"],"publishDate":"November 22nd","body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"timeToRead":11}},"description":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"excerpt":"Learn how to protect yourself from scams this holiday season with our tips on avoiding financial fraud and identity theft."}}}},{"node":{"title":"Hook, Line, and Sinker: Guardio's Guide to Foiling SMS Phishing","slug":"hook-line-and-sinker-guardios-guide-to-foiling-sms-phishers","coverImage":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[{"srcSet":"//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/1hhFEsLQJVbhfY7O66QTie/4cefd2d89c1fe9322da1dec4584af99d/shutterstock_2380326315.jpg?w=110&h=50&q=50&fm=webp 110w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/1hhFEsLQJVbhfY7O66QTie/4cefd2d89c1fe9322da1dec4584af99d/shutterstock_2380326315.jpg?w=220&h=100&q=50&fm=webp 220w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/1hhFEsLQJVbhfY7O66QTie/4cefd2d89c1fe9322da1dec4584af99d/shutterstock_2380326315.jpg?w=440&h=200&q=50&fm=webp 440w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/1hhFEsLQJVbhfY7O66QTie/4cefd2d89c1fe9322da1dec4584af99d/shutterstock_2380326315.jpg?w=880&h=400&q=50&fm=webp 880w","sizes":"(min-width: 440px) 440px, 100vw","type":"image/webp"}],"fallback":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/1hhFEsLQJVbhfY7O66QTie/4cefd2d89c1fe9322da1dec4584af99d/shutterstock_2380326315.jpg?w=440&h=200&fl=progressive&q=50&fm=jpg","srcSet":"//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/1hhFEsLQJVbhfY7O66QTie/4cefd2d89c1fe9322da1dec4584af99d/shutterstock_2380326315.jpg?w=110&h=50&fl=progressive&q=50&fm=jpg 110w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/1hhFEsLQJVbhfY7O66QTie/4cefd2d89c1fe9322da1dec4584af99d/shutterstock_2380326315.jpg?w=220&h=100&fl=progressive&q=50&fm=jpg 220w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/1hhFEsLQJVbhfY7O66QTie/4cefd2d89c1fe9322da1dec4584af99d/shutterstock_2380326315.jpg?w=440&h=200&fl=progressive&q=50&fm=jpg 440w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/1hhFEsLQJVbhfY7O66QTie/4cefd2d89c1fe9322da1dec4584af99d/shutterstock_2380326315.jpg?w=880&h=400&fl=progressive&q=50&fm=jpg 880w","sizes":"(min-width: 440px) 440px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#080808","width":440,"height":199.99999999999997}},"tags":null,"publishDate":"November 21st","body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"timeToRead":11}},"description":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"excerpt":"Curious about tackling SMS phishing? Dive into Guardio's solutions. Discover essential tips for detecting and preventing smishing, and learn how to step up your mobile security…"}}}},{"node":{"title":"Beware of the digital horrors: Unveiling 6 spooky Halloween scams in 2023","slug":"beware-of-the-digital-horrors-unveiling-6-spooky-halloween-scams-in-2023","coverImage":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[{"srcSet":"//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/11cDmAWcr9ea2zDCw3amaL/bcfc1d6491421ef6c01c352e87809be7/DALL_E_2023-10-26_17.10.17_-_Vector_graphic_of_an_old_mansion_with_ghostly_apparitions_floating_around_it__overlaid_with_a_b.png?w=110&h=50&q=50&fm=webp 110w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/11cDmAWcr9ea2zDCw3amaL/bcfc1d6491421ef6c01c352e87809be7/DALL_E_2023-10-26_17.10.17_-_Vector_graphic_of_an_old_mansion_with_ghostly_apparitions_floating_around_it__overlaid_with_a_b.png?w=220&h=100&q=50&fm=webp 220w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/11cDmAWcr9ea2zDCw3amaL/bcfc1d6491421ef6c01c352e87809be7/DALL_E_2023-10-26_17.10.17_-_Vector_graphic_of_an_old_mansion_with_ghostly_apparitions_floating_around_it__overlaid_with_a_b.png?w=440&h=200&q=50&fm=webp 440w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/11cDmAWcr9ea2zDCw3amaL/bcfc1d6491421ef6c01c352e87809be7/DALL_E_2023-10-26_17.10.17_-_Vector_graphic_of_an_old_mansion_with_ghostly_apparitions_floating_around_it__overlaid_with_a_b.png?w=880&h=400&q=50&fm=webp 880w","sizes":"(min-width: 440px) 440px, 100vw","type":"image/webp"}],"fallback":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/11cDmAWcr9ea2zDCw3amaL/bcfc1d6491421ef6c01c352e87809be7/DALL_E_2023-10-26_17.10.17_-_Vector_graphic_of_an_old_mansion_with_ghostly_apparitions_floating_around_it__overlaid_with_a_b.png?w=440&h=200&q=50&fm=png","srcSet":"//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/11cDmAWcr9ea2zDCw3amaL/bcfc1d6491421ef6c01c352e87809be7/DALL_E_2023-10-26_17.10.17_-_Vector_graphic_of_an_old_mansion_with_ghostly_apparitions_floating_around_it__overlaid_with_a_b.png?w=110&h=50&q=50&fm=png 110w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/11cDmAWcr9ea2zDCw3amaL/bcfc1d6491421ef6c01c352e87809be7/DALL_E_2023-10-26_17.10.17_-_Vector_graphic_of_an_old_mansion_with_ghostly_apparitions_floating_around_it__overlaid_with_a_b.png?w=220&h=100&q=50&fm=png 220w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/11cDmAWcr9ea2zDCw3amaL/bcfc1d6491421ef6c01c352e87809be7/DALL_E_2023-10-26_17.10.17_-_Vector_graphic_of_an_old_mansion_with_ghostly_apparitions_floating_around_it__overlaid_with_a_b.png?w=440&h=200&q=50&fm=png 440w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/tdnn4v0n6ild/11cDmAWcr9ea2zDCw3amaL/bcfc1d6491421ef6c01c352e87809be7/DALL_E_2023-10-26_17.10.17_-_Vector_graphic_of_an_old_mansion_with_ghostly_apparitions_floating_around_it__overlaid_with_a_b.png?w=880&h=400&q=50&fm=png 880w","sizes":"(min-width: 440px) 440px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#f8f8f8","width":440,"height":199.99999999999997}},"tags":["Halloween 2023 scams","Online scams","Scary scams","Guardio","Security software","Online security software","Stay safe","Guardio's on line tools"],"publishDate":"October 25th","body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"timeToRead":11}},"description":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"excerpt":"In this article we cover 6 spooky online scams creeping up this Halloween.\nWe discuss signs to watch out for, and provide relevant tips to keep you protected. The article also…"}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"slug":"top-social-media-scams-to-avoid","breadcrumb":{"location":"/top-social-media-scams-to-avoid","crumbs":[{"pathname":"/","crumbLabel":"Blog"},{"pathname":"/top-social-media-scams-to-avoid","crumbLabel":"top-social-media-scams-to-avoid"}]}}},"staticQueryHashes":["1614255152"]}