Here’s how to avoid social media scams

Social media has become part of my daily routine, as it has for many of us. It’s a great way to stay connected and share with others, but it’s also fraught with risk, especially with scammers lurking around every corner. Over time, I have developed a few habits that help me avoid these dangers.

1 Limiting what I share online

The first and probably most important step I take is to be careful about what I share. It’s tempting to post fun facts about yourself, but even small details — like your pet’s name or your birthday — can be a gold mine for scammers. They can use this information to guess passwords or create convincing phishing attacks. Therefore, the rule is to share as little personal information as possible, especially on public profiles.

I also think twice before sharing life events like vacations or daily routines. Fraudsters or even thieves could easily use this to their advantage. For example, announcing that you are out of town can signal that your home is empty. The less they know, the harder it is for them to try to take advantage of me.

2 Be careful with friend requests

One thing I’ve learned over the years is to be selective about who I connect with online. That’s why I never accept Facebook friend requests from strangers. Fraudsters love creating fake profiles that can look legitimate at first glance, using stolen photos or obscure details to make them look real.

Before accepting a friend request, I always take a moment to review the profile carefully. If they have almost no posts, a suspiciously low number of friends, or if something just doesn’t feel right, I avoid them.

It’s tempting to accept requests to expand your contacts, but accepting strangers can open the door to all kinds of scams. By sticking to only people I know or can verify, I keep my circle safer and protect my personal information.

3 Treat messages in the requests folder as suspicious

When I see messages in the Message Requests folder, I approach them with caution. Messages from people I’m not connected to usually end up here, and while some may be legitimate, it’s also a popular place for scammers to try their luck.

When a stranger offers me a “great opportunity” or someone shares an unusual story, I’m wary. Most of the time it’s just spam or a phishing attempt. If something doesn’t seem right—like weird grammar, unrealistic promises, or requests for personal information—I block or report the sender without a second thought. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

4 Never click on links from unknown sources

The golden rule I follow is never, ever click on a link from someone or a place you don’t fully trust. Scammers are good at making malicious links look legitimate, like they come from a friend or a well-known brand. However, once clicked, you may be redirected to a fake website designed to steal your credentials or install malware on your device.

Even if the message seems genuine, I always check it. If someone I don’t know sends me a link, I just ignore it. And even with friends I make sure the link is something they meant to send and not the result of their account being hacked.

Whenever I see those flashy ads that promise incredible deals or prices, my instinct is to walk right past them. Scammers like to use attention-grabbing ads to lure people in, and often lead to fake websites or try to trick you into revealing personal information.

If something seems too good to be true, I remind myself that it probably is. Legitimate businesses don’t have to rely on over the top pop-up style ads to get customers. Instead of clicking, I prefer to look for a brand or an offer on the official website.

6 Using two-factor authentication

One of the easiest and most effective ways I protect my social media accounts is by using two-factor authentication (2FA). It’s an extra layer of security that requires not only my password, but also a second form of verification — like a code sent to my phone. That way, even if someone gets my password, they won’t be able to access my account without this extra step.

Most social media platforms offer 2FA and setting it up is simple. It’s become a must have for me, and frankly, the peace of mind is worth the little effort it takes to set it up.

7 Review of customer service profiles

When I need to reach out to customer service on social media, I take extra care to verify that I’m actually talking to a real store. Scammers are surprisingly good at creating fake customer service profiles that look almost exactly like the official ones – complete with logos and friendly responses.

I check verified badges and look at profile activity before joining. If something doesn’t seem right, I don’t share any personal information and head straight to the company’s official website where I need help. Scammers thrive on creating a sense of urgency, so taking a moment to check saves me from potentially falling into a trap.

8 Reporting suspicious activity

Whenever I come across something that seems suspicious – whether it’s a fake profile, a scam message, or suspicious content – I report it immediately. Most social media platforms make it easy to flag or block accounts that appear to be dysfunctional, and I see it as my responsibility to help keep the space safer for everyone.

Reporting suspicious activity doesn’t just protect me; it also helps prevent others from falling victim to the same scams. It’s a small step, but if enough people do it, platforms can step in faster and shut down these scammers.

Staying safe on social media depends on being careful and informed. Limiting what I share, screening friend requests and messages, and using tools like two-factor authentication allow me to enjoy connecting with others while protecting myself from potential scams. A little vigilance goes a long way – it’s better to miss an opportunity than to become a victim.