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How to Avoid Phishing and Other Scams on Social Media

Social Media16 January 2025
a woman looking at her phone worried about her online info and credit card

Social media is a great way to stay connected with friends, family, and businesses, but it also comes with some risks. Phishing and scams are common threats that can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and compromised personal information. To protect yourself while using social media, staying alert and following certain precautions is important. As social media marketing experts, the dedicated team from FirstPage Marketing understands that the allure of instant connections can sometimes mask hidden dangers. That’s why we’ve compiled some information about how to avoid phishing and other scams on social media.

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1. Don’t Click on Unknown Links or Attachments

Scammers often send links or attachments that appear to be from trusted sources. Clicking on these can lead to fake websites or harmful software. Always check the link before clicking. If you’re unsure, don’t open it, and consider asking the sender if it’s legit. Stay cautious, even if the link looks familiar—it might not be what it seems.

2. Check Who’s Contacting You

Phishers often create fake profiles that seem real, like a friend or a well-known company. Always take a moment to review the profile before responding. Look for signs like a low number of posts or no profile picture. If anything seems off, it’s best to ignore the message. If you’re still unsure, contact the person through another method to verify their identity.

3. Monitor Account Activity

Scams and phishing attempts can lead to suspended Facebook Ads, which can significantly impact your digital marketing strategy. A compromised account can result in restricted access to advertising features, leading to a loss of potential reach and engagement. Always monitor your account activity and report any suspicious behaviour immediately to prevent account suspension.

Permanent Loss of Access to Business Facebook Accounts

In some cases, scams can escalate to a level where businesses lose permanent access to their Facebook accounts. This loss directly affects a client’s social media presence, making it challenging to maintain communication with followers and customers. Additionally, running ads becomes impossible without a functional account, severely impacting business growth and online visibility.

4. Use Strong and Unique Passwords

Weak passwords make it easy for scammers to break into your accounts. Make sure to choose a password with a mix of numbers, letters, and symbols, and make sure it’s unique. It is also important to avoid using the same password across multiple sites. Setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) can also be used to add another layer of security to your social media accounts, making it much harder for hackers to gain access to your accounts.

5. Be Careful When Asked for Money or Personal Information

Scammers often ask for money or personal details, claiming it’s urgent. If someone you don’t know requests money, don’t respond without verifying their story. Always question unsolicited requests and check with the person directly if necessary. If the message seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts and avoid giving out sensitive information.

6. Report Suspicious Accounts or Messages

If you encounter a scam or suspicious activity, report it to the platform right away. Social media sites usually have easy reporting options for scams, fake profiles, or phishing attempts. Reporting suspicious accounts or messages can help protect others and keep the platforms you’re using safe. Additionally, make sure to block or unfollow the suspicious account to prevent future contact. By reporting scams, you help keep everyone safer.

For more information about keeping yourself safe from phishing and various scams on social media, the FirstPage Marketing team is here to help with our specialized social media marketing services. To learn more, feel free to reach out by calling 1-800-676-4393.


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