sugaring scams</a>.</li>\r\n<li><strong>Phony requests for financial relief</strong>/help owing to COVID-19 business losses.&nbsp;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2>Why are Social Media Scams So Common?</h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><strong>The ease of creating social media accounts is the top reason</strong>. Any scammer with fake details can sign up on any social media platform in minutes. There is never a need to provide any identification documents. This can give users great anonymity online. It is also why <a title=\"https://www.scamadviser.com/scam-reports/scam-trends/4051/buying-selling-social-media-accounts-an-open-secret\" href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"scam-reports/scam-trends/4051/buying-selling-social-media-accounts-an-open-secret/">buying and selling of accounts</a>with lots of followers is a common practice.</li>\r\n<li><strong>Inefficient site policing by social media companies</strong> gives space for scammers to keep their accounts and activities running for years. Violations that lead to account closure have such a high threshold that most scammers know how to evade them.</li>\r\n<li><strong>Social media users have blind faith that the social media company will never allow scams</strong> to occur on their platform. Failure to do due diligence by consumers in checking ads, accounts, and pages before engaging costs them millions annually. A simple Google search done on a company will usually reveal reasons to trust or distrust an online seller. Checking reviews and votes on sites like Scamadviser can also help avoid scams.</li>\r\n<li><strong>Targeted social media ads and legit-looking profiles are ways scammers present a trustworthy face</strong>. Do not simply believe every ad you see on socials. If you are interested in an advertised item, please check the seller&rsquo;s <a title=\"https://www.scamadviser.com/scam-reports/tips-support/62/how-to-recognize-a-scam\" href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"scam-reports/tips-support/62/how-to-recognize-a-scam/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">website for scam signs</a>.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2>Common Social Media Scams</h2>\r\n<p>Scammers usually improve on the same old scams. They may add a twist so that it&rsquo;s not spotted quickly, but there is no social media scam that is entirely new. Here are some common ones:</p>\r\n<h3>Malicious Video Links</h3>\r\n<p>The video that gets in your face with a message like &ldquo;you will not believe what happens next&rdquo; is usually intended to lure you to scammer sites. Some lead to automatic download links that get malware into your devices.</p>\r\n<p>Photos are also used in this way. With captions like, &ldquo;Is that you in this photo&rdquo; all intended to make you click on them. This is a classic tactic in <a title=\"https://www.scamadviser.com/scam-reports/scam-trends/4146/sugar-baby-dating-scams\" href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"scam-reports/scam-trends/4146/sugar-baby-dating-scams/">malware scams.</a></p>\r\n<h3>See Who&rsquo;s Viewed Your Profile</h3>\r\n<p>These are scammers who claim they can show who viewed your profile, who unfollowed/unfriended you. That is private information that scammers cannot access. They are simply ways to create traffic to their sites, get you to enroll in a survey, and get your personal details. Identity theft is the goal here, don&rsquo;t fall for it.</p>\r\n<h3>Clickbait</h3>\r\n<p>These are ways to trick social media users to click. They may be:</p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Fake Celebrity news like &ldquo;Justin Bieber Shot Last Night&rdquo;</li>\r\n<li>Fake Breaking News with titles that start with &ldquo;Shocking Revelation&hellip;&rdquo;</li>\r\n<li>False Warnings like &ldquo;Do Not Scroll Without Reading This&rdquo;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Here are more of <a title=\"https://www.scamadviser.com/scam-reports/scam-trends/4171/facebook-scams-danger-signs-to-watch-out-for\" href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"scam-reports/scam-trends/4171/facebook-scams-danger-signs-to-watch-out-for/">these types of scams</a>.</p>\r\n<h2>How to Avoid Social Media Scams</h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Check out seller ads before you order anything. You can use <a title=\"google.com\" href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"google.com/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google</a>, <a title=\"bing.com\" href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"bing.com/">Bing, <a title=\"duckduckgo.com\" href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"duckduckgo.com/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DuckDuckGo</a> to see reviews others have made on them. Use <a title=\"scamadviser.com\" href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"scamadviser.com/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Scamadviser</a> to check the site&rsquo;s trust score.</li>\r\n<li>Never send money to a <strong>romantic interest whom you have not met in person.</strong> They may be clever scammers.</li>\r\n<li>DO NOT trust messages that request relief in financial help that come from strange accounts. If they come from friends that you know, <strong>call them to verify.</strong></li>\r\n<li>BEWARE of online job opportunities that require you to pay first for <strong>&ldquo;course materials, manuals, or registration&rdquo;</strong> All these are scams.</li>\r\n<li>Keep your social media<strong> profile private</strong> if the option is there. Never set your status to public. It makes you an easy target for scammers.</li>\r\n<li>Report accounts that <strong>show suspicious activity</strong> to the site for review.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Social media is a place that requires you to be extra vigilant. Keep a healthy skepticism whenever you are considering a person, an advert, or a news item on socials. It may be the difference between you getting scammed and staying safe online.</p>"}}],"sidebarBlocks":[{"_template":"Small\\Content\\Cta","_identifier":"block-157084","data":{"title":"Report a Scam!","consumer":null,"description":"Have you fallen for a hoax, bought a fake product? Report the site and warn others!","image":"https://files.scamadviser.com/thumbs/tell-your-story-8910e.png_200x200.png","button":"Report a Scam!","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/leave-review"}},{"_template":"Small\\Content\\Taxonomy","_identifier":"block-157123","data":{"title":"Scam Categories","taxonomies":[{"id":7,"name":"Scam Alerts (1025)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/scam-alerts"},{"id":6,"name":"Scam Trends (372)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/scam-trends"},{"id":8,"name":"Global Scam Country Guide (44)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/global-scam-country-guide"},{"id":87,"name":"Product Reviews (43)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/product-reviews"},{"id":88,"name":"Fact Check (43)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/fact-check"},{"id":3,"name":"News about Scamadviser (42)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/news-about-scamadviser"},{"id":5,"name":"Reliable Sites (37)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/reliable-sites"},{"id":1,"name":"Tips & Support (32)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/tips-support"},{"id":2,"name":"Research & Reports (26)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/research-reports"},{"id":4,"name":"Advice for Companies (2)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/advice-for-companies"}]}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Heading","_identifier":"block-59407","data":{"align":"left","text":"Help & Info","size":"large"}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157795","data":{"articles":[{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157824","data":{"title":"Scam Alerts","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/scam-alerts","icon":"fa-exclamation-triangle","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-scam-alert-f348b.svg"}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157839","data":{"title":"Learn Scams","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/scam-trends","icon":"fa-tags","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-learn-scam-737a6.svg"}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157854","data":{"title":"Reliable Sites","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/reliable-sites","icon":"fa-check-circle","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-website-213fb.svg"}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157869","data":{"title":"Advices","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/advice-for-companies","icon":"fa-comment","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-advice-f32d8.svg"}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157884","data":{"title":"Studies","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/research-reports","icon":"fa-search","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-report-ebc61.svg"}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-161131","data":{"title":"Global Scams","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/global-scam-country-guide","icon":"fa-globe","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-global-scam-005ad.svg"}}],"buttonText":"See all","buttonLink":"https://www.scamadviser.com/help-info"}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Heading","_identifier":"block-167997","data":{"align":"left","text":"Top Safety Picks","size":"large"}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Lists","_identifier":"block-167811","data":{"heading":"Your Go-To Tools for Online Safety","hint":"Disclaimer: Some of the links here are affiliate links. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.","description":null,"listItems":[{"_template":"Default\\Items\\ListItem","_identifier":"block-167891","data":{"title":"ScamAdviser App - iOS","titleUrl":"https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scamadviser/id6480509109","linkTarget":"1","text":"Your personal scam detector, on the go! Check website safety, report scams, and get instant alerts. Available on iOS"}},{"_template":"Default\\Items\\ListItem","_identifier":"block-167944","data":{"title":"ScamAdviser App - Android","titleUrl":"https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tech.scamadviser","linkTarget":"1","text":"Your personal scam detector, on the go! Check website safety, report scams, and get instant alerts. Available on Android."}},{"_template":"Default\\Items\\ListItem","_identifier":"block-169734","data":{"title":"NordVPN","titleUrl":"http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101566658-13382109","linkTarget":"1","text":"NordVPN keeps your connection private and secure whether you are at home, traveling, or streaming from another country. It protects your data, blocks unwanted ads and trackers, and helps you access your paid subscriptions anywhere. Try it Today!"}},{"_template":"Default\\Items\\ListItem","_identifier":"block-171573","data":{"title":"Incogni","titleUrl":"http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101566658-15718702","linkTarget":"1","text":"Incogni automatically removes your personal data from data brokers that trade in personal information online, helping reduce scam and identity theft risks without the hassle of manual opt-outs. Reclaim your privacy now!"}}]}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Heading","_identifier":"block-59517","data":{"align":"left","text":"Popular Stories","size":"large"}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Blogs","_identifier":"block-59530","data":{"items":[{"id":1406,"title":"7 Best VPN Services for Security, Speed, and Privacy","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/7-best-vpn-services-for-security-speed-and-privacy","excerpt":"In a nutshell: A good VPN protects your privacy with strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and fast protocols like WireGuard. The best VPNs also offer wide server coverage, leak protection, and easy-to-use apps for all devices. For 2025, the top providers are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, and Mullvad—each excelling in speed, security, or value.\r\n\r\nIn an age where every click is tracked, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is no longer just a luxury—it's an essential tool for digital privacy and security. A VPN works by creating a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, masking your real IP address and protecting your sensitive data from prying eyes.\r\nBut with hundreds of providers out there, how do you sort the secure from the suspect? This guide breaks down the non-negotiable features of a quality VPN and highlights the 7 top-rated services for 2025.\r\nWhat to Look for in a Good VPN: The 4 Non-Negotiable Pillars\r\n1. Ironclad Security Features\r\n\r\nStrong Encryption: AES-256, the gold standard.\r\nSecure Protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, NordLynx, Lightway. Avoid PPTP.\r\nKill Switch: Ensures no accidental IP leaks.\r\nLeak Protection: Covers DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC.\r\n\r\n2. Verified Privacy Practices\r\n\r\nNo-Logs Policy: No activity or metadata tracking.\r\nIndependent Audits: Verification by third parties.\r\nSafe Jurisdiction: Prefer countries outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances.\r\n\r\n3. High-Speed Performance\r\n\r\nFast Protocols: WireGuard and equivalents.\r\nLarge Server Network: Less crowding, more reliable speeds.\r\n\r\n4. Essential Usability Features\r\n\r\nMulti-Device Apps: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, routers.\r\nSimultaneous Connections: One account, many devices.\r\nUnblocking Power: Netflix, Hulu, BBC ","buttonText":"Read more","renderAsInertiaLink":false},{"id":1475,"title":"Data Breach Victim? Your Emergency Action Plan Starts Now","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/data-breach-victim-your-emergency-action-plan-starts-now","excerpt":"How to Protect Yourself and Your Family After a Data Breach\r\nWhen Your Data Falls Into the Wrong Hands\r\nJust received that terrifying notification? Or perhaps you've noticed suspicious activity in your accounts? Take a deep breath. A data breach, the unauthorized access or exposure of sensitive, protected, or confidential data, is a deeply unsettling event. It can plunge you into a world of worry, bringing risks from financial losses and identity theft to significant emotional distress and reputational damage.\r\nThe numbers don't lie: according to a 2024 report, the number of data breach victim notices has grown by a staggering 211% year-over-year. This isn't just a distant threat; it's a stark reality many individuals face. This year alone, we've seen major organizations like Adidas and Qantas grapple with high-profile data breaches, affecting countless customers. This underscores a critical truth: nobody is untouchable. Subsequently, strategic action is the only way to minimize the risk and protect your future.\r\nThis guide is your emergency action plan, designed to walk you through every crucial step—from confirming the breach to fortifying your digital life for the long term.\r\nPart 1: Confirming the Breach and Understanding the Damage\r\nThe very first step is to answer the question definitively: Was my data compromised, and if so, how badly?\r\nStart with the basics:\r\n\r\nCheck Official NotificationsReputable companies are legally obligated to inform you if your data was part of a breach. Look for official emails, letters, or public announcements.\r\nCheck Verified Breach DatabasesPlatforms like HaveIBeenPwned help you see if","buttonText":"Read more","renderAsInertiaLink":false}]}}],"meta":{"title":"Watch Out For These Social Media Scams | Scamadviser","description":"Social media provides the biggest platform for scammers to trap victims. 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