SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is an inactive attorney in San Mateo County, California.

November 16, 2020

SOCIAL MEDIA SCAMS     

Fraudsters are committing fraud on popular social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Many online shopping scams originate with deceptive social media ads, usually on Facebook or Instagram says the US Federal Trade Commission.

Crooks intend to have you send money or click on malware-loaded links. They may simply put a social media spin on older online frauds. Your social feeds are as likely as your email spam folder to be full of fake corporate giveaways, bogus investment tips, nonexistent government grants, supposed sweepstakes winnings and ads for questionable health aids.

There’s more

Romance scammers create legitimate-looking profiles on social media and use them to woo potential victims (a practice known as catfishing). Their purpose is to obtain personal information and eventually money after establishing a romantic relationship.

Be wary of strangers who attempt to forge close bonds or romantic relationships on social media. if they start asking for money—cut off all contact!

And be cautious about innocent-sounding queries about your high school mascot or first car. Con artists know these are common security questions used by banks and financial firms use to protect accounts.

Warning Signs

Ignore posts and ads that offer super low prices on popular name-brand goods or free trials of miraculous health and beauty aids. If a discount or product claim seems too good to be true, it probably is not true.

Ignore all posts that ask for money, even if they appear to be from someone you know.  

Think carefully before you post information about yourself and your whereabouts. Hackers can use personal information for identity theft, and a seemingly innocuous vacation photo can signal to criminals that your home is empty.

You can report a scam by calling AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360

ATTRIBUTION: AARP.ORG