Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are wonderful tools for staying connected with family, sharing photos of the grandkids, and keeping up with the world. However, they are also places where scammers and bad actors look for opportunities.
The good news is that with a few simple steps, you can secure your accounts and share with confidence. Let’s make sure your online experience is safe and fun! 👍
🛡️ Set Up Your Digital Shields (Privacy Settings)
The number one thing you can do to stay safe is adjust your account’s privacy settings. This controls who can see what you post.
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Make Your Posts “Friends Only”:
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Why it’s Important: This limits who can view your photos and posts to only the people you have personally approved, not the general public.
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How to Check It: Go to Settings & Privacy and look for Audience and Visibility or Privacy Settings. Set your default audience to “Friends.”
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Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
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Why it’s Important: This is a crucial extra layer of security. Even if an attacker steals your password, they can’t access your account without a verification code that only you have access to.
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How to Check It: Go to Settings & Security. Look for Two-Factor Authentication or Login Approvals and turn it ON.
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Be Selective with “Friends”:
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Why it’s Important: Only accept requests from people you know personally. Fake profiles often try to connect with you to gather information on your real friends.
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How to Check It: When you get a request, ask yourself: Do I know this person in real life? If not, don’t accept it.
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🛑 What NOT to Share (Think Before You Post!)
Scammers often piece together information you post to guess your passwords or steal your identity. Here’s what to hold back:
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Your Birthday (Year): You don’t need to post the year you were born! The full date is often used as a security question or to verify identity.
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Detailed Daily Routines/Travel Plans: Avoid posting, “I’m leaving town for two weeks!” This tells potential thieves your house is empty. Wait until you get home to post those wonderful vacation photos. 📸
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Answers to Security Questions: Be cautious of fun quizzes like “What was your first car?” or “What was your childhood street name?” These are exactly the questions used to reset your passwords!
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Sensitive Financial Info: Never, ever share bank account numbers, credit card details, or your Social Security Number on social media or in direct messages.
🚨 Recognizing Common Scams and Red Flags
Scammers are clever and often try to create a sense of urgency so you act quickly without thinking. Always STOP, CHECK, and REJECT!
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The “Urgent Money Request”:
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Red Flag: You receive a message from a friend or family member claiming to be stuck (lost wallet, medical emergency) and urgently asking for money (especially gift cards or wire transfers).
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What to Do: DO NOT SEND IT. Call them on a known, official number to verify the story first. Their account has likely been hacked.
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The “You’ve Won a Prize!” Message:
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Red Flag: Any message claiming you’ve won a large prize but need to pay a small fee or provide financial details to claim it.
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What to Do: If you didn’t enter a contest or lottery, you didn’t win! This is a scam designed to steal your money or information.
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Suspicious Links:
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Red Flag: An unexpected link or attachment, even if it seems to be from a friend.
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What to Do: Never click on it. Their account might be compromised. The link could lead to a fake website designed to steal your password.
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Poor Spelling/Grammar:
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Red Flag: Messages from legitimate companies are usually professional. If a message has weird spelling, strange grammar, or blurry company logos, it’s a major warning sign.
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What to Do: Close the message and do not reply.
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Overly Eager Romance:
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Red Flag: New online contacts who become intensely romantic very quickly and start asking for money for a visit or an “emergency.”
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What to Do: Be very cautious! This is a classic Romance Scam.
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As you can see, staying safe on social media means being a little skeptical and taking an extra moment to think before you click or share. Your security is worth the pause!
If you run into any snags or suspect your account has been compromised, remember that our Sharks are always here to help you navigate it!