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Social media scams

As consumers spend more and more time on social media, scammers come up with more and more ways to set traps for them. Read about some of the current social media scams to look out for below.

Social media shopping scams

shopping cart icon floating over ipad with dark background

BBB Study: Online shopping scams flourish on social media during pandemic

Think twice before buying from these social media ads

Advent calendar scams

Phony wigs at high-end prices

Phony personalized products

No-show psychics

Fake coupons on social media

New social media scam claims to be giving away a free piano

Social media discount shopping scam

 

Other social media scams

Image of man on a computer screen
Deepfakes

How to spot a deepfake and avoid scams

Also: Get rich scheme uses deepfake technology to impersonate Elon Musk

secret santa gift sitting in front of a computer keyboard
Pyramid schemes

Social media gift exchange is an illegal pyramid scheme

Also: This social media book exchange is really a pyramid scheme

close up on man hand using tab pad on laptop to working about futuristic of social media marketing icon for internet network technology and business concept
Instagram issues

Beware of Instagram hijacking scam

Also: Fake copyright email scares Instagram users into sharing passwords

hands reaching for money symbols
Found money

What do if your Facebook friend says you're owed workers' comp

Also: Watch out for Facebook friends pushing phony COVID grants

More social media advice

Social networking service concept. Woman looking at phone with social network icons floating around.
How to protect your verified social media account
woman holding up sign saying giveaway in front of camera
How to spot a fake social media giveaway
man seated at desk looking at laptop screen
How to spot a fake social media account
young woman looking bored or sleepy looking at phone
Bored? Think twice before taking that Facebook quiz
Closeup of gold jewelry and money
Con artists impersonate celebrities for fake giveaways
Social media profile page in smartphone screen at work. Woman looking at feed, status update or post with mobile phone. Inefficient lazy worker avoiding job.
New Facebook phishing scam scares page owners into sharing their password

Scams targeting influencers

Trendy influencer having fun with new trends social networks apps
Fake charities trick would-be Instagram influencers
woman in exercise clothes in big open room
Aspiring social media influencers fall for phony sponsorships
Man recording video of himself on phone on a stand
Influencers are changing the marketplace -- tips to avoid fraud