Watch out for scams and data theft on social networks. — Photography Wachiwit/GettyImages/AFP Relaxnews
To dupe as many people as possible, hackers are particularly active on social networks. So keep your wits about you when scrolling, and don't be fooled by fake ads or private messages that seem a little too good to be true.
Scammers aren't short of imagination when it comes to duping gullible internet users and stealing their precious personal data. These scams can take different forms on different social networks.
On LinkedIn, for example, hackers use fake profiles to bolster their credibility and post fake job offers, which, as it happens, are generally very well-paid. They also play heavily on users' confusion around cryptocurrency and the lure of personal enrichment. From their fake profiles, they don't hesitate to contact other network users by direct message to offer them a professional opportunity that's too good to be true. On Facebook, where they can reach a much larger community, many fraudsters concentrate on the Marketplace platform, where they operate as fake sellers. They sometimes use fake cryptocurrency advertisements too. In all cases, they link to fraudulent sites where user data is stolen. On X, formerly known as Twitter, scams mainly involve fake competitions or prizes to be won online.
Finally, on all social networks, scammers sometimes draw inspiration from influencers to lure younger people. They don't hesitate to clone existing accounts to reach out to fans in search of a bargain. In all cases, it's important to watch out for identity theft attempts and fake accounts, which abound on these networks. Never click on a link or download a document sent by a user you don't know or follow. Finally, opportunities that seem too good to be true usually are, even if they seem like good deals at first sight.
In any case, to avoid having your accounts hacked, remember to activate two-step authentication for all your social network log-ins. This means validating every login via SMS or a dedicated mobile application. – AFP Relaxnews
