Fake Friends, Real Threats: How to Spot Scam Requests Online
Social media accounts are often targeted by scams. You may encounter fake messages or friend requests designed to trick you into sharing personal details or clicking on malicious links.
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How Can I Tell If a Follow/Friend Request Is a Scam?
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Follow requests from accounts you don’t recognise.
Incomplete Profiles
Accounts with little information, few posts, or generic pictures.
Urgent Messages
Direct messages that use urgent language, asking you to act quickly.
Suspicious Links
Links that seem odd or unfamiliar, often found in messages.
Too Good to Be True Offers
Promises of rewards or financial gains that seem unrealistic.
Requests for Personal Info
Asking for sensitive details like passwords or bank information.
Common Social Media Scams to Watch For
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Fake Celebrity Accounts
Impersonating famous personalities to gain followers and send scam messages.
Phishing Links
Links that lead to fake login pages to steal your credentials.
Romance Scams
Fake profiles that engage in romantic chats to eventually ask for money.
Job Offers
Promising high-paying jobs with little effort, asking for personal details.
Giveaway Scams
Claims that you’ve won a prize and need to provide personal info to claim it.
Investment Scams
Offers of quick returns on investments, asking for initial deposits.
Why Am I Getting These Scam Requests?
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Data Breaches
Information leaked from compromised databases.
Random Targeting
Automated systems sending requests to random users.
Public Listings
Information found in public directories or on social media.
What Should I Do If I Receive a Scam Request?
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Do Not Engage
Avoid accepting the request or replying to any messages.
Verify the Profile
Look for signs of authenticity, like verified badges or mutual friends.
Report the Account
Use the platform’s reporting features to report the suspicious account.
Block the Scammer
Block the account to stop further interaction.
Stay Informed
Regularly check your privacy settings and be careful about sharing personal information online.
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Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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34.3% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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64.7% No, I enjoy it
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1% Other - I'll share below
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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40.2% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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21.1% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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35.1% I prefer calling the clinic
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3.6% I didn’t know online booking was available
Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
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76.3% Inside!
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23.7% On top!
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