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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Epsom Community Centre Lunar New Year Festival
Join us at the Lunar New Year Festival in Epsom
A beautiful day of culture, food, and community.
Evergreen Clinic will be there to celebrate with you.
Come visit our booth and connect with us.
We look forward to seeing you
Emma’s wedding dress reveal tells a different love story
A Valentine’s-inspired wedding dress show at Ryman Healthcare’s Logan Campbell Village is providing the perfect opportunity for residents to share memories of their romantic day.
But for Emma Muller, it has also turned into an opportunity to celebrate her late daughter Nicola, who died 19 years ago at the age of 37.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.3% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
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