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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Some Choice News!
DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.
Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
🎉 Riddle me this, legends! 🎉
He/She who makes it, sells it.
He/She who buys it, doesn't use it.
The user doesn't know they are using it.
What is it?
(Shezz from Ngāruawāhia kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Shezz!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
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