I need to tell you something that might make you not want to use social media at all.
Scammers are everywhere on Facebook, Instagram, and other social platforms. They target older adults because they assume (often correctly) that you’re less familiar with how these scams work.
But here’s the important part: once you know what to look for, these scams are easy to spot and avoid.
I’m not telling you this to scare you away from social media. I’m telling you because knowledge is your best defense. Let me show you exactly what to watch for.
This is the most common one I see.
How it works:
What’s really happening: Scammers copy your friend’s profile picture and name, create a fake account, and send friend requests to all your friend’s friends. It’s not really your friend.
How to protect yourself:
What you’ll see: A message saying you won money, a prize, a gift card, or were selected for something special. Often claims to be from Publishers Clearing House, Facebook, or a big brand.
Red flags:
The truth: You didn’t win anything. Real prize notifications don’t come via Facebook message or Instagram DM. They don’t ask you to pay to receive your winnings.
What to do: Delete the message. Block the sender. Don’t respond at all.
This one breaks my heart because people lose thousands of dollars.
How it works: Someone sends you a friend request. They’re attractive, friendly, and interested in you. You start messaging. They seem wonderful. Then eventually they need money — medical emergency, stuck in another country, helping a sick relative.
Warning signs:
The reality: The photos are stolen from someone else. The person messaging you is a professional scammer, often working from overseas. You will never meet them. Any money you send is gone forever.
If this happens: Stop all contact immediately. Report and block them. Do not send money no matter how convincing the story.
What you see: A message or post saying your Facebook/Instagram account will be suspended or deleted unless you verify your account by clicking a link.
What it looks like:
Why it’s fake: Real Facebook and Instagram notifications come through official channels, not random messages. They don’t threaten to delete your account without multiple warnings through official emails.
What to do: Do NOT click the link. Go directly to facebook.com or instagram.com by typing it in yourself (not clicking a link). If there’s really a problem, you’ll see it there.
Scammers create fake accounts pretending to be companies, celebrities, or even government agencies.
Examples:
How to spot fakes:
Remember: Facebook/Instagram employees will NEVER ask for your password. The IRS doesn’t contact people through social media. Tech support doesn’t send random messages about viruses.
What is phishing? Sending you a link that looks legitimate but actually steals your information when you click it.
Common phishing messages:
Why it works: Curiosity. You wonder, “What video? What did someone say?” and you click.
What happens if you click: Best case: nothing, it’s just spam. Worst case: it steals your password or installs malware on your device.
How to stay safe: Don’t click links from people you don’t know. Even if it’s from a friend, if it seems random or weird, message them and ask: “Did you send me this link?” Their account might be hacked.
This is a huge one targeting seniors.
The setup: Someone messages you (claiming to be a friend, family member, pastor, or authority figure) saying they need your help. They need you to buy gift cards and send them the codes. They’ll pay you back.
Common stories:
The truth: No legitimate person or organization asks you to pay with gift cards. Gift cards are untraceable, which is why scammers love them.
What to do: Stop. Call the person on the phone (not through Facebook/Instagram). If you can’t reach them or they say they didn’t send it, it’s a scam.
Here’s what you should do right now:
Use a strong, unique password for Facebook and Instagram. Write it down somewhere safe (not on your computer).
This adds an extra security step. Go to Settings → Security → Two-Factor Authentication. Even if someone gets your password, they can’t log in without your phone.
Make your account private. Control who can see your posts, friend list, and personal information.
If something seems too good to be true, it is. If someone you know acts weird online, verify through a phone call.
If you shared personal information:
If you sent money:
On social media:
Here’s my advice: before doing anything that involves money or personal information based on a social media message, tell someone you trust.
Call your adult child, a neighbor, a friend. Say, “Someone on Facebook is asking me to do X. Does this sound right to you?”
Scammers rely on you acting alone and quickly. Bringing another person into the decision almost always stops the scam.
If you feel embarrassed that you almost fell for a scam (or did fall for one), you’re not alone. These scams are sophisticated. They prey on your desire to help, your trust in others, and your unfamiliarity with technology.
Smart people fall for scams. Educated people fall for scams. The difference is knowing what to look for.
If you’re in Florence, Darlington, Hartsville, or the Pee Dee region and you want someone to review your social media accounts with you, I can help.
I’ll come to your home and:
This isn’t about scaring you. It’s about giving you the knowledge to use social media safely and confidently.
Call or text: 854-204-7526 Email: [email protected]
$100 flat rate for up to 2 hours of in-home help.
Social media should help you stay connected with people you love — not put you at risk. Let me help make sure you’re protected.
