Social media accounts are fantastic for connecting with friends, family, and things you love. However, they can also become targets for phishing scams. Phishing happens when someone pretends to be someone or something they’re not to trick you into giving them valuable information.
Here’s how to stay vigilant on social media:
Beware of Suspicious Links:
- Misspelled URLs: Hackers often use misspelled website names in links. Look out for lowercase “L”s instead of lowercase “i”s in “Instagram” or other website names.
- Urgent Language: Don’t click on links that use phrases like “click here now” or create a sense of urgency.
- Suspicious Wording: Be wary of links containing terms like “security” or “copyright.” Hackers use these to make fake links appear legitimate.
- Extra Letters or Words: Check for links with unusual additions before recognizable website names.
Never Share Personal Information:
- Phishing Websites: Don’t enter your username, email, or password on any website without verifying its authenticity.
- Account Takeover Risk: Hackers can use stolen information to take over your account, changing your password, username, email, and phone number. This makes regaining control difficult.
Verify Emails:
- Check Your “Recent Emails” List: If you’re unsure about an email claiming to be from Instagram, go to your profile settings, then “Privacy,” “Account Center,” “Security,” “Password,” and finally, “Recent Emails.” Here, you’ll find all official emails from Instagram within the past 14 days.
By following these tips, you can protect your information and keep your social media accounts safe from phishing scams. Remember, staying vigilant can save you a lot of trouble down the line!