Follow Rosalie Linkedin Facebook
Email Rosalie Email
Other
Jul 25, 2022

Beware of Social Media Scams

Sponsored Content provided by Rosalie Calarco - Associate State Director, Coastal Region, AARP

One question that everyone wants to know when it comes to scams and fraud is where is the greatest risk? When people are bombarded by criminals on email, over the phone, text and online it’s hard to know where to focus. And while it’s important to take every scam attempt seriously, consumers should realize that they are particularly susceptible on social media.
 
According to the Federal Trade Commission 25% of successful scams last year originated on a social media platform. In 2017 consumers lost $42 million to social media scams. Last year that total was $770 million – an 18-fold increase. Here are three warning signs of social media scams.

  1. Friend requests from people you don’t know. Think of your parents when surfing the web and “don’t talk to strangers.” 
  2. Celebrities who want to connect with you. Scammers clone celebrity profiles and send personal messages offering investment opportunities or a chance to meet in person. This is a very successful criminal tactic so just remember, celebrities don’t really want to be your online friend.
  3. Anyone offering investment opportunities. Cryptocurrency scams are exploding, and they typically start when an online “friend” offers up an investment opportunity. Anytime someone you met online says “investment” or “crypto” it’s time to walk away.

We are all targets

If there is one thing everyone should understand, it’s that “scammers” are career criminals skilled at the art of manipulation and no one is immune. These crooks target people of any age; in fact, 41% of those who reported a fraud loss to the Federal Trade Commission last year were under the age of 30. So, what can a person do if they find out they’ve been victimized?
 
One resource is the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline. Every weekday, trained AARP volunteer fraud fighters are helping victims understand what happened, report the crime and start to put their lives back together. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a scam or fraud, call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 for support. 
 
Be a fraud fighter!  If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.  
 
Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.
 
Rosalie L. Calarco, a 17-year veteran of constituent services and advocacy under two federal officeholders, is the State Director for its Coastal Region, where she will work with AARP members in diverse populations across age, gender, socioeconomic status, culture, and ethnicity. Her service area will include 33 coastal and other counties in northeastern, eastern, and southeastern North Carolina.

 

Other Posts from Rosalie Calarco

317
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Headshotrosaliecalarco 1182131047

Beware of Online Holiday Shopping Scams

Mcwhorter 0005

We Are Now in the Entrepreneur Economy

Heather McWhorter - UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Untitleddesign13

The Benefits of Choosing Local Partners in Construction

Jim Hundley - Thomas Construction Group

In The Current Issue

Appraiser Shares Forecast

Cal Morgan founded JC Morgan Co., 1904 Eastwood Road, about 15 years ago and has since grown his team to six appraisers...


Bakatsias Restaurant Group Grows Locally

Giorgios Bakatsias and his company – Giorgios Hospitality Group – will also be opening Tomikosan sushi bar at Lumina Station, bringing the g...


Small Business Spotlight: Business Owner Goes Out On A Limb

This month's Small Business Spotlight focuses on Tree Nerds, a tree service that opened last year....

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2024 Power Breakfast: The Next Season