Social media is an amazing space. It connects us, informs us, and keeps us entertained. But let’s face it—where there’s opportunity, there are scammers lurking. What’s important to know is that scams do not target only vulnerable groups like seniors or teenagers – even everyday users, including tech-savvy adults, fall victim.

Let’s dive into the most common social media scams, how they work, and how you can stay safe.

Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are scams where cybercriminals impersonate trusted entities, such as banks, well-known brands, or even your friends, to trick you into revealing sensitive information. This might include login credentials, credit card numbers, or other personal data.

These scams typically come in the form of deceptive messages, emails, or direct messages containing malicious links. When clicked, these links may lead to fake websites designed to steal your information or download malware onto your device.

For example, you may receive an SMS that appears to be from Ecobank Ghana. The message reads:

“We have noticed suspicious activity on your account. To secure your funds, please verify your account information immediately. Click this link to confirm your details:www.ecobank-link.com. Failure to do so within 24 hours will result in account suspension.

Regards,

Ecobank Customer Service”

If you click the link, it directs you to a website that looks like the official Ecobank portal and ask you to enter your login ID and password. Once you do, the scammers gain access to your Ecobank account and can drain your funds.

Tip to Stay Protected:

Always verify the sender’s identity before clicking on any links or sharing personal information. Look out for red flags such as urgent language, spelling errors, or too-good-to-be-true information.

Romance Scams

Romance scams can break more than just your heart. Often called “catfishing” or “pig butchering,” they involve someone pretending to be romantically interested in you. They shower you with attention, build trust, and then hit you with a fabricated crisis.

Variations of the Scam:

  • Stuck at Airport: The scammer, posing as your romantic partner, claims they are traveling to see you. Suddenly, they (or a customs or police officer) message or call to say they’ve been detained at your country’s airport for carrying excessive foreign currency. They plead for you to send money for their release.
  • Fake Investment: The scammer, after developing an online relationship, tells you about an investment opportunity they’ve profited from. They convince you to try it out with a small amount of money, which actually yields real returns that are credited to your bank account. Once you invest a larger sum, they persuade you to keep adding more. If you try to withdraw the money, you get errors. If you ask them about it, they get angry and tell you to trust them and invest more, or simply disappear.

Occasionally, the scamsters are known to use online influencers to lure victims.

Tip to Stay Protected:

Be cautious when someone you’ve never met in person starts asking for money, regardless of their story. Always verify their claims independently—contact the authorities, the airline, or the supposed investment company directly. Never share personal or financial information with someone who refuses to meet in person or video chat live.

Fake Accounts and Impersonation Scams

You might receive a direct message from someone pretending to be a celebrity, a politician, or even a close friend. They’ll tell you an urgent, heart-wrenching story—maybe their wallet was stolen, or they’ve been kidnapped—and ask for money. In other cases, they might send you a link that installs malware on your device.

For example, if you are a fan of the NFL and follow players on Instagram, you might receive something like the below message from an account pretending to be Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Cleveland Browns team player):

“Hey there! I’m organizing an exclusive event in Accra for talented young athletes. This is going to be huge!

I was wondering if you could work with me for some event arrangements. It’s a big deal for me, and I think your local insights could be really valuable. You interested?”

Such kinds of messages play on your excitement and admiration, making you more likely to engage without questioning their authenticity.

To stay safe, always verify the identity of anyone asking for money, even if they seem familiar. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook offer verified badges (the blue tick) to help identify legitimate accounts. If the person seems real but their request seems odd or urgent, contact them directly through another medium. Finally, reporting fake accounts to social media platforms not only protects you but also helps prevent others from becoming victims.

Giveaway and Lottery Scams

Imagine waking up to a message claiming you’ve won a huge prize:

“Congratulations! Coca-Cola Ghana is celebrating its 70th Anniversary, and you have been randomly selected as one of our lucky winners! You’ve won GHS 50,000 cash and a year’s supply of Coca-Cola products. To claim your prize, please send your full name and address to 055XXXXXXX.

Hurry! Prizes must be claimed within 48 hours.”

The catch? You never entered the competition. These scams are designed to excite you into handing over your personal details and then paying a “small fee” to claim your winnings. The moment you pay, the scammers disappear.

The golden rule here is simple: if you didn’t enter, you didn’t win. Avoid engaging with messages that promise something for nothing. It’s a trap designed to exploit your trust.

Job Scams

Job scams prey on people searching for better opportunities. You might see a listing for a simple job offering an unusually high salary. Excited, you apply, only to be asked for a “processing fee” or your personal information. Once you send the money, the job doesn’t exist, and your data may even be used for fraudulent activities.

The best protection is thorough research. Check the company’s legitimacy before applying and remember—real employers don’t charge fees for job applications or processing.

Wrapping Up

Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate and interact, but it has also become a breeding ground for scams that prey on our trust, emotions, and curiosity. Scammers are getting smarter, and as technologies such as AI advance, their tactics will only grow more sophisticated. Protecting yourself starts with awareness and vigilance.

Always trust your instincts. If something feels too good to be true, it probably is. Strengthen your online security with strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and think twice before clicking on links or sending money to strangers.