In social networking groups, it's common for businesses to promote themselves, but unfortunately, scammers and fake profiles have started using this platform to gather information or deceive unsuspecting users and businesses.
To identify potential scams, there are a few key signs to watch out for.
One major clue is when a personal profile posts as a business without having an associated business page, contact number, or any official means of communication or verifying the business. If the post encourages users to message the profile directly for a quote, it's a red flag. Legitimate businesses typically have official channels for inquiries and quotes or at the very least a website so you can verify the business is real.
Scammers may also pose as individuals with real' stolen profiles seeking to hire professionals or engage with group members. They might list specific skills or services they need and ask businesses to message them. These requests are usually not genuine and are designed to extract information from you. Scammers may try to solicit you or establish a relationship to later deceive you. It's crucial to recognize these tactics and avoid engaging with these posts.
One such method is posing as a contractor on a home renovation while asking for business to comment and message information to them. This is fake.
Renovation companies looking to hire qualified, licensed contractors will not post in this manor. Instead, they may post a notice with an attached website with details on the project and how you can bid.
This is a 'gotcha' tactic used by scammers to get your to 'hurry up' and post your business info in hopes you'll be chosen.
These 'gotcha tactics' and 'fear factor' post are on the rise in groups in hopes of not being singled out, or rather hide in plain sight with other business post that's looks legitimate.
Another deceptive 'fake' business making the rounds is Duct and Air Vent cleaning. They steal photos from other business or product placement profiles to deceive you.
Post that say 'I wanted to introduce myself by sharing this photo.' are often fake.
Notifications that state you're in danger of being suspended, and you must confirm your username and password, are fake.
Free directories are on the rise to build a fake online website to scam others with. They will add you for free or without you even knowing to make them look legitimate while using your business so they look like a real business.
Crypto investment from Forex Traders that promise big payout for as little as 100. to 500. is fake. Using lifestyle photos of riches, graphs from screenshots, and phone screenshots of bitcoin payout or incoming bitcoin, is fake. The account they show may be real and I can just about promise what they are showing is other victims who they scammed and stole money from to trick you.
Be aware scams are not always about tricking you out of money. Identify theft or impersonating you using these tactics are on the rise as well as targeting your friends and family members. If you come across suspicious posts or profiles, refrain from commenting or replying. Instead, report, block or move on from the user immediately. If you mistakenly responded to them and realized they're fake, block them immediately. This helps prevent further communication and potential harm.
Scammers are relentless, they do not work alone. They have a large network to help them scam you.
While social media groups can be beneficial for promoting your business, it's important to remain cautious, and join groups that are beneficial to you. Admins and moderators should be active and removing scammers. Be wary of groups that are self-serving, ask for emails to join or throttle your post. Post approval is a great feature but often designed so their competitors can't post or promote who they want. Be selective in the groups you join.
