How to Protect your customers from Fraud and Scam Activities on Social Media

The rate of internet fraud over the past few years has really increased especially from frausdsters using all sorts of tricks and tactics to scam major brands, customers, and social media influencers and users.

Some of them impersonate brands, influencers and customers just to scam and engage in fraudulent activities on Social media platforms.

Recently, E-Commerce brand Konga alerted their customers on the growing scam activities fraudsters engaged in trying to scam their customers online. To make it worst they went ahead to lure their customers with a fake website link - kongahome.com, just to deceive them with several scam tactics to take advantage of their customers.

Thus, with the extensive use of social media tools for business communications, social media security is more vital than ever. Though the advantages of making use of social media platforms are highly important but protecting your customers and company from fraud activities has never been more important than now, especially with the high rate of ransomware attacks on the rise.

Here are several ways Fraudsters use to Scam on Social Media.

1. Never provide passwords, PIN numbers, account numbers, etc., over the phone or via text or email : Financial institutions will never ask for these numbers. If a representative contacts you and asks for this information, be on high alert.

One of the most common types of fraud includes criminals posing as representatives to "warn" you of a potential breach. They ask for this information under the guise of helping you when they're really stealing your Pin or hacking your email.

2. Crypto scams: Popular fraud involves crypto scams where interlopers?advocate cryptocurrency freebies on several social media platforms. By doing so, the fraudsters impersonate to be a celebrity or trusted entity from the crypto community that sponsors freebies.?

In order to get involved in the freebie, victims are asked to send a certain amount of cryptocurrency to a giveaway address to confirm their wallet address. Scammers make users believe that in turn, they receive their giveaway. The catch here is that because crypto transactions can’t be withdrawn, users can’t get their money back after sending money to a scammer’s address.?

3. Phishing attacks

Another familiar scam is phishing attacks that entice customers with false coupons for prominent brands. To affirm the coupon, users have to hand over personal information like their names, addresses, date of birth, or even bank details. This type of fraud often happens on Facebook, Twitter and through DM direct message on Instagram.

4. Ad scams

Scam ads are an increasing issue on Facebook and Instagram. Scammers use fake ads to make consumers assume that they are purchasing from an authentic brand. They often entice buyers with cheaper prices for definite products or services.?

Scammers use images or other identifying information from the real brand to make it look real. When unknowing shoppers fall for the fake ad and make a purchase, they either receive a low-quality knock-off product or no product at all. This often leads to reputational damages for brands as customers leave bad reviews on the original brand.

The Following Tips will help you and customers from Vulnerability on Social Media

Choose individual strong passwords:

Passwords are often the biggest security gap and the easiest to fix. To be secure, the passwords for your social media accounts should be at least 10 to 15 characters long and contain a random combination of capital and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.?

Make sure not to use the same password for different social media accounts. Also, although Facebook allows you to sign in to other social media accounts with your Facebook account, you should avoid signing in to multiple accounts with the same account. Finally, you should renew your passwords periodically to increase security.?

Use two-factor authentication

Enabling two-factor authentification is one of the most helpful ways of shielding your brand's social media accounts from scammers. It validates the user’s identity by using a blend of password and a verification code sent to the account owner via an app, email or SMS.?

Avoid public Wi-Fi connections

Public Wi-Fi networks have a list of security omission that make them too risky for managing your business social media accounts. Hackers can create fake “guest Wi-Fi” networks for public spaces like cafes. As soon as you connect to such a network, bad actors can access your information and work. But also legitimate public Wi-Fi connections at airports, libraries, and other places don’t meet the security standards that are needed to keep your social media accounts for business safe.?

Keep an eye on who has access to accounts

Restricting the number of people who have access helps reduce the risk of your social media accounts being hacked through emails, mobile phones or computers.?

Enforce a social media policy?

Clear regulations and policies on how to use social media for your business outline the safe use of social media and make it easier for your employees to follow them. A social media policy helps prevent security threats and improper posts from employees. It should include guidelines for copyrights, communication, brand voice and confidentiality.?

Create a separate email address for your social media

The advantage of using an email address exclusively for your social media is that it protects other sensitive data in case your account gets compromised. If you use an employee’s address, a hacker could also get access to other confidential information which would worsen the problem. Make sure to use a strong password that you only use for this email address.?

Constantly track your accounts and potential threats

Keep an eye on all your social media accounts including the ones that you signed up for but not using. These are the ones that are especially prone to hackers. You should frequently check the posts on all accounts. A post that seems suspicious or that deviates from your guidelines and content plan could be a sign of a compromised account.?

How Secure is Purplestonemall.com to Shop

Our platform is safe and secure with a dedicated security back end that protects all our customer's data each time they buy from our website.

We allow you to sell all kinds of products such as kitchen wares, backpacks, smartphones, tablets, electronic/phone gadgets and accessories, computers and accessories, toys and children's games, fashion items, and lots more.

For more information on how we can help you increase your market share revenue kindly Call our helpline - +2347066712286 or Email us at - [email protected]

Watch Out for Our Upcoming Sales Promo Offers Coming Soon on - purplestonemall.com

You can also send us a message on WhatsApp - https://wa.me/message/NLI6JY2AOXM5F1

Sign Up with #Purplestonemall today and increase your market share revenue.

#business #africa #entrepreneurs #nigeria #lagosbusiness #lagosnigeria #lagos #naija #naijabusiness #naijabrandchick #nigerian #nigerians #eccommerce #wholesale #retail #salesandmarketing #sales #naija #lagosians #business #africa #lagoslifestyle #eccommerce #nigerianbusiness #naijastartups #africans #nigeriansindiaspora #security #cybersecurity #socialmedia