Go to: Types of scams on social media
Here’s how you can handle and report social media scams effectively:
1. Stop Engaging with the Scammer
- Avoid Communication: Do not reply to messages, click on links, or provide any information.
- Take Screenshots: Capture evidence of the scam, including messages, profiles, or posts.
2. Secure Your Accounts
- Change Passwords: Immediately update your passwords on all accounts.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Check Account Activity: Look for suspicious logins or unauthorized actions.
3. Scan Your Device for Malware
- Use reputable antivirus software to ensure your device is free of malware or spyware.
4. Notify Your Contacts
- Inform friends and followers that your account was compromised or that a scammer might contact them pretending to be you.
5. Monitor Financial Accounts
- If financial information was shared, inform your bank and monitor transactions for unauthorized activity.
How to Report Scams on Major Platforms
- Report a Profile or Page: Go to the profile/page, click on the “…” menu, and select “Find support or report profile.”
- Report a Post: Click the “…” on the post and select “Report post.”
- Visit the Help Center: Facebook Support.
- Report a Profile: Go to the profile, click the “…” menu, and choose “Report.”
- Report a Post or Message: Click the “…” or “Report” option on the content or message.
- Learn More: Instagram Help Center.
Twitter (Now X)
- Report a Tweet: Click on the “…” on the tweet, select “Report Tweet,” and follow the prompts.
- Report an Account: Visit the profile, click the “…” menu, and choose “Report.”
- Help Center: Twitter Support.
- Report Messages: Open the message, click the “…” and select “Report this conversation.”
- Report Profiles: On the profile, click “More,” then “Report or block.”
- Help Center: LinkedIn Support.
Snapchat
- Report a Snap or Account: Press and hold the Snap or user’s name, then select “Report.”
- Support Center: Snapchat Support.
TikTok
- Report a Video or User: Use the “Share” icon on the video, then select “Report.”
- Help Center: TikTok Support.
Reporting to Authorities
- Contact Local Authorities: Report scams that involve theft, fraud, or identity theft.
- File a Complaint with Cybercrime Units: Use your country’s official cybercrime reporting channels.
- Report to Consumer Protection Agencies: Agencies like the FTC (U.S.), Action Fraud (U.K.), or equivalents in your country can investigate scams.
General Tips
- Always verify official websites or apps before sharing sensitive information.
- Educate others, especially vulnerable groups, about common scams.
- Regularly review your privacy settings to limit the information visible to strangers.
General templates and tips for reporting scams on social media and to authorities:
1. Reporting a Scam to a Social Media Platform
Template for Reporting a Profile/Account:
- Subject: Report of Suspicious Account
- Details:
- Profile Name/Username: [Insert name or handle]
- Platform: [e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter]
- Reason for Report: [Impersonation, Fraudulent Activity, Spam, etc.]
- Evidence: [Attach screenshots of messages, posts, or any suspicious content]
Example:
“I am reporting the account @FakeProfile123 on Instagram. This account is impersonating [name/business] and sending fraudulent messages requesting personal information. Attached are screenshots for your review. Please investigate and take appropriate action.”
2. Reporting a Scam to Local Authorities
Template for Email/Online Form Submission:
- Subject: Fraudulent Activity Report
- Your Information:
- Name: [Your Full Name]
- Contact: [Your Phone Number/Email Address]
- Address: [Optional, if required]
- Scam Details:
- Type of Scam: [e.g., Phishing, Investment, Fake Job Offer]
- Description:
- Date and Time: [When you encountered the scam]
- Scammer Details: [Username, email, phone number, etc.]
- Communication Medium: [Social media, email, etc.]
- Amount Lost (if any): [State amount or “None”]
- Evidence: [Attach screenshots, links, or files related to the scam]
Example:
“I am reporting a fraudulent investment scam I encountered on Twitter. The scammer, using the handle @FakeInvestor123, claimed to offer guaranteed cryptocurrency returns. They requested a payment of $500 to initiate the process. Attached are screenshots of the communication and transaction details. Please investigate and advise on further actions.”
3. Reporting to a Consumer Protection Agency or Cybercrime Unit
Template for Cybercrime Complaint Portals:
- Subject: Online Scam Report
- Details:
- Your Information: [Full Name, Contact Details]
- Scam Description: [What happened, when, and how you encountered it]
- Scammer Information: [Account details, links, or other identifiers]
- Evidence: [Upload relevant documents/screenshots]
Example:
“I am filing a report regarding an online scam that occurred on Facebook. A fraudulent giveaway post from the account ‘FreeGiftsDaily123’ asked users to provide personal information in exchange for a prize. I did not share any sensitive information, but this post could harm others. Attached are screenshots of the post and the account.”
Where to Report Online Scams
- United States:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
- United Kingdom:
- Action Fraud
- National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
- Australia:
- Canada:
- Global:
Follow-Up Actions
- Check for Responses: Social media platforms and agencies may take time to respond, so monitor your emails or inbox.
- Educate Others: Share your experience to prevent similar scams in your community.
Let me know if you need this customized for a specific platform or authority!