With Social Media Scams on the rise, here are six simple ways to spot a potential scam.

1) Unexpected Requests

Watch out for unexpected requests for money, even if it appears to come from someone you recognise.

Always do further independent checks using other contact methods to verify the person's identity. If it's genuine, they won't mind, and if you're being put under pressure to transfer money quickly it should be a red flag.

2) Protect your log-in details

Never give your social media log-in details to anyone else and don't stay logged into your social media on shared devices, or in public spaces, such as computers in libraries.

3) Use Two-factor Authentication

Go through your social media account settings, and put two-factor authentication for log-ins in place, where available.

This means you will receive an alert to a phone number or email address, that you specify, letting you know someone is trying to log-in to your account.

4) If it's too good to be true . .
Be on your guard when asked to share or like content on social media, or fill in a form asking for your personal details, particularly if there is an incentive to do so like a free tablet or games console.

This is a common way fraudsters amass your details, including lists of people you're friends with, so they have more targets to go after.

5) Be Click-bait aware

Be suspicious of adverts for products and services that are otherwise difficult to track down – such as in-demand games consoles or very high rates of investment return.

If you can't find the items or services offered through well-known retailers or financial providers, then it may be a scam.

6) Stay up to date

Never ignore warnings from your bank – they are there to protect you. Recent research found that 1 in 10 people in the ignore a warnings about payee details not matching.

DON'T FORGET TO REPORT

Please ensure you report any scam you encounter to the Social Media platform, as this prevents others from falling victim.

If you are the victim of a scam, keep as much evidence as possible by screen grabbing all content and interaction.

Immediately report the incident to your financial provider and cancel any bank card you may have used. Also file a report with your local law enforcement.

Here at children of the digital age we afford world class education to help protect parents and children against online harm.

You can contact us by email codainfo@protonmail.com or call us on +353 87 1096087