CALGARY- An invite to ‘like’ a company on social media could lead to your personal information being stolen, warns the Better Business Bureau.
The so-called Instagram scam has reportedly scammed over 100,000 people so far, under the guise of entering a contest. The way it works is Instagram users see an account that looks like a legitimate business, offering a lavish prize or giveaway. When people start following it, they receive message asking for personal information, which users think they need to hand over for the chance to win.
“These kinds of scams aren’t new, it’s the tools and methods that scammers are using that are new,” says Sandra Crozier-McKee from the BBB. “Since communication through social media is instantaneous, it is becoming easier for scammers to reach people. If you are suspicious, research the organization and check with the BBB.”
Signs of a social media scam include when the account asks for personal information including passwords, or when automatic free prizes are offered.
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