LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Not everyone who sends you a friend request has friendly intentions. Imposters hijack real people’s profiles, so it’s hard to tell where the bad guys are hiding.
Cybercriminals steal names and photos from legitimate Facebook and Instagram accounts and assume people’s identities online. They use them to create fake social media profiles, then reach out to their victims’ friends, family, and followers. Often they ask for money to help with some fictional emergency.
Don’t accept new friend requests from anyone you’re already connected with. When in doubt, check with the sender offline, in the real world, to confirm they sent it.
In another variation on this scam, bad actors use fake profiles to develop online relationships with people via social media. They’ll share photos, send romantic messages, and make big promises to draw in their victims. Once someone’s hooked, the scammers ask for money, sensitive information, or both.
Romance scams typically target older users, but impact people of all ages.
The best defense: Don’t accept friends requests from people you don’t know.”
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