Social media plays a major role in our daily lives. People in South Africa and around the world use platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) to connect with loved ones, follow their favourite brands, and stay updated on current trends. But while you’re scrolling through your feed, cybercriminals are also at work — looking for their next victim.
There’s been a sharp rise in social media scams that use clever tricks like phishing and social engineering to steal login details or install harmful software on devices. These scams aren’t always easy to spot, which makes them dangerous. They’re designed to look real, and that’s why so many people fall for them.
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The Alarming Rise of Social Media Scams
According to Seifallah Jedidi, Head of Consumer Channel for Meta at cybersecurity company Kaspersky, criminals are now targeting social platforms more than ever before. They are creating fake websites that look almost identical to real ones, especially those of popular apps like WhatsApp.
“These scams operate in a variety of ways,” Jedidi explains, “but they all have a common goal: to obtain users’ credentials or install malicious software on their devices.”
One common example is the fake verification page scam. You might receive a message or link claiming your account needs to be verified. You click the link, and it takes you to a page that looks just like WhatsApp or Facebook. It asks for your phone number and a verification code sent via SMS. Once you type that in, scammers gain full control of your account.
How Social Media Scams Work
Social media scams come in many forms. What they all have in common is the goal of tricking you into giving up sensitive information or downloading something harmful. Here are some popular scam methods:
1. Phishing Links in Messages or Comments
You might get a message from a friend (whose account was hacked) or see a comment with a suspicious link. Clicking the link takes you to a fake login page or downloads a virus onto your device.
2. Fake Giveaways and Competitions
Scammers pretend to be popular brands offering big prizes like cash, smartphones, or even jobs. To claim the prize, they ask for personal details, which are later used in identity theft or fraud.
3. Impersonation of Real People or Companies
Fake profiles are created that look like real celebrities, influencers, or customer service agents. These profiles ask for your login info or payment details under the disguise of offering help.
4. Malicious File Downloads
Some scams trick you into downloading attachments (like fake invoices, pictures, or videos) that install malware on your phone or computer.
5. Fake App or Website Pages
As mentioned by Kaspersky, many scammers build websites that look exactly like the official WhatsApp or Instagram pages. These are used to collect your login credentials or access codes.
Why South Africans Are Being Targeted
South Africa has one of the highest rates of smartphone and internet use in Africa. This means more people are active on social media, and scammers see this as an opportunity.
Economic challenges, high unemployment, and the growing need for quick money make users especially vulnerable to scams that promise fast rewards or work-from-home jobs. Scammers know this, and they target users with offers that are hard to ignore.
How to Stay Safe from Social Media Scams
Avoiding these scams requires awareness and a few good habits. Here’s how you can protect your credentials and devices:
- Never share your verification code: No legitimate platform will ask for your verification code via social media.
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts.
- Be cautious with links: Always check the website URL before entering your information. Look for small spelling errors or odd domain names.
- Install security software: Use trusted antivirus software that can warn you about risky websites and downloads.
- Think before you click: If a message or post seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Report suspicious activity: Use the report tools on social media platforms to flag scams and fake profiles.
- Limit what you share online: Don’t post personal information like your ID number, banking details, or your home address.
What Businesses and Brands Should Know
South African businesses also need to be aware of social media scams. Brand impersonation is a growing problem. Criminals create fake business pages to trick customers and damage reputations.
Companies should:
- Monitor social platforms for fake versions of their brand.
- Educate their followers on how to spot and avoid scams.
- Use verified social media pages and clear branding.
- Report fake accounts immediately.
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Staying One Step Ahead
Scammers are getting smarter, and their tricks are harder to spot. But with the right information, you can avoid becoming a victim of social media scams.
Every time you receive a strange message, see an unbelievable offer, or get a suspicious link, pause and think. Is this coming from a trusted source? Is the request urgent or emotional? Does the website look strange? These small cheques can save you from big trouble.
With cybercrime rising in South Africa, staying alert on social Media is not just good practice — it’s necessary. Being cautious, informed, and security-conscious is your best defence against social media scams.