To the editor:

Scams are rampant today — from emails to your website contact information to social media reviews and threats that your account will be deleted unless you click here.

Our Spin Markket team receives questions from clients daily about these scams and how to stop them. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer or way to stop them.

Currently, Iowa officials and AARP are kicking off a campaign to stop the spread of imposter scams. The statewide Stop the Scammers campaign is aimed to protect older Iowans, but the tips offered to avoid scams apply to everyone.

Addressing social media scammers requires a combination of caution, skepticism, and proactive measures to safeguard your personal information and accounts. Here’s how you can protect yourself and communicate effectively to avoid being hacked:

1. Recognize the signs: Be wary of unsolicited messages or friend requests from unknown individuals, especially if they claim to represent a company or organization. Look out for spelling and grammatical errors, unusual requests, or offers that seem too good to be true.

2. Verify identities: Before engaging with anyone online, verify their identity through official channels if possible. For example, if someone claims to be from a company, contact that company directly through their official website or customer service line to confirm the legitimacy of the communication.

3. Protect personal information: Avoid sharing sensitive personal information, such as your address, phone number, Social Security number, or financial details, with unknown individuals or entities online. Social media scammers often use this information for identity theft or other fraudulent activities.

4. Enable security features: Take advantage of security features offered by social media platforms, such as two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts. Regularly review your privacy settings to ensure that your information is only visible to people you trust.

5. Educate yourself: Stay informed about common social media scams and tactics used by scammers to target individuals. Familiarize yourself with the latest trends and be skeptical of any messages or requests that seem suspicious.

In conclusion, as the prevalence of scams continues to rise, it’s imperative for individuals to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their personal information online. By recognizing the signs, verifying identities, protecting personal information, enabling security features, and educating ourselves about common tactics used by scammers, we can collectively combat the spread of social media scams. Let’s take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and our communities from falling victim to these malicious schemes.

Cheryl O’Hern

Fort Dodge