Social Media Bait-and-Switch Scams Target Users Through Trusted Friends
NEW HAVEN, Mo. – A new wave of social media scams is exploiting the trust between friends and family, using a "bait-and-switch" tactic to catch unsuspecting users off guard. The New Haven Police Department is warning residents about this deceptive practice, where scammers initially post seemingly innocuous content designed to evoke altruism and encourage widespread sharing. Once the post gains traction, the scammer surreptitiously replaces the original content with a malicious link, ensnaring those who click on it based on the recommendation of a trusted friend.
These scams often prey on people’s empathy and desire to help, utilizing emotionally charged topics such as missing persons, individuals with dementia, or even enticing offers like impossibly low rent-to-own homes. Police Chief Christopher Neace explains the strategy: “It could be a dangerous person, a missing kid, or something as simple as ‘Hey, here is a rent-to-own home for 500 bucks.’ Nowhere is there going to be a rent-to-own home for $500, but people will share that.” The scammer’s goal is to maximize the post’s reach before switching the content, capitalizing on the inherent trust users place in their online connections.
The deceptive nature of this tactic makes it particularly effective. Users see a post shared by a friend, assume its legitimacy, and click the link without hesitation. Chief Neace emphasizes the danger: "People will say ‘Hey, Jon shared this, I trust him. Let me click the link and see what it’s about’ and that’s when they get hacked, whether it be for money, identity theft, or simply just hacking their account and then pumping out more information.” While the elderly are frequently targeted, anyone can fall victim. The scammer only needs one successful instance to perpetuate the cycle with a different post and a fresh set of potential victims.
Recognizing the signs of these scams is crucial for protecting oneself and others. Scammers often employ phrases like "it only takes two seconds to share," "flood the feed," or "bump the post" to encourage rapid dissemination. Examining the profile of the poster can reveal further red flags. Chief Neace advises, "If you click on the person’s name, you can tell right away it’s a fake profile. There’s no friends, they’ve never shared anything before." Inconsistencies between the profile picture and the name, such as a male picture associated with a female name, are another indicator of a potentially fraudulent account.
Taking proactive steps to verify the information before clicking any links is paramount. If a post seems suspicious, contacting the social media platform’s administrators to have it removed can prevent others from falling victim. In cases involving missing or endangered persons, contacting local law enforcement to verify the legitimacy of the concern is recommended. Police departments often utilize their own social media channels to disseminate verified information about such situations, providing a reliable source for accurate updates.
The New Haven Police Department urges everyone to exercise caution and critical thinking when encountering posts on social media. Blindly trusting shared content, even from friends, can have serious consequences. By being vigilant and taking a few extra moments to assess the credibility of information, users can protect themselves and help to disrupt the cycle of these insidious bait-and-switch scams. Remember, a healthy dose of skepticism can be the best defense against online deception. Share this information with your friends and family to help spread awareness and prevent them from becoming the next victims. Stay safe online by staying informed and questioning everything you see.