Category: Social media

  • A fake “you” could be harvesting your friends

    A fake “you” could be harvesting your friends

    Andy sipped his piping hot, home-made mocha coffee from a white, ceramic mug. The words “My java is better than yours” stood out prominently on the side of the cup. He picked up his purple smartphone and punched in the access code. When he opened his Facebook application, he spotted a friend request on the…

  • Politics torch social media friendships – 3 things you can do to avoid the carnage

    Politics torch social media friendships – 3 things you can do to avoid the carnage

    In today’s intense political environment, many people share strong emotions on social media regarding the state of current affairs. Regardless of position on a given topic, social media message creators often share passionate feelings with their followers. When those words turn sharp, threatening, or become frequent unwelcome points of attack, how should a friend who…

  • Secret Conversations option keeps your Facebook messages private

    Secret Conversations option keeps your Facebook messages private

    If you enjoy holding private message conversations with others through your smartphone, Facebook has a new tool just for you. Through Facebook’s Messenger app, a user is now able to send secured messages to another user that expires after a specific timeframe, from 5 seconds to a day. This Secret Conversations feature uses end-to-end encryption…

  • Vacation nightmares

    Vacation nightmares

    After careful planning and with great enthusiasm, the departure date of a happy couple’s vacation finally arrived. When they returned from that vacation after two relaxing weeks, their joy quickly crumbled into angst and despair when they discovered that someone stole their identities while they were away. The trouble started when the couple celebrated their…

  • Anatomy of a fake coupon

    Anatomy of a fake coupon

    When a good deal surfaces, it can be hard to ignore depending on the allure of the offer. Whether it’s a 50 percent off coupon at a popular restaurant, a buy one get one free offer on a pair of shoes, or a $10 certificate good toward the purchase of $25 or more at a…

  • Billionaire gives away his fortune to people who share this post!

    Billionaire gives away his fortune to people who share this post!

    Last year when Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg and his wife announced the birth of their child and the intention to give away 99 percent of their Facebook shares, the post became a viral sensation. Though the generous act of the Facebook founder is unquestionable, the intent of individuals releasing giveaway posts that piggyback on Zuckerberg’s…

  • Why you shouldn’t “Click here to get one free year of access!”

    Why you shouldn’t “Click here to get one free year of access!”

    Messages from friends populate social media timelines every day. While some showcase photos of birthday parties, descriptions of the latest feline adventures, and other interesting items, some have a more deceptive purpose – a purpose often unknown to the person who liked or shared the post. Scammers are always looking for their next score, and…

  • The cost of free money

    The cost of free money

    Social media is a popular way to stay connected with friends and family. It also presents abundant opportunities for scammers to use deceptive lies against potentially gullible targets. In one social media scam, a scammer pretends to be from a financial institution the target belongs to. As a thank you for being a valuable member,…

  • How your friend could be your enemy

    How your friend could be your enemy

    Many people enjoy the chance to make new friends. Whether it’s at work, school, the local library or other location, the experience is usually unique and offers untold potential. When that experience is on social media, however, the person making a friend request might be anything but your friend. Criminals lurk in the shadows and…