The Philippines is the world’s number one user of social media, according to a 2023 study. With plenty of messaging applications online such as Facebook, Instagram, and X, scammers are given a huge space where they can penetrate any user’s digital life and deceive them in any way possible. This makes digital literacy a valuable discussion in the present information age.

To gain a better understanding of how scammers work and how to deal with them, refer to this guide consisting of ten tips and advice.

1. Avoid Clicking Links from Unknown Senders

How To Do It:

If you receive a message from an unknown sender that includes a link, avoid clicking on it immediately. This could be a phishing attempt leading you to fake websites or installing malware on your device. If you’re unsure, delete the message or verify the sender before clicking any link.

What Will Happen If Not Done:

If you click on malicious links, scammers could steal your personal information or infect your device with viruses. You could also be directed to phishing sites that will ask for sensitive personal details.

Example:

You receive a message saying you’ve won a discount coupon and need to click a link. Once you click, you’re directed to a fake website that asks for your credit card information, which is then stolen by scammers.

2. Do Not Share Personal Information via Messaging Apps

How To Do It:

If you receive a message asking for your personal information, such as passwords or bank details, do not provide them. No legitimate company or service will request such information through messaging apps.

What Will Happen If Not Done:

If you share your personal information, scammers could use it to access your accounts, steal money, or commit identity fraud. They can manipulate this data to impersonate you or use it for further scams.

Example:

You receive a message from someone claiming to be from your bank, asking for your password and one-time PIN (OTP). After sharing it, you notice unauthorized transactions on your bank account.

3. Verify the Identity of the Message Sender

How To Do It:

When you receive a message from a known contact but the content seems suspicious (e.g., asking for money), verify their identity first. Call or contact them through another method to ensure it’s really them sending the message.

What Will Happen If Not Done:

If you don’t verify, a scammer who has hacked your friend’s account could be impersonating them to ask for money or sensitive information. You might send money to a scammer, believing you are helping a friend.

Example:

You receive a message from a friend asking for emergency financial help. Without verifying, you send money, only to discover later that their account was hacked, and it wasn’t your friend who sent the message.

4. Avoid Downloading Attachments from Unknown Sources

How To Do It:

If you receive attachments or files from an unknown sender, do not download them immediately. These files may contain malware or viruses that could harm your device or give scammers access to your information.

What Will Happen If Not Done:

Downloading infected files can damage your device or install spyware that scammers can use to steal your data. You might also lose important files or sensitive data stored on your device.

Example:

You receive an attachment labeled as a receipt from an unknown sender. After downloading it, you discover it was a virus that damaged your phone or computer, leading to data loss.

5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on Messaging Apps

How To Do It:

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your messaging apps. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a verification code in addition to your password. Make sure your app is always updated to prevent any security vulnerabilities.

What Will Happen If Not Done:
Without 2FA, hackers can easily access your account by hacking your password or using phishing tactics. Once they hack your account, they can use it to scam others or steal your information.

Example:

You didn’t enable 2FA, and your messaging app account was hacked. The hacker used your account to request money from your contacts, and you were blamed for the scam.

6. Do Not Respond to Messages from Unknown People

How To Do It:

If you receive a message from an unknown person, avoid responding. Scammers often use this tactic to start a conversation and gain your trust before asking for your personal information or money. Block or report the sender if the message seems suspicious.

What Will Happen If Not Done:

If you reply to scam messages, you might become a more frequent target for scammers and fall into their trap. Continuing the conversation could lead to them convincing you to share personal information or send money.

Example:

You receive a message from an unknown person offering you a “huge opportunity.” You continue the conversation, and they eventually ask you for money to “participate,” but later you realize it was a scam.

7. Avoid Sharing Personal Information in Public Groups or Chat Rooms

How To Do It:

In public group chats or chat rooms, avoid sharing sensitive information such as your address, phone number, or financial details. Many scammers wait in these settings to collect personal information from users.

What Will Happen If Not Done:

If you share personal information in public groups, scammers can steal this information and use it for identity theft or fraud. It’s safer to keep such information private.

Example:

You shared your contact information in a public group chat to transact with someone. Days later, you started receiving scam calls and messages from unknown people.

8. Use the Block and Report Feature of Messaging Apps

How To Do It:

If you receive scammy or suspicious messages, use the block and report feature of your messaging app to stop the sender from contacting you and to alert the platform. This will help prevent scammers from targeting you and others.

What Will Happen If Not Done:

If you don’t block or report suspicious accounts, you may continue to receive scam messages. The scammer may also continue defrauding others using the same tactics.

Example:

You received multiple spam messages from an account asking for donations. You didn’t block it, and you kept getting similar suspicious messages, wasting your time and effort.

9. Be Cautious of Messages Offering Loans or Investment Schemes

How To Do It:

If you receive messages offering quick loans or “guaranteed investments,” be cautious and don’t trust them immediately. Scammers often use such messages to lure victims into sending money. Always check for legitimate information about the offer before taking any action.

What Will Happen If Not Done:

If you trust these kinds of messages, you could fall into a loan or investment scam. Typically, they will ask you for an initial payment or processing fee that you’ll never recover.

Example:

You received a message offering high returns on an investment opportunity. Without verifying it, you sent money, but the scammer disappeared once you paid.

10. Be Aware of Phishing Tactics

How To Do It:

Familiarize yourself with phishing tactics where scammers send messages pretending to be from legitimate companies, banks, or services. Check the grammar, spelling, and URLs in the message to spot signs of a scam. Don’t provide information to messages claiming to be from known services without verifying first.

What Will Happen If Not Done:

If you aren’t careful, scammers can use phishing tactics to collect your information and gain access to your accounts. They could then steal money or sensitive data from your accounts.

Example:

You received a message claiming to be from your bank, asking you to click a link to verify your account. Without being cautious, you provided your information on a fake site, and later lost access to your bank account.

By following these tips, you practice safe and responsible usage of social media and technology. Don’t just be satisfied with how you communicate through the vast online platforms; be wary and help maintain peace and safety in the online spaces you live in.