What Are Friend Request Scams?

Friend request scams involve fraudsters sending fake friend requests on social media platforms to gain trust and exploit victims. Once a connection is established, scammers may request money, steal personal information, or spread malicious links.

How Do They Work?

Scammers typically:

• Create fake profiles using stolen photos and information.
• Send unsolicited friend requests to potential victims.
• Engage in conversation to build trust and credibility.
• Ask for financial help, sensitive information, or promote scams.

Examples of Friend Request Scams

Friend request scams often exploit trust and familiarity to deceive victims. Here are some common examples:

• Impersonation of Mutual Friends: A scammer creates a fake profile mimicking a mutual friend by using their name and photo. They send a friend request and, once accepted, message the victim asking for money to handle an "emergency," such as a sudden medical bill or travel expense.
• Fake Romantic Interests: Scammers pose as potential romantic partners and initiate conversations to build trust. Over time, they fabricate stories about financial troubles and request monetary assistance from the victim.
• Lottery or Prize Scams: Fraudsters send friend requests claiming to represent a prize or lottery organization. They tell victims they’ve won a prize but need to pay fees or provide personal details to claim it.
• Phishing Links: After sending a friend request, scammers share malicious links under the guise of sharing interesting content or urgent information. Clicking these links can lead to compromised accounts or stolen personal data.
• Job Offers or Opportunities: A scammer pretends to offer job opportunities or lucrative business deals through unsolicited friend requests. They request advance payments for training materials or application fees, then disappear.

How to Avoid Friend Request Scams

• Verify the authenticity of profiles before accepting requests.
• Be cautious of unsolicited friend requests from unknown individuals.
• Avoid sharing personal information with strangers online.
• Report and block suspicious profiles to the platform.

Category

Social Media Scam