Protecting students: How to stay safe from social media shopping scams
Social media has become nearly synonymous with shopping. In October of 2022, Snapchat released a new feature where students could virtually try on Halloween costumes and purchase them directly within the app. And it’s hard to escape the sponsored ads on Instagram feeds that promote the latest trendy items that you just have to have. While social media has made shopping easier than ever, it has also led to a recent rise in shopping scams – from fake online stores to fake DMs (direct messages).
Take Jessica Longoria, for example, a TikTok user who came across an ad for shoe-organizing containers. After spending $45 for what she thought was a 36-pack of containers, she ended up with one large plastic bag a month later. And Jessica isn’t the only one. Multiple people came forward with the same story. TikTok’s response? “We have clear rules around advertising on TikTok and will remove content that breaches our community guidelines, advertising policies, or terms of service.”
As social media shopping continues to grow in popularity among students, so do the risks associated with online shopping scams. Thankfully, there’s a solution: Educating our students on best practices for when they come across social media shopping scams. But how? Let’s dive in.
Social media shopping scams
Social media shopping scams come in many shapes and forms. Here are a few that educators can warn students to be on the lookout for:
- Fake online stores: Is it a legitimate store or a fake? That’s the question students have had to ask themselves as more and more fake online stores are popping up. They sure look like real stores, though, with photos of products, customer testimonials, and websites too.
- Phishing scams: Students are being sent DMs, or direct messages, on social media platforms where scammers pretend to be a legitimate company and ask for personal information like credit card info or even login passwords.
- Knockoffs: This is a pretty common scam and existed even before social media. Students will think they’re buying an authentic product, such as a certain brand of shoes. However, the product will end up being a fake version or “knockoff.”
- Giveaways: Social media giveaways are a great way for brands to connect with their followers and promote their products or services. But, just like anything else online, scammers have found ways to exploit this tactic and trick students into giving away their personal information or money.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, online shopping scams have been on the rise, with over 300,000 complaints reported in 2020 alone, up from 230,000 in the previous year. Unfortunately, students are particularly vulnerable to these scams, as they may be more likely to fall for the promises of cheap products, exclusive deals, or the ease of being able to buy something by simply clicking the photo of a product online.
How can I protect my students?
Anyone of any age is susceptible to online shopping scams. However, younger adults are more likely to fall for them. This is why educators have the opportunity to help their students navigate social media to avoid any scams. Here are some tips to share with your students:
- Study the website or social media account: Just as students do research for a project, if they’re weary about whether or not a shopping account is real, encourage them to put those research skills to the test. Students should ask themselves how old the website or store is, if the brand allows for refunds or easy ways to contact someone, if the website is truly secure, and if the cost of the item is too good to be true.
- Vet the seller: If you’re buying something online and second-hand from a reseller on apps like Facebook Marketplace, Depop, and more, take a moment to do some research on their reputability first. Do they have any complaints about their products or seller experience? Do they offer protected purchases? Another easy way to research the seller is to type in the “brand” + “scam” in your browser and see what comes up!
- Use a protected form of payment: If possible, use a credit card instead of a debit card because credit cards typically have easy ways to report fraud if you do end up buying a fraudulent product.
- File a report with the Federal Trade Commission: You can report fraud online at the Federal Trade Commission’s website here.
- Stick with reputable websites you already use: When in doubt, stick to reputable websites and brands that you’re already familiar with!
TSI’s Take
Social media isn’t going away, especially since it’s where students turn to be social. But this means online shopping scams likely aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, either. Educators can help students protect their privacy and card information to the fullest by reminding them to be cautious when buying a must-have item from a social media app.
At The Social Institute, we help students protect their privacy like they’re famous by encouraging them to stay in control of their personal information and put their guard up when it comes to hackers and scammers. In our Grade 6 Lesson, Knowing when to put our guard up with strangers and hackers, students are able to define and identify phishing scams and explain ways to shut them down.
Not a partner, but looking to run lessons similar to this one? Request a demo today of our peer-to-peer technology to help your students navigate social media shopping with confidence.
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The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in understanding student experiences and creator of #WinAtSocial, a gamified, online learning platform that equips students, educators, and families to navigate social experiences — online and offline — in healthy ways. Our unique, student-respected approach incorporates topics like social media, technology use, and current events that have a significant impact on student well-being. Lessons teach life skills for the modern day to inspire high-character decisions that support the health, happiness, and future success of students, while capturing data that provides insights to school leaders to inform school policy and communications, and enable high-impact teaching and a healthy learning environment. For schools, our turnkey technology allows for easy implementation and a comprehensive game plan to support the well-being of school communities. For schools, our turnkey technology allows for easy implementation and a comprehensive game plan to support the well-being of school communities.