The Better Business Bureau warns about social media influencer scams: How can you protect your students?
In today’s hyper-connected world, approximately 90% of students, ages 13-17, are using social media– and this number continues to grow. They not only use these platforms to socialize, but social media also offers real job opportunities as students witness the rise of social media influencers who promote products, events, and experiences. For students, the prospect of becoming a social media influencer is more than just tempting; it’s often a tantalizing goal. The allure of fame and fortune through likes, shares, and followers is strong. But amid the glitz and glam of the influencer world, there’s a shadowy side that students need to be aware of – the world of social media scams.
Recently, the Better Business Bureau released a warning about social media scams that are targeting students. By staying on top of social media, its trends, challenges, and scams, educators can equip students to use high-character decision-making as they navigate their social worlds. To support your students, here is what you need to know:
What Scams are Targeting Students?
The BBB raised a red flag about a growing scam that targets students aspiring to be social media influencers. Scammers are reaching out to students through social media platforms, posing as companies interested in having them represent their brands. They start by complimenting students’ profiles and expressing interest in collaborating with them. Their next step is almost always to ask students to send a direct message (DM) to their “main account” for further discussions.
However, while it seems to students that the user is interested in their work, the scammer’s true intention is to steal money from the student, or in the worst case scenarios, steal their personal identity information. For many, the scammer’s intention may become clear when they ask the student to DM them. Unfortunately, many students, especially those newer to social media, may not see the signs of a scam and can fall victim to it.
What makes this scam especially concerning is that it often requires students to spend their own money upfront. Scammers may request students to purchase products or make payments as a condition for becoming brand ambassadors or influencers. For example, some scammers will message students saying: “I love your profile and would love to work with you! Please DM my main account” or some variation of this message. These messages are often followed by requests for students to spend their own money first, before agreeing to the collaboration. This tactic is a major red flag, as legitimate brand collaborations do not involve students spending their own money in advance.
TSI’s Take
For students, the temptation to become a social media influencer is high, especially because it’s a fun way for students to play to their core, and even make money. While social media influencer has become a real job opportunity, students need to be aware of the risks and mitigate the chance of being targeted by scammers. Educators can empower students to navigate the complex world of social media safely and protect their privacy with:
- Critical Thinking Skills: Encourage students to develop critical thinking skills when engaging with online offers. Remind them that if an opportunity seems too good to be true, it likely is.
- Guest Speakers: Invite guest speakers who are experts in digital privacy and online safety to address students. Hearing from professionals in the field, such as Lisa Plaggemeir, can provide valuable insights and real-world examples. In TSI’s on-demand webinar with Plaggemier, the Executive Director at the National Cybersecurity Alliance, educators can learn new strategies on how to teach students to protect their privacy and the latest and greatest social safety measures that professionals are encouraging students to use.
- Open Discussions: Create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable discussing their online experiences and concerns. Encourage open dialogues about social media pressures and the significance of privacy.
- Privacy Settings: Teach students about the importance of configuring privacy settings on their social media profiles. Empower them to control who can access their personal information.
The BBB’s warning about social media scams targeting students is a reminder of the challenges students face as they navigate social media and technology. In the #WinAtSocial Protect Your Privacy Like You’re Famous lesson, Knowing when to put our guard up with strangers and hackers, students learn that over two-thirds of cyberattacks involve someone trying to trick you into sharing personal information, which is exactly how these social media influencer scams work. By empowering students to keep their guard up online, educators can ultimately help students avoid losing money or private information from scams.
Interested in learning more about #WinAtSocial and its positive approach to equipping students with modern life skills that empower them to navigate social media and tech in high-character ways? Request a free demo with us today, and begin to empower your students to make responsible decisions online.
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The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in empowering students by understanding students. Through #WinAtSocial, our gamified, peer-to-peer learning platform, we equip students, educators, and families to navigate their social world – in the classroom and beyond, online and offline – in healthy, high-character ways. Our unique, student-respected approach empowers and equips, rather than scares and restricts. We incorporate timely topics about social media, tech use, and current events that are impacting student well-being and learning. #WinAtSocial Lessons teach life skills for the modern day, capture student voice, and provide school leaders with actionable insights. Through these insights, students play an essential role in school efforts to support their own health, happiness, and future success as we enable high-impact teaching, meaningful family conversations, and a healthy school culture.