Digital Media Scam

Recently, scams have been getting more sophisticated, and if you are not aware, you may be tricked online. One personal instance where I faced a scam/hoax was back in high school, which was called the “Giftcard” scam. An individual, someone you follow, whose account would get hacked, and they would often send their followers or “friends” on Instagram a link to a free gift card. The website would often make you sign in through Instagram on their website, putting your login information in, and then often lock you out of your social media account and continue the hoax by using your account to send the same link to several other people. 

I received a direct message from my best friend’s instagram account that had the same “gift card” link. Since it was my best friend’s instagram account I had decided to trust the link she had sent and put my login information to redeem the free gift card. As I did this, within the next hour I had gotten locked out of my Instagram account and was getting numerous text messages that I had sent the same link out to numerous other accounts. 

Looking back there were a few signs I could’ve taken into account to help me recognize the hoax. First I could’ve followed up with my best friend as to what this link could have been. Secondly, I should’ve researched whether this website was to be trusted. Had I noticed these red flags, I would’ve avoided having my account hacked.