Scams on Twitter: A growing threat
Twitter aka X—as it’s now known these days, has come a long way since its inception. Once just a microblogging platform for sharing what you had for breakfast or catching up on celebrity gossip, has now transformed into a global hub for news, conversations, and—you guessed it—scams! Nowadays, the allure of a trending hashtag can be just as captivating—and just as misleading. What looks like a digital playground of jokes, memes, and breaking news often hides a darker side: scammers, ready to exploit unsuspecting users. From fake crypto giveaways and “urgent” Twitter phishing links to too-good-to-be-true offers, these Twitter scams are designed to steal your money or even worse your personal information.
The FTC reports social media scams led to $1.4B in losses in 2023, a $250 million rise from last year.
In this article, we’ll explore how Twitter scams work and why they're on the rise. More importantly, we’ll share the essential steps you can take to protect yourself—including using tools like Guardio. So, grab your coffee, and let’s navigate the ever-evolving landscape of Twitter and its crafty con artists.
Friendly DM or a phishing scam?
How Twitter scams are sneakier than ever
Social media scams are nothing new, but they’re becoming more elusive and harder to detect. Twitter scams come in all shapes and sizes—from phishing scams that look like they’re from a trusted source to fake giveaways that promise quick riches, and impersonation scams where fraudsters pose as brands, celebrities, or even your friends. Despite the variety, they all share the same endgame: to steal your personal information, money, or identity. Many scams go a step further by hijacking your account and using it to con your followers with fake messages, turning you into an unwitting accomplice. It's like handing over the keys to your digital life—without even realizing it.
Twitter scams are exploding in 2024: what's behind the surge?
Scams on Twitter are soaring in 2024, and it’s easy to see why. With more people online than ever, scammers have more targets, and their methods are evolving fast. Recent data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shows that social media scams have led to $2.7 billion in reported losses since 2021, with a significant portion happening right on Twitter. From fake investment schemes—especially those involving cryptocurrency—to fraudulent giveaways and Twitter phishing links that appear to be from trusted accounts, scammers are perfecting their techniques to exploit users.
They’re using AI-generated content, deepfake videos, and impersonation tactics that make their scams almost indistinguishable from legitimate Twitter activity. This surge in deceptive practices means more users are being targeted, more accounts are compromised, and the stakes for protecting your digital presence have never been higher.
Seven sneaky Twitter scams you need to dodge
Scammers are getting craftier on Twitter, and it’s easier than ever to fall for their tricks. Here are seven common scams you should be on the lookout for:
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Phishing attempts via direct messages: These scams usually start with a friendly DM from what seems like a trusted account, urging you to click a link to "verify" your account, claim a prize, or resolve an issue. What happens if you click a phishing link on Twitter? You’re directed to a fake login page where scammers can steal your credentials.
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Fake giveaways and contests: “Congratulations! You’ve won!”—if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers create fake giveaways promising cash, gadgets, or even crypto. They ask you to retweet, follow, or provide personal details to claim your prize, then use this information to hack your account or spread the scam further.
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Impersonation of verified accounts: This scam involves creating fake accounts on Twitter that mimic legitimate, verified accounts (complete with a blue checkmark or a similar profile picture). These accounts can pretend to be your bank, a celebrity, or a popular brand, urging you to click a malicious link or send money.
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Malicious links disguised as trending topics: Ever clicked on a hot, trending topic only to find yourself on a shady website? Scammers capitalize on curiosity by posting malicious links with trending hashtags. One click can lead to malware installation, Twitter phishing attempts, or other forms of online fraud.
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Clickbait links leading to malware: Clickbait is a favorite tool for scammers. These enticing headlines or videos direct you to external websites that automatically download malware onto your device, compromising your data and digital safety.
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Fake customer support accounts: Need help with a service? Scammers set up fake customer support profiles to respond to user complaints or requests for help. They ask for your personal information or account details, pretending to assist but aiming to hack or steal from you instead.
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Cryptocurrency scams: These scams have flooded Twitter, often with fake profiles posing as well-known crypto personalities or companies. They promise to double your Bitcoin or offer free tokens in exchange for a small deposit. Once you send your crypto, it’s gone forever.
How to armor up against scams on Twitter
How can you avoid scams on Twitter? Staying safe means being proactive about your cybersecurity. Here are some effective measures you can take:
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security to your Twitter account by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, whenever you log in. Even if scammers get hold of your password, they’ll have a harder time accessing your account.
- Use strong, unique passwords: Choose a complex password that combines upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessed words or personal information. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your credentials securely.
- Be cautious with unsolicited messages: If you receive a direct message or mention that seems off—especially one that urges you to click a link or provide personal details—treat it with suspicion. Scammers often use urgency or excitement to manipulate users into clicking without thinking.
- Avoid sharing sensitive information: Never share private details like your social security number, banking info, or account passwords over Twitter, even in direct messages. Legitimate companies or services will never ask for sensitive information this way.
- Stay alert to fake profiles and impersonators: Check for the verified blue checkmark and scrutinize the handle for slight misspellings or extra characters. Remember, scammers often set up accounts that closely mimic legitimate profiles.
- Use cybersecurity tools like Guardio: To enhance your digital safety, consider using tools like Guardio. Guardio offers real-time protection against malicious sites, Twitter phishing attacks, and other cyber threats. It can identify risky sites, block phishing attempts, and even alert you if your data has been compromised in a breach.
Guardio gives you the tools to stay ahead of Twitter scams and keep your digital world secure:
- Blocks dangerous links and websites: Guardio scans your browser in real-time to prevent you from accessing malicious sites linked to fake giveaways, phishing attempts, or trending topic scams on Twitter.
- Detects phishing scams: Guardio identifies and blocks phishing attempts, whether it's a suspicious direct message asking you to verify your credentials or a link from an impersonated account claiming to be a trusted source.
- Filters scam messages and tweets: Guardio’s filtering capabilities scan and flag suspicious messages or tweets, keeping fraudulent content out of your inbox and timeline before it can do any harm.
- Monitors for suspicious account activity: Guardio constantly watches for unusual activities on your Twitter account, such as unauthorized logins or changes, and alerts you before any damage can occur.
- Sends immediate security alerts: The moment Guardio detects a serious threat to your online security, like an attempted account takeover or a compromised login, it sends you an alert so you can act quickly and secure your information.
The bottom line
Can you get phished on Twitter? Absolutely—but you don’t have to fall for it. Twitter might feel like a safe place ot share your thaughts with like-minded people, but it can quickly turn into a scammer's paradise if you're not careful. Whether it’s phishing DMs or fake giveaways, scams are everywhere. The good news? You don’t have to play their game. Stay smart, use tools like Guardio, and don’t let the scammers steal your fun. Remember: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is! Stay sharp, tweet safely, and keep scrolling like a pro!
