For years, cybercriminals have used social media to post fake sales listings for popular items such as furniture or electronics. As these scams have grown in popularity, most of us have learned to use caution when buying items online from strangers. Now, cybercriminals are impersonating people you trust to lure you into their fake listing scams.

In a recent scam, cybercriminals have used social engineering to gain access to the social media accounts of everyday users such as friends and family. If they’re successful, the cybercriminals will post items for sale from the hacked account. Since the fake listing appears to be from someone you know and trust, it may seem legitimate. However, if you try to buy the item from the seller, you won’t receive the item you wanted. Instead, your money will go directly to the cybercriminals!

Follow the tips below to stay safe from social media scams:

• Avoid social media listings offering popular items at prices that seem too good to be true.
  These scams rely on impulsive actions from you, so always think before you click.
• Verify that listings are legitimate before acting.
  Contact the poster using another method of communication, such as a phone call or text message.
• Don’t allow your social media account to be used against your friends and family.
  Protect your login credentials by creating unique, strong passwords for each of your accounts.