A new cyber-fraud trend is spreading rapidly across popular social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, putting users at risk. In this alarming scam, cybercriminals clone profiles of friends, relatives, or colleagues and contact people in their friend or follower list, requesting urgent financial help.
How the Scam Works
· Fraudsters create a fake profile that looks identical to someone you know.
· They may copy profile photos, bio, and even posts to make it appear legitimate.
· Using this cloned account, they send messages to friends, followers, or contacts asking for money, often citing fake emergencies such as medical needs, accidents, or financial crises.
· Unsuspecting users, believing it to be genuine, transfer funds or share sensitive information, resulting in financial loss or identity compromise.
Signs of a Fake Profile
Users should watch out for:
· Slight changes in username (e.g., added numbers or extra letters)
· Newly created accounts with very few posts or friends
· Urgent or emotional messages requesting money or sensitive information
· Unusual language or tone that seems different from the real person
How to Protect Yourself
1. Verify the account — Call or message the real person through another known platform to confirm requests.
2. Check profile activity — Look for inconsistencies in posts, friends, or history.
3. Enable privacy settings — Limit who can send messages and friend requests.
4. Report suspicious accounts — Both instagram and facebook have easy reporting options.
5. Avoid sharing financial details or sending money online without verification.
6. Educate friends and family — Spread awareness to reduce the scam’s reach.
What to Do if You Are Targeted
· Do not respond to suspicious messages.
· Report and block the fake profile immediately.
· Alert friends and family if the fraudster may try contacting them.
· Monitor bank and online accounts for unusual activity.
Conclusion
With the rise of profile cloning scams on social media, vigilance and verification are key. Always double-check requests for money or sensitive information, even if they appear to come from someone you know. Cybercriminals exploit trust, but staying informed and cautious can protect your personal information and finances.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk..jpg)
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