Social media privacy
Scammers read social media before they write to you. The more your profile shows, the more convincing their message can be.
Your profile is a map
Your employer, job title, birthday, school, pets' names and holiday dates help a scammer write a message that sounds as if it knows you. They also answer common security questions. Share less on public pages.
Check the settings that matter
Every few months, review who can see your posts, who can find you by phone number or email, whether tagged photos need your approval, whether your location is shared and which apps are connected to your account. Remove anything you do not recognise.
Post later, not live
A holiday photo tells the world your home is empty, so post after you are back. Never post boarding passes, tickets or anything with a barcode, and think before showing a house number, a school uniform or a work badge.
Fake friends and urgent requests
Attackers copy a real person's photos and name to ask for money, for a code that just arrived by text, or for a click on a link. If a message from someone you know feels urgent or odd, contact them another way, such as a phone call, before you do anything.