We’ve all seen them—urgent messages warning of a “new scam” and urging you to share immediately. While some warnings are helpful, many are exaggerated, outdated, or completely false.
Before you share, pause.
Red Flags to Watch For
No official source named
Pressure to “share with everyone”
Fear-based language (“Your account will be closed!”)
No link to a government or trusted organization
Scammers know fear spreads faster than facts.
How to Verify a Warning
Check official government or law-enforcement websites
Look for reputable news coverage
Search the message online—many hoaxes repeat word-for-word
If it’s real, you’ll find confirmation from multiple trusted sources.
Why This Matters
Sharing false warnings creates panic and helps scammers blend in. It also makes real alerts harder to spot.
ChattyJackie tip: When in doubt, don’t share. Protecting others sometimes means stopping misinformation.
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Learn how to spot fake social media scam warnings and verify real cybersecurity alerts before sharing.
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“Is This Scam Warning Real? How to Tell”
1 comment
I use Snopes.com to check whether or not a scam alert is fake. This site fact checks rumors and questionable claims.