You were scammed through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or another social network? Fake ads, fraudulent profiles, or hacked friends asking for money? Social media scams are increasingly common and can be very convincing.
Common Social Media Scams
- Fake ads — Products that never arrive or are completely different
- Hacked friend — Message from "friend" asking for money
- Fake giveaways — "You won!" but need to pay shipping
- Romance scam — Fake profile builds relationship then asks for money
- Investment scam — Promises of easy money through crypto or trading
- Impersonation — Fake profiles of celebrities or companies
What to Do
- Report the profile/ad — Use the platform's reporting feature
- Document everything — Screenshots before they disappear
- Contact your bank — If you paid, request chargeback
- Warn your contacts — If your account was hacked
- Report to Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre — 1-888-495-8501
Red Flags
- Prices too good to be true
- Pressure to act quickly
- Payment outside the platform
- New account with few followers
- Poor grammar or generic messages
How Report Quebec Can Help You
- Documentation of your case
- Guidance to appropriate recourse
- Official record of the fraud