’Tis the season of scams. Now there is a con that is impacting users of Instagram, Twitter, and other social media platforms.

The scam comes to you as a direct message indicating that your verified account has been flagged, and you need to undergo the verification process again, said the Better Business Bureau.

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The scam message asks you to click on a link or download a form to start the appeal process and re-verify your account. You may download malware onto your laptop or mobile device if you click.

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If you click, your personal data could be collected without your awareness. If you provide information through forms or respond with requested details, scammers might gain access to your account or exploit your personal information for identity theft purposes.

Social Media – A Scammers Playground

Currently, Facebook is the most widely utilized online social network globally, boasting approximately 3 billion monthly active users as of Q2 2023, according to Statista. While Instagram had 2 billion monthly users there were 672 million TikTok downloads worldwide in 2022.

The Federal Trade Commission reported that in 2022 there were 5.2 million consumer reports. The top 3 categories of those reports were identity theft, imposter scams, and credit bureaus, info furnishers, and report users. Consumers suffered losses amounting to nearly $8.8 billion due to scams and fraud.

Better Business Bureau Tips on How to Avoid a Social Media Scam

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LOOK: These are the 100 best cities to raise a family

Stacker collected 2023 data from Niche to compile a list of the top 100 cities to raise a family, based on school systems, crime rates, and more.  

Gallery Credit: Emily Sherman

LOOK: Baby names that are illegal around the world

Stacker scoured hundreds of baby name databases and news releases to curate a list of baby names that are illegal somewhere in the world, along with explanations for why they’re banned.

Gallery Credit: Annalise Mantz

KEEP READING: Here are the most popular baby names in every state

Using March 2019 data from the Social Security Administration, Stacker compiled a list of the most popular names in each of the 50 states and Washington D.C., according to their 2018 SSA rankings. The top five boy names and top five girl names are listed for each state, as well as the number of babies born in 2018 with that name. Historically common names like Michael only made the top five in three states, while the less common name Harper ranks in the top five for 22 states.

Curious what names are trending in your home state? Keep reading to see if your name made the top five -- or to find inspiration for naming your baby.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

Top Alabama High Schools

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Empowering Young Minds: Top 7 Middle Schools in Alabama

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Great School’s Top Elementary Schools in Alabama

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