Beware of new social media cyber scams - PC Tools

Security researchers reveal the rollout of new social media sites and features are leading to a fresh crop of online scams and threats. Online security company PC Tools has predicted three top threats that consumers should be on the lookout for while joining, logging in or engaging on social networks.

Social networks are developing increased intelligence for facial recognition to assist with tagging photos. When you're tagged in a photo or at a location in your photo album, you can often expect an email or notification letting you know where to view it online. Take caution, because cybercriminals may be using this as a tactic to get you to click on malicious links asking for information - possibly even prompting you to click on a link leading to a fake login and password entry form posing as your social network.

PC Tools believe within the next few months that social media robots or "bots" will become more advanced, effectively creating human-looking profiles and personalities. Cybercriminals rely on bots because they are the fastest and most cost-effective way to spread malware, spyware and scams through social network sites. Through these bots, criminals can auto-create bogus personalities on social networks, which can in turn link to fake companies that sell products - all to trick users into buying merchandise that isn't real or spreading news that doesn't actually exist.

Your personal life may be at risk

New social networks are popping up every day, some of which are "invite only" making them more appealing. Cybercriminals could use this appeal as a method to lure users into clicking on fake invites for exclusive networks. Upon clicking on these invites, users could be asked to provide personal details such as name, login, password or birthdates which should not be released.

"If you're looking to join the hottest new social network, be careful where you click since your personal life may be at risk," said Richard Clooke, public relations manager at PC Tools. "Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the buzz surrounding these new social networks and features by tricking unsuspecting users to divulge personal information or download malware."

Clooke added that today's malware looks legitimate, but what may seem like a harmless email or link can actually result in a person's stolen identity or credit card data theft. According to Pew Research, 46% of internet users agree that "most people can be trusted" - a prime reason why cybercriminals are so successful at duping consumers.