On social media, scams can start with ordinary interactions. A tempting deal. A promising investment. A friendly message from someone new.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Canon Capital Technologies is spotlighting a recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alert on social media scams.
Consumers reported losing $2.1 billion to these scams in 2025 alone.
The FTC identifies three common trouble spots:
- Shopping scams: Ads promote deeply discounted products, but purchases never arrive or fall short of what was promised.
- Investment scams: Posts and testimonials promise reliable profits while steering people toward fraudulent opportunities.
- Romance scams: Someone builds trust online, then asks for money or introduces a supposed investment opportunity.
A few simple habits can help protect you.
Review your privacy settings to limit who can see your posts and contacts. Before buying from an unfamiliar company, search its name alongside “scam” or “complaint.” And don’t let someone you met on social media guide your investment decisions.
At Canon Capital, we encourage you to make online awareness part of your everyday routine. Pause, verify, and think before you click.
Contact Brent Snyder of Canon Capital Technologies if you are interested in a way to train your employees to spot these types of scams and more.
Read the FTC’s full article for more information. If you spot a scam, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.