The word "Scamfluencers" is gotten from the words "scam" and "influencer". Influencer—in term of marketing—is a person with the ability to influence potential buyers of a product or service by promoting or recommending the items on social media.
Scam is a dishonest scheme; a fraud. For example, an insurance scam. Merging scam and influencer together is what's called Scamfluencers. Scamfluencers refers to the phenomenon of social media influencers who engage in deceptive or fraudulent practices for personal gain.
In other words, Scamfluencers are social media influencers who usually use their influences to scam people. According to Investopedia, they leverages their perceived credibility, expertise, or popularity to orchestrate sophisticated scams, often targeting thousands of followers at a time.
They present themselves as anything from financial advisors to wellness coaches—and they’re highly effective at what they do because of their advanced deception techniques which also make their schemes convincing and risky. In 2024 alone, Americans lost $1.9 billion to scams that originated on social media.
However, the most dangerous part nowadays is that Scamfluencers are now leveraging artificial intelligence (AI)—including deepfake AI videos—to carryout their scam activities in social media platforms. They're using AI to drive engagements, build credibility and trustworthines.
This is the main reason you need to protect yourself from these type of social media scams. It's also important to note that while some Scamfluencers are still using low-tech manipulation to carryout their activities, many of them—especially the Chinese group—are increasingly leveraging the rise of technologies like AI and Web3 to enhance their workflow.
How to Spot Scamfluencers
Scamfluencers use social media to defraud their audiences. They're flowing with the increasing trends of technologies like AI to boost their tactics such as fabricating credentials and evidence to gain people's trust.
Scamfluencers often use tactics like limited-time deals, so-called “exclusive” advice, and emotional messaging to lure people in. They create a sense of urgency with promises of fast profits and frequently use fake success stories or testimonials to make their schemes seem legitimate.
In addition to that, Scamfluencers are good at manipulating people's trust and confidence. In other words, they are very good at taking advantage of the way people think and feel. For example, many people naturally trust someone who looks like an expert or has a lot of followers—this is called authority bias.
They also use a trick called the consistency principle, where they get people to agree to something small at first, then slowly push them into bigger commitments.
On top of that, scamfluencers often scare people by tempting them with promises of quick money—Get Rich Quick—or tug at their heartstrings to get them to act quickly, without stopping to think carefully.
Other red flags to discover a Scamfluencers are:
- Insisting on using decentralized payment methods like crypto or conventional payment methods like Gift Cards.
- Unclear or questionable work history/background.
- Reacting defensively or brushing off questions and criticism.
- Promises of flawless outcomes or guaranteed success.
All these are methods to spot Scamfluencers. If you're noticing any of these techniques when you're in a chat with someone on social media, it's shows a red flag that's it's a no go area.
How to Protect Yourself from Scamfluencers
The simplest method to protect yourself from falling victim of Scamfluencers is that whenever you see any of the reg flags mentioned above, just no that it's no go area. However, if you're still interested in giving the offer a trial, then you'll need a mix of skepticism, research, and proactive habits.
Here’s a concise guide to protecting yourself from Scamfluencers:
- You should thoroughly verify credentials and claims. In fact, check the person's background, work history and ask all necessary questions.
- You should be wary of exaggerated promises like “get rich quick” or “miracle cures.” If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid offers that require immediate action or secrecy.
- Any deal from untrusted person that pressures unconventional or decentralized payment methods like crypto or gift cards should be avoided. It's a reg flag. Legitimate businesses rarely insist on payment in crypto or gift cards.
- Look for red flags like vague details, lack of transparency, or constant pushing of affiliate links, crypto schemes, or MLM (multi-level marketing) products.
- Check if their posts focus on flaunting wealth or success without substance. Legitimate influencers provide value (e.g., tutorials, insights) beyond sales pitches.
- Be cautious of urgency tactics, like “limited-time offers” or “exclusive deals,” designed to pressure you into acting without thinking.
- Protect Your Personal Information regardless. This simply means under no circumstances you should share your sensitive details—such as bank info, passwords, or personal IDs—with anyone online, no matter how trustworthy they seem.
- Furthermore, it's important to avoid clicking on suspicious links in their posts, DMs, or bios, or even if sent to your via email. These could lead to phishing sites or malware.
- Lastly, report suspected scams. You should first of all report the person to the social media platform you're using to do the conversing. Next, report to authority like FTC in the U.S., or EFFC in Nigeria. However, if you're eventually been scammed, don't hesitate to stop communicating, safe evidence on your phone, get in touch with your bank, and file reports with law enforcement and cybercrime authorities of your country.
In conclusion, Scamfluencers continue to exploit trust online, but efforts to stop them are growing. Social platforms and cybersecurity experts are using AI to spot fake content, yet your best defense is staying alert. Recognize their tactics, question too-good-to-be-true offers, report when you identify them, and help keep the online space safer for everyone.
