Scam Library
Social Media Scams
Scammers use social platforms to run fake promotions, clone profiles of people you know, or take over accounts.
How it works
- A 'brand' announces a giveaway.
- Winners must pay a delivery fee or share login details.
- Cloned profiles message your friends.
Warning signs
- Duplicate friend requests
- Giveaways requiring payment
- Unverified brand pages
- Links asking you to log in
Scenario
Illustrative example: A page mimicking a popular retailer announces you've won a phone and asks for a P99 courier fee.
This scenario is fictional and for illustration only.
How to protect yourself
- Check for verified pages
- Make your profile private
- Enable login alerts
If you've been affected
- Stop all contact with the scammer and do not send any more money or information.
- Contact your bank or mobile money provider immediately to block or reverse transactions where possible.
- Change passwords and PINs for any accounts that may be exposed.
- Keep screenshots, numbers, links and receipts as evidence.
- Report the incident to the Botswana Police Service, and report the number in the ScamProtect app to warn others.