How to stay safe on social media

Smart habits for safer scrolling

Social media is part of our everyday lives. It helps us stay connected, share moments and discover new ideas. But behind the likes and posts, there are real risks to your privacy and security. The good news? With a few smart habits, you can enjoy everything social media has to offer while keeping your personal information safe.

Whether you’re a casual user or online every day, here are a few simple tips to help you stay safe and secure:

• Check your privacy settings: Take a few minutes to review your privacy settings on each platform. Who can see your posts? Are you sharing your location without realizing it? Limiting what others can see helps protect your identity and personal information. Even private accounts aren’t foolproof, remember, screenshots can be taken and shared. 

• Be selective with friend requests: If you get a request from someone you don’t recognize, pause before accepting. Scammers often create fake accounts to trick people into sharing information or clicking unsafe links. If a profile looks suspicious or something feels off, trust your gut and ignore the request.

• Think before you share: It’s easy to forget how public social media can be. Avoid sharing personal details like your home address, phone number or vacation plans. While it may seem harmless, this kind of information can be misused for identity theft or fraud.

• Watch out for phishing scams: Phishing doesn’t just happen over email. On social media, it can come in the form of a strange message, a fake ad or a too-good-to-be-true offer. If you’re asked for login details or told to click a suspicious link, don’t engage. And always use two-factor authentication where available for extra security.

• Report abuse and protect your well-being: If you or someone you know is experiencing cyberbullying, harassment or other harmful behavior online, use the platform’s tools to report it. And don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Your mental health matters just as much as your digital safety.

By taking a few small precautions, you can make the most of your online experience without putting your information or peace of mind at risk. At Alpine Bank, we take your financial security seriously, additional fraud and prevention resources can be found at alpinebank.com/fraud-prevention.

• June 26, 2025
• Digital
• Alpine Bank Staff

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Alpine Bank Staff

Alpine Bank is an independent, employee-owned organization with headquarters in Glenwood Springs and banking offices across Colorado’s Western Slope, mountains and Front Range.

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