When you meet someone new online—whether in a genealogy group, a discussion thread, or through direct messaging—take a moment to look at their profile.
Check for a Profile Picture: Does their account have a photo? Accounts without a profile picture can be a red flag, especially if they are also sparse on other details.
Look at the Account Age: Is the account more than a few months old? Many fake accounts are recently created. If the account is new and immediately reaching out or posting, it could be suspicious.
Review Their Activity: Do they post regularly, and does their content align with genealogy? Accounts with generic, spam-like posts or limited engagement may not be authentic.
If something feels off, listen to your instincts. It’s always better to be cautious and take the time to verify someone before engaging further.
Watch Out for Suspicious Activity
Social media scammers often target active communities, including those in the genealogy space. Some common scams to look out for include:
Unsolicited Sales Posts: Be wary of people posting on genealogy society pages or group forums to sell items. Scammers may also claim they are reselling tickets to a genealogy event—always verify directly with the event organizer before making any purchases.
Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers: Scammers may post incredible deals or promise professional genealogy services at suspiciously low rates. If it feels too good to be true, it probably is.
Generic or Vague Posts: Watch out for posts or messages that lack details or seem copied and pasted. Legitimate genealogy enthusiasts typically share specific and thoughtful content.
Speak Up If Something Seems Off
If you notice a suspicious post or interaction, don’t hesitate to alert the appropriate person:
Reach Out Directly: If it’s on a society’s page or group, send a private direct message to the person managing the page. Many social media managers may miss posts or comments, especially if the page is very active. A quick message can bring it to their attention.
Avoid Engaging Publicly: Don’t respond directly to the suspicious post or individual. Instead, flag the issue privately to prevent any further potential scams.
Your vigilance can help protect not just yourself but also the broader genealogy community.
Trust Your Gut
In genealogy, connections are built on trust—but trust should be earned. If something feels off about the person you’re interacting with or the content they’re posting, don’t ignore that instinct. Step back, do some research, and, if necessary, disengage.
Work Together to Keep the Community Safe
The genealogy community is strongest when we look out for one another. By staying vigilant, sharing tips, and reporting suspicious activity, we can create a safer space for everyone passionate about family history.
If you’ve had an experience with suspicious activity or scams in your genealogy journey, share your story in the comments. Your experience could help someone else avoid becoming a victim.
And remember, if you see something concerning in a group or on a page, don’t hesitate to send a private message to the group admin or page manager. Not everyone monitors social media every day, and they may appreciate your help in keeping the space safe.
By working together and staying mindful, we can ensure that the genealogy community remains a welcoming, trustworthy place to connect, collaborate, and share the joy of discovering our shared histories.
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