By Greg Mullen Photo by: Katerina Holmes Social media platforms are facing added scrutiny for their practices In the biggest challenge to operators of social platforms to date, 33 states recently filed a joint federal

Scammers create false accounts on popular social media platforms that imitate or closely resemble the Although social media operators try hard to verify requests and block false accounts, they can be overwhelmed media accounts; Directly contact the crowdsourcing platform for independent verification; If donating In this scenario, phishers use crowdsourcing and social media sites to find potential victims, often What not to do Often with the best of intentions, social media users inadvertently share false stories

digital natives,” the first generation that has grown up ensconced in a world dominated by online and social media presence. generations aren’t insulated from online dependency, Gen Z seems to have a much deeper attachment to social media. media platforms.

With more than 6.8 billion people on smartphones, 4.3 million on social media, and 3 billion video gamers How we interact with and consume media and what we teach children can be the difference between experiencing

parents with information and resources on how to combat the potential dangers of online gaming, apps and social media.

Alberto Martinez with Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center (OCIAC) states that social media and

to their own, um, devices, many children turn to online gaming, surf the internet or communicate via social media.

included tips on how to report suspicious or potentially serious situations you may see online or on social media.

Use your social media platforms to spread the word about donation drives, volunteer opportunities, and

Safe OC includes a new website and social media accounts to help the public learn to identify threats

By Greg Mellen The Social Security Administration has designated March 7 as a day of awareness for online Online, seniors may be targeted for schemes ranging from romance, investments, purchases, ransom, fake social

While opportunities abound for enjoyment and social interaction online, danger can lurk. Safe OC, on its Online Gaming page, warns, “There is a dark side to the social interaction that can take