A message from a stranger. A giveaway that looks too good to miss. A buyer on Marketplace who seems genuine.
What looks trustworthy and real online can quickly turn into something else entirely.
‘The Dark Side of Social Media’ is a new Crime Stoppers Victoria podcast series in partnership with BankVic exposing how the platforms we use every day are being exploited for scams, grooming, and abuse, often in ways most people don’t see coming.
Across five short, powerful episodes, this series brings together real stories and expert insights to uncover how offenders operate, who they target, and the subtle warning signs that are easy to miss.
If you use social media, or someone you care about does, this is a series you can’t miss.
Featuring real victim experiences’, expert voices, and clear, practical takeaways, ‘The Dark Side of Social Media’ goes beyond awareness, showing you what to look for, when to act, and how to protect yourself and those around you.
Listen now
From gaming to chatrooms, this episode reveals how predators build trust and why they push children to switch platforms.
Do you know which platforms put children most at risk?
What starts as a normal interaction can quickly escalate into manipulation and threats. If someone you know was being pressured online, would they tell you, and would you know what to do?
If someone you know was being pressured online, would they tell you, and would you know what to do?
From Marketplace scams to fake Instagram ads, offenders are adapting fast. Could you spot a scam before it costs you?
See how young adults are being targeted financially.
Urgent messages, fake bills, and “Hi Mum/Dad” scams thrive when people are distracted. Would you pause… or react?
Explore how busy lives create new risks.
Romance scams and fake investments continue to cause devastating losses. What would you say to someone before they trust the wrong person?
What would you say to someone before they trust the wrong person?
Let's Keep Victoria Safe Together.
If you have information about a crime or suspicious activity, you can report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers online reporting platform or call 1800 333 000.