Being Mindful of Facebook Groups

Facebook groups can be a great way to become a part of a community. From fan groups to buy/sell pages and people who love to share recipes, there are online communities for all sorts of things.  

Expat groups are certainly one thing Facebook is not short of. If there are British people in town then you can bet there will be an online community.  

If you are new to an area, a group for local expats could be just what you need to start feeling at home. You may even meet like-minded people with similar interests who could possibly recommend some local restaurants or places to head out to for the day. Having their own stories to share, people will offer all kinds of seemingly useful advice to help you with your new life abroad. 

However, while it is one of the advantages of this modern day and age that we can easily access online groups for advice, it is best to proceed with caution when it comes to how much of that advice you choose to follow.  

Joining an expat Facebook group does have its obvious pros. You can find out about upcoming local events, ask questions, find job posts, and browse house listings. And while there are benefits, there are also some things you should be aware of.  

Scams

As with anywhere online, just being there can expose you to scams. Just having an email address can do that. In a Facebook group these scams can be found in the form of chancy links, fake offers, and identity theft. Trust your gut if something does not feel quite right. By now, most people are used to looking out for online scams, and it has quickly become part of our everyday. 

Here are a few things you should be mindful of – particularly when it comes to Facebook groups.  

Advice

When seeking legal information, it is always best to seek out professional guidance from an expert. Maybe something you read in an expat group set you on the right track, but everything should be double checked by an expert in that field.  

Expat does not equate to expert.  

Be mindful of the fact that what might apply to one person, may not apply to you for several reasons. Everyone has their own unique set of circumstances. 

If you are looking for serious advice on an important matter, it might be best to skip the Facebook groups and head straight to a real-life expert. There may be some self-acclaimed “experts” in the groups who do not have the credentials to back up those claims. So, always remain vigilant. 

Often, you’ll find that people are simply trying to help. But believe it or not, there are people out there who will purposely mislead you for their own amusement. That’s why taking “professional” advice from Facebook groups is not recommended without there first being a provable and reputable company behind it. One you can research online that could have been recommended to you. If they check out – great! Do your homework first!   

Unwanted Messages

If you are actively posting and commenting in a group on Facebook, then there is a chance that people may try to direct message (DM) you. They might genuinely want to reach out to you to connect, or (on the rare occasion) they may be trying to swindle you.  

The take-away here is to be on guard. If it doesn’t feel right, it likely isn’t. 

You never know who is behind the screen. If you want to avoid unwanted messages, you can review your Privacy Settings on Facebook.  

Bullies or Trolls

When online, bullies are more commonly referred to as trolls.  

Facebook groups are not averse to this type of person either. In expat groups, personal opinions of the group admins and moderators can mean that certain members of the community are singled out. You can always report incidents to Facebook using their reporting procedures. If you are victim to, or witness online bullying, or if it simply becomes a regular occurrence within a group – leaving that group may be your best option. 

Summary

While these groups do offer advice and act as helpful guides, it is important to remember that what you read on Facebook is largely based on opinion rather than fact. Take what you see with a pinch of salt, and always remember to consult an expert when looking for professional advice.  

If you are seeking financial advice regarding retirement, inheritance, and investment planning, please don’t hesitate to contact us today and speak with one of our own experts.