Is Social Media Hurting Your Credit Score?

Pete Strom
March 28, 2025

Social Media, Identity Theft, and Credit Card Fraud

Is social media like Facebook hurting your credit score?

It’s a question more people are asking as online activity shapes our lives, and at Strom Law Firm in Columbia, SC, we’re here to clarify the issue. Located at 6923 N Trenholm Rd, our team at Strom Law Firm brings over 30 years of experience in complex litigation to tackle legal concerns tied to social media. Whether you’re searching for a “social media lawyer near me” or a trusted advocate to protect your interests, we’ve got your back. Call us at 803.252.4800 for a free consultation to discuss your situation.

How Social Media Might Affect Your Credit

Your Facebook posts won’t directly tank your credit score—FICO and other scoring models don’t factor in social media activity. But there’s a catch. Lenders and creditors sometimes peek at your online presence to gauge your reliability. Oversharing about financial woes or flashy spending could raise red flags. At Strom Law Firm in Columbia, SC, our “social media lawyers” help clients understand how digital footprints might indirectly influence credit decisions. It’s not about likes or follows—it’s about perception.

Legal Risks of Social Media and Credit

Beyond credit scores, social media can stir up legal trouble that does hit your finances. Scams on platforms like Facebook, like fake loan offers, can lead to identity theft or fraud, which can wreck your credit. Defamation or privacy breaches might also spark lawsuits affecting your stability. Based in Columbia, SC, Strom Law Firm steps in to defend against these risks. Need a “social media lawyer near me” to sort it out? We investigate and fight to shield your financial future.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

Be smart online. Avoid posting sensitive financial details—like bank info or debt struggles—on Facebook. Watch out for phishing scams disguised as friend requests or ads. If something goes wrong, Strom Law Firm in Columbia, SC, can help. Our attorneys guide you through disputes, from fraud recovery to legal action against scammers. Looking for a “social media lawyer” to safeguard your credit? We’re here with practical solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Media and Credit Scores

Can social media affect my credit score?

Not directly—credit bureaus don’t use it. But lenders might, and Strom Law Firm in Columbia, SC, can advise you.

Do lenders check Facebook for loan approvals?

Some do informally assess risk. Our “social media lawyers” help you manage your online image.

What if I’m scammed on social media?

Fraud can damage your credit. A “social media lawyer near me” at Strom Law Firm can fight back.

Can social media posts be used against me legally?

Yes, in court or by creditors. We’ve seen it and know how to counter it.

How do I protect my credit from social media scams?

Be cautious online. Our Columbia, SC team helps recover if you’re hit.

Does oversharing on Facebook affect loans?

It could tip off lenders. We’ll walk you through minimizing risks.

Can I sue for social media fraud?

Yes, if it harms you financially. Strom Law Firm handles these cases.

How long do social media scams impact credit?

Until resolved—could be months. We work to speed it up.

Where’s a social media lawyer near me?

In Columbia, SC? Strom Law Firm at 803.252.4800 for a free consultation.

An Example of Social Media Fraud

Documents leaked from the most prominent German credit reporting agency acknowledged that social media could be used to determine a person’s credit score.

The documents from the German company Schufa stated that data gathered from Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and various other social media sites could be used for “identifying and assessing the prospects and threats ” and ” determining [ing] a person’s current opinions.”

According to German law, you would be wrong to think this is an invasion of privacy. Schufa said the project fell within the scope of German privacy laws. However, they would not pursue the initiative after receiving harsh backlash.

Even though Schufa scrapped the venture, other companies could follow suit, especially in the U.S.. U.S. law regarding privacy information is much more lenient than German law.

With only 37 percent of people altering their Facebook privacy settings, third-party apps can see just about everything on someone’s Facebook. Currently, companies can collect information from your social media profiles ranging from the articles you read to what you “like.” For creditors, this could potentially be used to see if you are a threat. Even if you do not “like” the page on Facebook, Facebook knows you have been there.

As of now, your social media information is just being used to sell you stuff. However, credit reporting company Experian announced it would debut a product called Extended View Score, where information can be gathered for people without bank accounts and spotty credit history, through the use of formulas and alternative data sources like rent payment history and public records data to create a credit score.

Targeted advertising also encourages people to input more personal information in an unprotected format. With GPS-sensitive devices, your home address could accidentally be displayed online through your smartphone. Your phone number can easily be gleaned from your Facebook profile. This makes social media an easy target for hackers. If someone steals your personal information, you could be the victim of identity theft, credit card fraud, Mortgage fraud, Telemarketing Fraud, Health Care Fraud, and Tax fraud.

Contact Strom Law Firm Today

Worried about social media like Facebook affecting your credit? Strom Law Firm in Columbia, SC, is ready to assist. Whether you need a “social media lawyer near me” or a team with a strong reputation, visit us at 6923 N Trenholm Rd or call 803.252.4800 for a free consultation. Let’s tackle your concerns—reach out now.

Questions about this article? Call the South Carolina Fraud Attorney at the Strom Law Firm today. 803.252.4800