Facebook Scams From Hackers and More. How to Protect Yourself. Social media has revolutionized how we connect and share, but it has also opened the door to scammers and hackers looking to exploit unsuspecting users. Facebook, as one of the largest platforms, is a prime target for such malicious activities. This blog post will explore common Facebook scams, how users can protect themselves, and tools page owners or admins can use to safeguard their accounts and communities.
Being aware can be the most beneficial way to protect yourself and your audience from scams and hackers. For more tips on maintaining security and learning how to turn your Facebook presence into a source of income, check out Facebook Success With John Jay Wiley.
Common Facebook Scams to Watch For
Malicious Video Links and URLs in Comments
Scammers frequently post links in the comment sections of popular posts. These links often promise shocking videos or intriguing stories, such as "Hey, isn’t this you in this video?" or "This happened near my house!" Clicking these URLs can give hackers access to your account.
Tip for Users:
Never click on links in comments, even if they appear to come from someone you know.
Always verify directly with your friend or the page owner if the link is legitimate.
Tip for Page Owners:
The more successful your page or post, the more likely scammers will target it. Watch out for comments advertising micro-dosing, hallucinogens, or other dubious services.
Fake Friendship Requests
Facebook Scams From Hackers. Scammers often target users by commenting on their posts with phrases like, "I like you, send me a friend request." If someone genuinely wants to connect, they would send you a request themselves. These comments often lead to romance scams or fraudulent schemes.
Tip for Users:
Be cautious when receiving unsolicited friendship requests, especially from profiles with minimal activity or excessive glamour shots.
Romance scammers frequently pose as military officers or individuals flaunting wealth or charm.
Romance and Sextortion Scams
Online relationships can be exciting, but they can also be traps. Scammers build trust and then manipulate their targets to send money or, worse, explicit content.
Red Flags to Watch For:
Excessive flattery and a push to move the relationship forward quickly.
Requests for money or gifts.
Refusal to engage in video chats or share verifiable personal information.
What to Do:
Tighten your Facebook privacy settings to limit how much personal information you share.
End contact and block individuals who seem suspicious.
Cloned Accounts
Facebook Scams From Hackers. Scammers can create duplicate profiles using your friends' names and photos. These fake profiles are then used to contact you through Messenger, often starting conversations with generic greetings like "Hello" or "How are you doing?"
How to Identify Cloned Accounts:
A lack of interaction from your "friend" on the cloned profile.
Poor grammar and nonsensical replies to questions.
What to Do:
Block and report cloned accounts.
Ask your friend directly if you suspect their profile has been cloned.
Tools for Page Owners and Admins: Moderation Assist
If you manage a Facebook page, you likely spend considerable time combating scammers who target your posts. Facebook’s Moderation Assist feature can save you time while protecting your page’s integrity. Facebook Scams From Hackers and More. How to Protect Yourself.
How to Set Up Moderation Assist:
Navigate to the Professional Dashboard on your Facebook page.
Scroll down to find Moderation Assist and click on it.
Customize the criteria to hide inappropriate or scam-related comments automatically.
Benefits:
Automatically hides scammy comments, ensuring they’re invisible to your audience.
You’ll still receive notifications about hidden comments, allowing you to review them if needed.
Moderation Assist allows you to focus on creating engaging content while keeping your community safe. Moderation Assist will not help protect you in Messenger. Facebook Scams From Hackers and More.
Stay Safe and Thrive on Facebook
By staying vigilant and using Facebook’s built-in tools, you can protect yourself and your audience from scams and hackers. For more tips on maintaining security and learning how to turn your Facebook presence into a source of income, check out Facebook Success With John Jay Wiley.
Your digital safety is worth the extra effort! Stay informed, take proactive steps, and enjoy a scam-free Facebook experience. Facebook Scams From Hackers and More. How to Protect Yourself.
Scams photo from Pixabay.
Attributions
