Facebook is the biggest social network worldwide with more than 2.85 billion monthly active users as of the first half of 2021. This large user base makes it easy for scammers to blend in using fake accounts.
Facebook is also one of the biggest advertising platforms. Most of Facebook’s revenue comes from its advertising business and the company generated close to 84.2 billion U.S. dollars in ad revenues in 2020.
Sadly, it is all too easy for shady individuals and criminal organizations to create or purchase fake accounts on the platform. Additionally, lax policies regarding advertiser verification make it shockingly trouble-free for a single set of scammers to create hundreds of advertising accounts.
Common Facebook Scams
Unsuspecting users who click on ads and links without discretion end up losing money or compromising their accounts. Considering the size of the platform and inadequate oversight, it is no surprise that Facebook is the most popular platform for scammers.
Fake Accounts
Account cloning happens when a scammer creates an account that looks like yours, a celebrity’s, or just one of your friends. Then uses it to target you with a real scam.
Scammers create phony accounts to pose as neighbors, friends, distant relatives, or even former colleagues in some money trouble and needing help.They will frantically ask you to send money to a certain number or bank account urgently, sometimes even demanding gift cards. This scam is primarily carried out using Facebook Messenger.
TIP: Contact the person via another method, such as phone call or a different messaging app to know whether they are actually facing an emergency.
Fake Links
A fake link does not lead where it claims. Or if it does, serves another purpose that is hidden to you. Scam links on Facebook mostly lead to phishing sites. Their goal is to collect your username and password, install a virus on your device or collect your data.
If you see an ad or a link offering insane giveaways, free coupons, free vacations, free prizes and other free stuff, avoid them completely. These are likely to be disguised phishing links.
Fake Account Updates
Scammers go to the extent of cloning genuine Facebook emails to scam you. Some create fake emails about updates to Facebook, but instead install malware to your computer.
Some scammers have targeted company data this way. Employees who use Facebook carelessly at work can be a liability when they get tricked into installing malware.
Fake Events
Whenever there is a big event happening, Facebook is full of ads and ticket sellers. Some sellers never actually have the tickets. They are banking on your order. Then, at an inflated cost, they will source them from the authorized seller.
What the scammer does is put an ad for the event then boost it using Facebook Ads at a very cheap price. The ad will have links to the ticket resale site. Here are more tips to spot fake tickets.
Now, this can turn out to be a phishing scam. And if you are an unsuspecting buyer you will order and pay. If fortune favors you, you may get a ticket. But most people just lose their money.
Romance Scams
Being a social site where people come to make connections, Facebook is full of romance scams.There is always a money angle hidden in there somewhere. Once the scammer has warmed your heart with kind words and a semblance of concern, then come requests for money:
“My cat fell sick and needs surgery. I need $100…”
“My rent is due, and my business hasn’t been doing well…”
“My dear dog died…I’m so heartbroken…”
These sob stories are invented to get you to send money. This is where your fake romance was headed all along. But you may not suspect anything and send "your love" some money.
Clickbait Videos and Ads
Some videos on Facebook make you want to click on them. Like:
“You will not believe what happens in this video”
“Shocking revelations”
“Amazing transformation,”
“Unlock new Facebook features”
Trying to play the video will redirect you to an external site that will request to update your video player or browser extension. If you choose to accept the download, a virus gets installed on your computer.
Online Stalking
If you use Facebook with your GPS location service turned on, a stalker can know the places you visit. A scammer can build a map of your frequent hang-out spots and target you a lot more precisely.
This is how a scammer manages to sound like a distant relative or long-lost friend; because they have data on you.
TIP: Turn off location services when on social media. Hide your digital footprint. Update privacy settings so your posts are only visible to your friends.
Loan Scams
Ads for quickly processed loans with low-interest rates are another popular scam on Facebook. After you register/apply for one, you discover a small advance is needed to process the loan. If you do pay you will never actually get the loan, plus you shall have given scammers your details and documents. Those can will be used for an identity theft scam or sold to email marketing lists to spam you with endless emails.
TIP: Genuine loan services never ask for payment before your loan application is processed.
Lottery Scams
Did you win a lottery that you didn’t enter? No, most of us are not that lucky but in Facebook lottery scams, anything is possible! If you didn’t play you most definitely won’t win. Do not click on links to claim your prize.
TIP: You win the lotteries that you actually play. Look at theselegit lottery sites.
Job Scams
Misleading job ads are set ups for scams. Legit companies that are worth their salt do not give sketchy information in their job ads. Whenever you see an ad that promises lots of money first before explaining the actual work, it could be a scam.
Scammers have to make the offer attract you. They sweeten the deal for you so that you click and follow through to redirect sites.
TIP: Real job ads explain the job role first and in good detail, then mention the pay last. Jobs that list the pay first may be scams. Here is a list of reliable job boards.
How To Protect Yourself From Facebook Scams
Do not log in through links. If you were already logged in to Facebook and suddenly get redirected to sign in again, DO NOT blindly key in your login and password. You could have unknowingly clicked on a phishing link. Close that page and navigate to Facebook manually on your browser.
Log out after every session. If you use Facebook on multiple devices like your phone, office laptop and home PC, then you need to ensure you log out every time you leave. DO NOT save your passwords on a computer that is accessible to others.
Set up multifactor authentication. Also called 2- step verification. So that every time someone tries to log in with your personal details, you are notified via email or text.Report to Facebook if you suspect that your account may be compromised. Or simply change your password and log out immediately.
Avoid contests and giveaways. DO not respond to pages, accounts, or ads that tell you to“Click here to claim a prize.” Those are most definitely scams in the making. They will ask for your personal details and documents to get the prize.Requests for moving the conversation from Facebook to email or to phone are suspicious. It is a way for scammers to gather more info on you. Don’t fall for it.
Report Suspicious Pages and Scam Ads to Facebook
- How to report a suspicious page.
- How to report a scam or fraud.
